Rising South African singer-songwriter Will Linley has released his brand new single Up At Night, the latest preview of his forthcoming debut album Don’t Cry Because It’s Over, which arrives on 5th September via Island Records.
Will Linley
The upbeat track, co-written with Jackson Foote, Colin Foote and Alex Borel, captures Linley’s playful side and his knack for turning emotion into infectious pop. “This song is pure joy — it’s for dancing around your bedroom or screaming in the car. I knew from the moment we wrote it that it was meant to be a single, not just another album track,” says Linley.
Don’t Cry Because It’s Over is a coming-of-age record that charts the arc of first love — from the thrill of its beginnings through heartbreak and reflection to eventual growth. Blending heartfelt storytelling with polished pop production, the 12-track collection draws inspiration not just from music but also the emotional realism of classic romantic comedies. The result is a globally minded, big-screen-ready soundtrack to modern relationships.
Written and recorded in Los Angeles, the album was brought to life alongside executive producers David Balshaw and Bubele Booi (The Imports). Its sound carries influences from the likes of Coldplay, One Direction, and 5 Seconds of Summer, while its themes nod to timeless rom-com narratives.
The new single follows previously released tracks Cinematic — which has already crossed a million streams — and First Love. Together, the songs set the stage for what promises to be one of the year’s most exciting pop debuts.
Linley has already begun building an international following thanks to his Magic EP and his 2024 Magic Tour, which saw him headline shows in the US and perform at major festivals including Chicago’s Lollapalooza. Known for his “sad-pop” style — pairing vulnerable lyrics with bright, danceable production — he has quickly grown into one of South Africa’s most exciting new exports.
Born and raised in Cape Town, Linley discovered music early through family jam sessions and home performances. Since the viral success of his breakout single miss me (when you’re gone) in 2022, he has amassed over 100 million global streams, toured across multiple continents, and supported acts such as OneRepublic.
Now, with Don’t Cry Because It’s Over, Linley steps into a new chapter — one that promises to solidify him as a fresh voice in global pop.
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