Welcome To Brownsville

Having first dubbed him a Rising Global Superstar when we discovered Will Brown a couple of years ago, we were absolutely thrilled when the news landed in our inbox — he’s back, and he’s brought fresh new music with him. His debut EP, Welcome To Brownsville, drops on 17th April 2026.

With the EP release on the horizon and a special showcase at Middle Eight in London this week, we sat down with Will for a long overdue catch-up.

How has life been treating you these past 24 months?

Busy, but in a good way — a lot has been happening. The new music took a great deal out of me, because I was revisiting some old wounds while simultaneously healing through the process of writing. It also pushed my artistry in ways it's never been pushed before, particularly when it came to the writing sessions.

But it's been busy and it's been good. I'm genuinely excited about what's happening and what's still to come.

Touching on that — when you’re revisiting those old wounds, how do you navigate something that can stir up such an overwhelming mix of emotions?

Honestly, for me, I used to just run from it and not deal with it at all. But it comes down to facing it, acknowledging that it's there, and taking it one day at a time — working on that wound rather than avoiding it. And even when you feel like you've conquered something, it's not always over. Sometimes those old feelings will creep back and test you, just to see where you're at.

It's up to you to stay vigilant — to recognise the triggers that bring those old wounds or emotions back to the surface. And rather than reacting the way you used to, you catch yourself in that moment and say, “OK, I'm going to do something different this time. I see it, I know what this is, and here's how I'm going to keep moving forward.”

Now, the exciting news — you have a debut EP on the horizon. Tell us what it was like to work on that body of work.

It was really exciting — but scary at first. As I was just saying, it stretched me as an artist in ways I'd never experienced before, particularly when it came to my writing.

I feel like I've grown a lot as a writer. I still have a way to go, but I'm genuinely proud of this body of work. I wanted to create the soundtrack of Brownsville — to give sound to the emotions and the journey I've been going through, and the journey I'm still on, both as an artist and as a human being. I wanted to capture those different moments in life. The EP is like a gumbo — it's not tied to one particular genre. There's something in there for everyone, and that's exactly what I set out to create. I'm really excited about it. I love it.

So if we were to take a virtual trip to Brownsville, what would be in the town of Brownsville?

In the town of Brownsville... let's see. First, there are busy streets with lots of people moving around, but then there are pockets where you hear complete silence — people just existing in a state of peace. And in other areas, there's conversation, laughter, and smiling everywhere you look.

Then there are areas where you hear singing, dancing, partying. It's a space for people to come to and escape the noise of the real world — a place to find solitude, to breathe, to regroup. Because whatever someone is facing in their everyday life, when they listen to the music or take that trip to Brownsville, they leave with the hope they need to overcome it.

As a songwriter then, what have you started to feel are forming part of the blueprints of your DNA as a songwriter?

A great chorus or a great hook — that's my thing.

As you've been testing the waters with the singles you've released, what have you enjoyed most about the reaction?

The people. I love that people are connecting with the lyrics, the story, and the feeling behind the songs. I always knew there would be at least a handful of people who could relate — but to hear that it's over a thousand people loving it? That makes me incredibly excited. I'm quite intuitive, and I try to keep my pulse on what's happening in the world and in the lives of those around me. And I genuinely feel like these songs are what people need to hear right now.

What are some of the things that keep you smiling in a world that can be overwhelming?

No matter how things look, they have to get better. Of course, sometimes it gets worse before it gets better — but there is always light at the end of the tunnel. One of my favourite sayings is: the only way out is through. Sometimes in life, you have to go through these situations, because they are the very things that refine you and help you grow as a person.

I always tell people — I create life music. I like to tell real stories, whether it's something I've personally experienced, something a friend has shared with me, or a moment I've witnessed in someone else's life. And I never want to end on a purely negative note. I always want to leave the listener with something hopeful — like, yes, they broke your heart, or yes, that happened to you. But let's take that and turn it into something good.

Not long to go now! What does the itinerary look like as release day gets closer?

