Will Linley: A STAR ON THE RISE
BY LIAM GILLIN (HE/HIM)In the past 2 years Will Linley has made a name for himself in his home country of South Africa: going viral online for his indie music and touring the country with sold out shows back to back. The Island Record’s musician is now ready to pursue the next steps in his career; one that would take him nearly 8,000 miles to the famous Mercury Lounge in New York City. The Mercury Lounge has been home to welcome the next big thing: artists such as Lady Gaga and Lana Del Rey would play here as they were on the rise. On October 18, 2023, it was now Will Linley’s turn to grace the iconic stage to a sold out crowd as a part of his first American tour. He also plans to headline The Troubadour in Los Angeles very soon.
Accompanying him as the opening act was singer-songwriter David Alexander. Humility and comfort are words that perfectly encapsulate his performance in a nutshell. An acoustic guitar and gentle vocals to sing on vulnerable subject matter such as friendship breakups and the surreal feelings of falling in love. The audience could not be more welcoming and excited for the ambitious young talent. He got the crowd singing along to songs that have yet to be released and kept audiences on their feet the entire time.
What an artist chooses to play before they head onstage can say everything about who they are and what they aspire to be. This is something I have always loved touching on in my show reviews. As classics from ABBA to “Sweet Caroline,” began to blast throughout the space, you just immediately knew Linley’s performance was going to be a very vibrant and surprising set in the best way possible. The crowd and Linley rocked out to hits such as “Gracie,” “Maybe,” and his top Spotify hit “Last Call.”
Linely’s performance was incredibly animated; his stage presence providing thrill and passion that radiated throughout the Mercury Lounge. One minute Linley is onstage dancing and rocking out with his bandmates, the next minute he’s with his acoustic guitar performing a cover “Dancing Queen” by ABBA in the crowd as smartphone flashlights surround him and simultaneously swaying back and forth. Moments of quick wit and humor also made the already energetic concert even more the worthwhile. Probably one of the most amusing moments of the night was Will Linley covering “We Are Never Getting Back Together” by Taylor Swift, proudly displaying his friendship bracelets, and discussing the hopes that one day Taylor Swift brings the iconic Eras Tour to South Africa (preferably Cape Town of course).
The show ended on a very warm note as Will Linely smiled into the crowd with his guitar in hand. From the smile and roaring applause, everyone in that room had accepted that they just witnessed an upcoming star in the making. In a whirlwind journey spanning just two years, Will Linley's meteoric rise from South Africa to the prestigious Mercury Lounge in New York City symbolizes an artist on the cusp of international stardom. With sold-out shows and a captivating performance, his transition to the American music scene seems inevitable. Accompanied by the talented David Alexander, the evening showcased not only Linley's musical prowess but also his versatility and sense of humor. It is clear that his vibrant stage presence, energetic performance, and heartfelt connection with the audience have solidified his position as a rising star, poised to make a significant impact in the United States and beyond.
