Will Linley drops new single 'Cinematic', a tender track from South Africa's rising pop heart-throb.

Will Linley’s latest single, ‘Cinematic’, is exactly that – an emotional reel of pop brilliance unfolding in real time. Via Island Records, the 23-year-old Cape Town native leans further into his signature “sad-pop” aesthetic: shimmering synths, confessional lyrics, and melodies that linger like the final scene of your favourite coming-of-age film.

 

 

Following a breakout 2024 that included a U.S. headlining run on the Magic Tour and a Lollapalooza debut, Will continues to carve his name into the global pop landscape. His Magic EP solidified his gift for pairing vulnerability with danceable beats, a balancing act most clearly seen in hits like ‘Last Call’, which has racked up over 95 million streams.

 

 

‘Cinematic’ extends that formula but elevates it, both thematically and sonically. There’s a wistful ache in his voice, a sense of looking back while still moving forward, underscored by production that feels as glossy as it is intimate. It’s a track that would feel at home both in a festival set and in your late-night headphones.

 

 

Raised in a musical household, Will’s artistry feels both practised and instinctive. From early violin lessons to viral TikTok moments to supporting P!NK at BST Hyde Park, he’s been building toward this moment. With ‘Cinematic’, he delivers a feeling that’s yet to be captured. One that lingers long after the last note fades.

Listen to 'Cinematic' now: