With new singles on the way and a headline tour planned across the U.S. and Europe in 2026, Will Swinton is focused on what matters most: playing to real crowds, in real cities, and enjoying the process as it unfolds.

Hometown: Auckland

Zodiac Sign: Leo

VMEN: What made you decide that you wanted to be a musician?

Will Swinton: Like most things, it started as a fun hobby that I became obsessed with. I was working full-time at a trampoline park, and I would come home every night and record in my bedroom. For the longest time, I didn’t even see it as a possibility of a career. 

VMEN: Which of your songs would you say is your most personal yet? Is there a personal favorite among what you have released thus far?

Will Swinton: I’m proud of all these new ones and how my music has developed. ‘Find A Way’ and ‘Better Off’ are my favorites. If I were showing someone my music for the first time, I’d probably play them ‘Find A Way.’ But my favorite song I’ve ever written is ‘Better Off.’ I just love the way that song builds. 

VMEN: Outside of music, what are you passionate about?

Will Swinton: Honestly, it feels like almost all of my life revolves around music and around my music career, that everything that I’m passionate about is basically connected to that. I also play lots of League of Legends.

VMEN: How would you describe your style?

Will Swinton: I don’t really know how to describe it, but it’s easy when you see it. I’ve literally been wearing the same stuff since I was in high school. If you see an  old photo, I’m probably wearing the same baggy jeans and beanie. 

Will wears a wool sweater from CANALI | Trousers WILLY CHAVARRIA

VMEN: How do you define success?

Will Swinton: Being able to go to a city in any part of the world and play to a crowd of people.

VMEN: You’re releasing new music—what do these new songs reveal about where you’re at now?

Will Swinton: At the start of last year I was just really burnt out. I was sick of the songs I was making at the time. We decided to switch it up and change the environment we were making music in. We did a writing trip in Mexico, and my whole goal of that trip was to just create music that perfectly captured my taste in music. I think we achieved that, and I’m really proud of all this new music that’s coming this year.

VMEN: Looking ahead to 2026, what are you most excited about? 

Will Swinton: I feel like I’ve entered this year with a different mindset. I’ve spent the last few years in music doing a lot of overthinking about everything and getting really attached to the outcome and wanting it to work. This year my mindset is less about thinking and being attached to the outcome. I feel like everything is happening the way it’s supposed to, and I’m less attached to whether it’s going to “work” and focused on just enjoying the process.

This story appears in the pages of VMAN 56: on global newsstands now!

Photography Max Tardio

Fashion Jordan Dorso

Interviews Christian Rosa

Grooming Michelle Harvey (Opus Beauty)

Casting Kev Poncé

Production Danielle Gruberger (Seduko Productions)

Lighting Technician Dominic Haydn Rawle

Cinematographer Lukas Chmiel

Production Assistant Epiphany Hulburd

Photo Assistant Nico Love

Styling Assistant Tyler Doty

Location Apex Studios