We thank TikTok for a lot of things: a plethora of new restaurants to venture to, addictive dances and of course, a range of new music, and that includes Will Linley. Breaking onto the social sphere with his debut single “miss me (when you’re gone)”, the artist propels himself on the scene with gentle guitar strings and soothing piano chords in tow. Bringing the song to life with bright pop vocals, the artist takes us through his journey through self-discovery and how he is going to miss the person he was.

Speaking on the single, the artist said, “I put my own feelings into my songs, but I know that so many of those feelings are universal and true for others. It’s my hope that listeners can find some form of connection with the lyrics. If someone feels seen or heard from listening to one of my songs, that’s incredible. For me, it’s about being open and honest and if I can impact someone’s life in a positive way that’s amazing. I think that’s the most beautiful gift that could come from all of this.”

Having already curated a strong fan base in his hometown and across the globe, the artist is set to spend some more time in the US this year and continue building upon his sound. Catching up with us virtually, the artist gets candid on his rapid growth, collaborating with Matthew Mole and how pineapple on pizza is superior.

Check out the interview below…

Hi Will, how are you? Where are we speaking to you from?
I am doing so well thank you, and thank you for having me! I am currently sitting in my bedroom in Cape Town, South Africa.

Have you set yourself any resolutions for 2022?
A big thing that I want to focus on this year is being more intentional in my relationships with the people in my life. My friends and family are so important to me and I would be nothing without their support and love. I also want to get into the ocean a lot more this year! Something about a dip in the ocean at least once a week makes such a difference.

Let’s start at the beginning! What is your earliest memory of music?
My earliest memory of music is singing nursery rhymes with my Mama. We’d sit for hours singing the same songs over and over again. Music played a massive part in my childhood and my parents certainly encouraged me and my brothers to play instruments throughout our school careers.

Talk to us about the South African music scene, do you think it has had an impact on your sound?
I certainly do think so! I listened to a lot of Matthew Mole and Jeremy Loops growing up. They are very acoustic guitar-based and I certainly think a lot of their sound influenced the way my music sounds today.

Congratulations on the release of “miss me (when you’re gone)”! Can you talk to us about the song’s message?
Thank you so much! The main message behind the song is about meeting somebody who brings out the best version of you and further realising that you are going to miss the person you are around them, when they leave or no longer play a part in your life.

And, this is your debut single, which is quite exciting! Did you have any worries or reservations regarding the world hearing your music for the first time?
I had a lot of worries! I absolutely loved the song and I really hoped that it resonated with others in the same way it did with me. At the end of the day, you can’t let these reservations stop you from chasing the things you love and so I very quickly got over myself. I realised that if I was going to try and make this music thing work I better just swing for the fences and release the song. I am so glad I did because the song is doing better than I ever could have imagined!

Your fan base is rapidly growing and you have gained a lot of new followers recently? What is one thing you’d like the new followers to know about you?
Pineapple on pizza is a superior topping. No questions asked.

Who would be your dream artists to collaborate with?
Matthew Mole for sure, Chelsea Cutler and NOTD

Now that you have dropped your first single, what is next for you?
To keep on writing and releasing new music! I am going to be spending some time in the US this year writing songs, building out a live show and focusing on having fun along the way!