New Zealand’s Will Swinton is “Harmless”
Kicking off 2024, Auckland singer-songwriter Will Swinton returns with an emotionally charged new single and music video titled “Harmless” out now.
The accompanying black-and-white self-directed visual threads together moments of chaos and tumult as Will Swinton experiences all of love’s ups and downs. Moving in a turbulent continuous take, he sings directly to the camera as the momentum culminates with acceptance. It serves as the perfect cinematic counterpoint to the song. Watch HERE.
“Harmless” threads Swinton’s melodic vocals through a loose electric guitar lick and head-nodding beat. His words cut deep as he exhales, “If it was harmless, then ain’t it supposed to harm less? I didn’t mean to start shit cost me everything I had wish I was heartless.” Holding nothing back on the anthemic refrain, he pleads, “Tell me what to do.” The accompanying visual translates his vulnerability to the screen without filter. Ultimately, “Harmless” showcases his nuanced songcraft and dynamic voice front-and-center.
“Harmless” picks up the momentum from his most recent single “Daydream.” The latter has not only clocked over half-a-million total streams, but it has also earned acclaim reaching #5 on the Hot 20 New Zealand Singles Chart. Beyond a plug from Rolling Stone, Sweety High proclaimed “ He beautifully captures the angst of unrequited feelings.” While The Honey Pop stated, “We’re in love and completely obsessed with the Auckland singer-songwriter.”
Swinton released his debut EP Better Days in October 2023. The EP capped a flurry of momentum for the fresh face. In 2022, his independent single “All For You” cracked the Top 10 of the Hot 20 New Zealand Singles Chart, while “Better Days,” “Wasted You” and “Leave In The Morning” landed in the Top 15.
So far, he has tallied north of 100 million views on TikTok. Beyond collaborating with the likes of Claire Rosinkranz and finding a fan in MGK, Swinton has performed everywhere from SXSW in Austin, TX to The Great Escape in Brighton, UK, and Primavera in Barcelona, Spain. He recently supported Dermot Kennedy on the New Zealand leg of his tour and performed on mainstage at New Zealand’s largest festival, Rhythm & Vines. He now gears up for a home-town headline tour in New Zealand.
Featured Image Photo Credit: Joseph Morrison