So right after this, I'm heading straight into rehearsals for the showcase next week — movement and stage presentation.

Tomorrow I have a band rehearsal — I've got a lot of shows coming up. It's all about preparation right now: getting the music tight, figuring out the outfits — which is a big deal, I have to look the part! I also just came from the venue with my creative director to make sure everything is locked in so there are no surprises on the day. It's essentially a full week of rehearsals.

Luckily, a lot of the social media content is already prepared, so I can focus entirely on the performance. And when the EP drops on Friday — I'll be ready.

Is there anything you're planning to do to treat yourself once the EP is out?

I'd love to treat myself to a holiday, but I don't think I'm going to have the time — so it'll probably be a vodka tonic and celebrating with my friends!

Your show this week is at the Middle Eight in London. When it comes to choosing a venue, what qualities do you look for to perfectly curate a Will Brown experience?

With this particular space, I love that it’s intimate, but I’m also drawn to the ambience and how modern it feels. I love spaces where the décor is beautiful, and then we get to add our own spin on top of that. I'm drawn to intimate venues because, for next week's event, guests will be stepping into the Golden Bar — which is located in Brownsville. That's the world I want them to be introduced to the moment they arrive: this is the bar, the live music house, the heart of Brownsville.

When you’re surrounded by a team that truly shares and believes in your vision as an artist, how powerful is that feeling?

It's incredibly powerful. A lot of what I do simply wouldn't be possible without the team behind me — it's a tremendous amount of work. And as an artist, one thing I've had to learn is to relinquish control. Sometimes you just have to let things go, and that's what allows you to truly sit in the artist's seat — to just be the artist and create the music. Last year, while creating the EP, I had the chance to step back from everything and just focus on the music. And that's the part I truly love.

When you think about the journey you've taken, have there been any particular moments which will forever be a pinch-me moment?

Oh, there are a few! One was the first time I was played on radio — that was unbelievable.

The first real pinch-me moment was the DARKUS cover with the headline, The Birth of a Global Superstar. The second was the first time BBC Radio played Phoenix Rise. I was like — oh my God.

Can I have four? Doing the TV show Toronto Tie was another. And then the fourth — being a support act for Jools Holland on three of his tour dates this summer. Honestly, it's been a lot of incredible moments. Even in the studio, when we were writing Golden, I remember thinking: is this really happening?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6sOYOVj_UY

At what stage did you start to feel, 'okay, I'm now making the impact I always dreamed of'?

With Golden. I knew it was something special before I let anyone else hear it. I was afraid to let others hear it because I didn't want anyone to dampen the fire I felt coming out of that session. But when I finally said, “OK, send it over” — the reaction completely floored me. Because I really made it for myself. It was the sound I had always wanted.

To the fans who have been with you since day one, and to those who have just come along for the ride — what would you like to say to them?

I absolutely appreciate every single one of them. And I'm glad you mentioned it — because I do reply to people's messages, and I know the ones who have been here from day one. I always reply, no matter what.

Sometimes it's not even a long message, but I always make sure they know they're appreciated. I wouldn't be doing any of this without them — I'm certain they've shared the music, spread the word, and helped build this. I'm so grateful to everyone who has become part of the Brownsville community.

Now, this might be a quirky question — but I'm going to ask it anyway. Is there a signature dance move in the works for the Brownsville family?

You’ll have to find out — so put on your best dancing shoes and get moving!

As the world prepares for the EP, what's the best way to embrace it?

Come with an open mind and think of it as the sounds of hope — the sounds of the future. I feel like people sometimes arrive with preconceived ideas about what an artist's music will be. So just come with an open mind and an open heart, ready to receive the message I'm putting out into the world.

We said it two years ago — rising global superstar. But this year? We’re going galactic!

Haha! Love that. I really appreciate that!

The debut EP, Welcome To Brownsville, is out on all major platforms on 17th April 2026.

To stay connected visit www.willbrownsworld.com

Article By Thushara Chandrasiri