South African-born artist Will Linley is keeping his foot on the gas. The 23-year-old singer-songwriter has returned with his brand-new single Cinematic via Island Records—a sweeping, emotional anthem that perfectly captures the push-pull between heartbreak and hope. Known for his self-coined “sad-pop” style, Linley once again proves his ability to transform personal pain into songs that make you want to dance through the tears.
Will Linley
Cinematic lives up to its title in every way. From the glistening instrumentation to the sweeping melodies, it’s a track that plays like a movie montage moment—the kind where everything clicks into place, even if just for a fleeting second. With bright, synth-laced production juxtaposed against introspective lyrics, Linley tells a story of vulnerability and yearning while still offering the kind of dopamine-boosting pop that made his Magic EP a breakout success earlier this year.
“This song felt like a moment of self-reflection,” Linley shares. “It’s about seeing your own life unfold in dramatic fashion—almost from the outside—and finding beauty in both the chaos and calm.”
The track arrives off the back of a whirlwind 12 months that have transformed Linley from a local favourite into an emerging global force. In 2024, he headlined his first US tour, aptly titled the Magic Tour, where he charmed fans across the country with his live energy and emotional resonance. His performances at major festivals like Lollapalooza further confirmed what longtime fans have known: Linley’s not just writing hits—he’s building a movement. The Magic EP, released earlier this year, featured a string of standout singles including Maybe, Gracie, and the achingly honest Tough (The Girls Song), but it was Last Call that catapulted him into the spotlight. The track has amassed over 95 million global streams and counting, earning Linley a spot as a Vevo DSCVR artist and solidifying his place in the next wave of breakout pop talent.
But Linley’s story didn’t begin on stage—it began in Cape Town, where he grew up surrounded by music. As the youngest in a musical family, he learned violin and viola before eventually teaching himself piano and guitar. Inspired by artists like Ed Sheeran, Lewis Capaldi, and Dean Lewis, he started writing songs in high school, sharing them online—most notably on TikTok—where he quickly found an eager global audience.
His 2021 breakout single miss me (when you’re gone) became a #1 airplay hit in South Africa and earned a Gold certification, marking the start of an extraordinary rise. That momentum has only grown: from supporting stadium-filling acts like OneRepublic to sharing the stage with Gwen Stefani, Sam Ryder, and P!NK at BST Hyde Park in London, Linley is increasingly comfortable on some of the world’s biggest stages. Last year, he made his UK festival debut at Barn On The Farm and even sold out his first London headliner at The Courtyard Theatre—a milestone moment for the artist who just a few years ago was writing songs in his bedroom.
Where many young artists struggle to define themselves, Linley has built a signature sound rooted in emotional honesty and musical optimism. He calls it “sad-pop,” and it’s resonating—deeply—with a generation of fans who crave authenticity just as much as they crave a good chorus. “I don’t ever want to pretend things are perfect,” he says. “But I also believe there’s joy to be found even in the darkest moments. That’s where my songs come from.”
With Cinematic, Linley sets the tone for his next phase. Whether it’s another EP, a debut album, or more live dates, one thing’s for certain: Will Linley is only getting started—and the story is just getting good.
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