It’s a new year. A time epitomized by resolutions, fresh starts, beginnings, and — perhaps best of all — new music. For Will Swinton, the Gen-Z DIY alt-pop artist making waves in the music world, this new year is sure to dazzle. The Auckland, New Zealand native has already made quite the name for himself in the industry — both critically and commercially — from millions of streams and TikTok views, to praise from countless outlets. With new tracks, surprises, and more in store, the young artist co-signed by MGK is destined to make his mark in the coming year. Indeed, Will Swinton is a wildly talented rising star, well on his way to cementing himself as a music legend.

RIVAL: What were your early years like? What was it like to grow up in New Zealand?

WILL SWINTON: Honestly New Zealand feels basically the same as America except one out of every five people is barefoot. Growing up there was very chill. I hardly ever wore shoes and had a small crew of mates that I'm still very close with. What is your earliest memory of music? At what point did you realize that music was something that you wanted to pursue professionally? Listening to James Blunt and Madonna CDs in my mom’s car. Wasn’t until the end of high school when I saw RL Grime at Rhythm & Vines and thought that would be the best feeling in the world. Kind of a full circle moment having just played at RnV on that same stage.

RIVAL: What would you cite as your first “break” in the industry? What did that opportunity mean to you at the time?

WILL SWINTON: My first exciting thing was getting on a Spotify playlist. That’s when people started reaching out, and I decided to fly out to LA and really pursue music.

RIVAL: Can you talk us through your creative process from conception to completion of your debut EP “Better Days?” What was that process like?

WILL SWINTON: Most of these were written and recorded in my bedroom in Auckland. The way it was crafted was very natural and raw and I feel like that's conveyed sonically in the EP.

RIVAL: Your raw and gut-punching single “Leave In The Morning” is such a powerful song, can you talk about the inspiration behind this track and why you selected it to be the single?

WILL SWINTON: I just really liked the theme of the song and felt like it was a good fit leading up to the EP. Is there a specific song or lyric on your EP that stands out to you as a favorite? It changes. It kind of depends on what I'm listening to. I love them all. Right now my favorite is probably “Wasted You,” because I’ve loved playing the extended version live.

RIVAL: How would you describe your music — both stylistically and sonically?

WILL SWINTON: Raw and unpolished. Most of the vocal takes are basically first takes. I try not to make everything too polished and perfect.

RIVAL: You have been co-signed by MGK — please tell us everything about that! How has it been? What does it mean to you?

WILL SWINTON: That was probably the coolest thing that’s happened in my life. I randomly met him at a bar in Idaho. After talking he invited me to his show in Spokane the next night, and I got to play him some of my songs backstage. At the time I only had one single out. I was about to release "Missing You" and was having second thoughts, but he loved it and gave me the confidence I needed to put it out. I got to talk to him for a while and he was such a cool guy and gave me some great advice. It's motivating to get recognition from someone who’s in a position I hope to be in one day.

RIVAL: Your voice is raspy and raw in such a captivating and mesmerizing way. This, coupled with your powerful lyrics, results in an incredibly emotionally poignant body of work in your music. How has your natural talents and vocal inclinations informed the type of music you make?

WILL SWINTON: I never really considered myself a singer. I still find it weird calling myself a singer, when there’s a billion other people that can show off their vocal acrobatics. But I think that has been a factor in my ability to make raw music.

RIVAL: What do you believe the power of music is?

WILL SWINTON: I literally had someone DM me today who recently found my music and was going through a tough breakup and he said it was helping him get through it. I think the power of music is anyone being able to connect with it through their own story.

RIVAL: Who would you cite as your biggest inspirations, both personally and professionally? What motivates you to pursue your passions? I have the coolest, most wholesome and supportive group of friends on the planet and that’s very motivating. Beyond music and performing, do you have any other hobbies or interests that inspire you? I’ve always loved skateboarding. I also play a lot of “League of Legends.”

RIVAL: Do you have any future projects that fans can look forward to? What do you hope to achieve next?

WILL SWINTON: Yes I do. Lots of new music coming in 2024.

There is an irresistible authenticity to Will Swinton that permeates through everything he does. Whether in his raw and perfectly unpolished vocals, his universally relatable sound, or in his personable and easy-going demeanor, Swinton is a young mega-talent with a keen regard for the human experience that catapults him to a sonic maturity wise beyond his years. Now, embarking on his next era of music, the sky seems to be the limit for what he will achieve next. Indeed, 2024 promises great things for Will Swinton, and for all of his fans around the world