Will Linley Returns with New Single ‘Cinematic’ via Island Records

South African singer-songwriter Will Linley, just 23 years old, is back with his latest single, Cinematic, released today through Island Records. The rising star, who first broke through internationally in 2024 with his U.S. headlining Magic Tour, also made a memorable appearance at the iconic Lollapalooza festival, cementing his growing global presence.

Will Linley is best known for his Magic EP—a collection of “sad-pop” tracks that perfectly blend heartfelt and emotional lyrics with upbeat, danceable production. The EP features fan favourites such as “Maybe,” “Gracie,” “Tough (The Girls Song),” and the viral hit “Last Call,” which has amassed over 95 million streams worldwide.

Hailing from Cape Town, Will grew up in a musical family and began his musical journey early, learning violin and viola before teaching himself piano and guitar. His songwriting took shape during his high school years, inspired by artists like Dean Lewis, Lewis Capaldi, and Ed Sheeran.

Will Linley initially gained traction on TikTok, which led to his breakthrough in South Africa with the Gold-certified hit “miss me (when you’re gone),” topping local airplay charts. This success opened doors internationally and paved the way for his debut EP kill all my feelings.

Throughout his career, Will has shared the stage with major acts such as OneRepublic and Matthew Mole. In 2023, he performed at P!NK’s Summer Carnival at BST Hyde Park alongside artists like Gwen Stefani and Sam Ryder. That same year, he took the UK by storm with performances at the Barn on the Farm Festival in Gloucester and headlined his first London show at The Courtyard Theatre.

In the U.S., Will thrilled fans with two sold-out headline shows in New York City and Los Angeles, further proving his appeal beyond South Africa.

With Cinematic, Will Linley continues to showcase his signature sound—emotionally resonant lyrics paired with catchy melodies that captivate listeners. Fans and new listeners alike can stream Cinematic now on all major platforms.

As he builds his global audience, Will Linley remains one of South Africa’s most exciting musical exports, blending vulnerability with infectious pop energy in every release