The New Zealand-born sensation Will Swinton has swiftly become a name to watch on the global music stage. With his evocative lyrics and distinctive sound, he’s not just making waves—he’s creating a tidal surge of emotion and connection. As Will unveils his latest single, “Fall Apart,” and embarks on a highly anticipated tour, we caught up with this rising star whose music resonates deeply with a diverse audience.
Despite accumulating millions of streams, a slew of critically acclaimed singles, and a breakthrough debut EP, the 22-year-old Auckland artist remains refreshingly grounded and genuinely connected with his fans. With standout tracks and an impressive slate of live performances, including his upcoming role as direct support on BabyJake’s Beautiful Blue Collar Boy Tour, Will Swinton’s journey from a trampoline park employee to a burgeoning music icon is nothing short of inspiring. With a voice that Rolling Stone describes as “raw and emotional” and a sound that blends DIY alt-bedroom pop with heartfelt lyrics, Will is making waves in the music world.
Read the full interview below:
“Can’t Let Go” has a laid-back vibe that’s really refreshing. What was the driving force behind this track? Did you have any specific experiences or feelings that shaped the song?
The song is about drifting apart from someone and not really being okay with that.
You’ve got a knack for blending personal stories with catchy tunes. How did you approach the lyrics for “Can’t Let Go”? Was there a particular moment or mood that inspired them?
When I wrote “Can’t Let Go,” I was constantly traveling from one side of the earth to the other, and I was dealing with the struggles of trying to maintain a long-distance relationship.
Your production style has this cool, DIY feel. What new elements or techniques did you play around with on this track? How does it differ from what you’ve done before?
I wasn’t really reinventing anything here. I’ve always liked the more raw and stripped-back production. Pretty much everything I do is guitar-driven, and I tend to focus more on melodies and vocal performance. I’m starting to hone in more on the production with these new records, so I’m excited for the upcoming releases.
The video for “Can’t Let Go” has a great vibe that matches the song perfectly. What was your vision for it, and how did you work with the director to bring it to life?
I’m really happy with how the video turned out. I always try to have a strong vision for how I want the videos to look. The director did a great job of bringing that vision to life. I wanted the video to be simple and focus on the raw emotion and performance of the song.
Meeting Machine Gun Kelly was a pretty big deal. How did that experience impact your music or your approach to your career? Any standout moments from that time?
It was cool getting advice from someone as big and successful as him. He gave some great advice that’s stuck with me and helped me navigate the career and stresses that come from pursuing a career like this. At the time I was having some second thoughts on the music I was about to put out, and he gave me the confidence to release it.
Can you give us a hint about where you’re taking things next? Any new themes or sounds on the horizon?
I’ve been writing a lot of new music, and I’m really excited about how the music is maturing. We’re sitting on a ton of new music, and I’m just excited to put it out and start playing more shows. I feel like we’re starting to level up the production and taking the live shows into consideration when making it.
Moving from Auckland to LA is a huge shift. How has this change influenced your music and your creative process? Any surprises or new inspirations from this move?
In New Zealand, I was really only making music in my bedroom by myself. Moving out to LA has been really inspiring working with so many talented musicians, and I think it’s had a big impact on the new direction of the music. It’s easy to feel motivated and ambitious living in LA because I get to work with so many talented and successful people, and I feel like it bleeds into the music.
How are you preparing for your live shows, and what elements are you incorporating to make them unique and memorable?
I’ve been working closely with David Blaine. He’s going to help me perform some of the greatest stunts ever seen by a performing artist.
You just released a new song, “Fall Apart.” How does this track reflect your artistic vision for this phase of your career?
I’m super happy with how this track came together. It’s much different than “Can’t Let Go” in that it’s not as stripped and incorporates some different production elements like the big string section and guitar solo at the end. I’m very proud of how it turned out.
With the release of “Fall Apart,” are there any particular messages or emotions you’re hoping to convey through the song?
Not particularly; I think it’s really up to the listener to decide what message they take away from the song.
Can you share any behind-the-scenes stories or moments from the recording process of “Fall Apart” that stand out?
I’ve always wanted to put strings on a record, and I love that we were able to make it happen on this one. The cool part about making music is that every song is made differently. “Fall Apart” was completely written on the mic and recorded in one afternoon. The vocal takes from that day were the final vocals that are on the record. It was just a matter of finalizing the production elements afterwards.
What do you want people to remember your music for?
When I listen back to old music that I like, it takes me back to a specific time in my life. I remember how I felt at the time and how I resonated with the song. I hope people will listen back to my music and feel the same way.
Don’t miss your chance to see Will Swinton live on stage! He’s hitting the road as the direct support for BabyJake’s “Beautiful Blue Collar Boy” Tour, kicking off on October 14 in Carrboro, NC, and traveling through cities like Washington, DC, New York, NY, Boston, MA, and ending in Nashville, TN on November 16. For all the details and to grab your tickets, check out the tour dates below.
