Will Linley on the Release of His Latest Single “Last Call”
Based in Cape Town, South Africa, blooming pop artist Will Linley reflects on his latest single “Last Call.” Released on December 9th, 2022, “Last Call” tells a story about how it feels to fall in love. Configured around a night out, Linley creates a sonic landscape defined by pop euphoria and lyrical storytelling. Linley also released his debut EP kill all my feelings this past July, coining a catchy, loveable style that has trailed into his newer work. In a conversation with Unpublished Magazine, Linley discussed “Last Call,” ABBA lyrics, and his creative approaches.
[UNPUBLISHED]: How have you been lately?
[WILL]: I have been so great! I’ve been writing a lot lately and just enjoying finally having “Last Call” out!
[UNPUBLISHED]: You recently released your song “Last Call” – congrats! Did you take any new creative approaches with this song?
[WILL]: I think this song sonically is a lot cleaner and more refined than my other songs. It was also the first time I ever recorded live drums which was really awesome.
[UNPUBLISHED]: “Last Call” explores the feeling of falling in love through the story of a fun night out. Is it ever difficult to write about love or do you feel it is something that comes naturally to you?
[WILL]: It’s the thing that comes most naturally! I find I struggle more when it comes to writing the introspective stuff.
[UNPUBLISHED]: One of the lyrics in “Last Call” is “We started dancing to ABBA.” I must ask, do you have a favorite ABBA jam?
[WILL]: “Gimme Gimme Gimme” for sure!
[UNPUBLISHED]: Besides the amazing ABBA lyric, do you have a favorite line from the song?
[WILL]: I think “I’d let you break my heart if I can see you, can I see you again?”
[UNPUBLISHED]: What do you think is the perfect place to listen to “Last Call?”
[WILL]: At a party with all your friends, or driving on a highway with the windows down.
[UNPUBLISHED]: How do you feel growing up in Cape Town, South Africa influenced your music?
[WILL]: I find it’s hard for me to actually know, plainly because I was the one growing up in South Africa. What I find really interesting is when people who aren’t from South Africa pick out various rhythmic or melodic phrases that are a bit left of center and just different. It’s interesting because I don’t intentionally do it, it just comes naturally to me.
[UNPUBLISHED]: You released your debut EP, kill all my feelings this past July! How does it feel now that it has been out for about half a year now?
[WILL]: It’s so exciting because it gives the fans something to hold onto while we gear up for more releases!
[UNPUBLISHED]: “Miss me (when you’re gone),” your debut single, came out in 2021. What do you feel you’ve learned in the past couple years as an artist? Is there something you would tell yourself two years ago?
[WILL]: I’d tell myself to write honest music. Don’t beat around the bush, do the things that speak true to who you are!
[UNPUBLISHED]: You’ve done a lot of live performances recently. Do you have a favorite city or venue you performed in?
[WILL]: So far it has to be Cape Town, but London too as a close second.
[UNPUBLISHED]: Outside of making music, what have you been up to lately?
[WILL]: Just spending time with friends, going to the beach, but mainly it’s been focussing on the tunes.
[UNPUBLISHED]: Who’s been on your radar, who have you been listening to recently?
[WILL]: David Alexander, Raye, and Briskin.
[UNPUBLISHED]: What are you most excited about for this year? What does 2023 look like for Will Linley?
[WILL]: Lots of shows, and more music!
