British newcomer Will Joseph Cook has “your new obsession” written all over him. From his iconic brooding-Brit-heartthrob look to his colorful indie-dance-pop records with ironic videos — watch him going on a date with himself in the video for undeniably catchy “Girls Like Me” or going down the classic dance-party-in-the-office path in recent “Take Me Dancing” — he's also giving away his new EP on his website because he’s nice like that.

We caught up with the future indie-pop star to talk therapy, wigs and his desire to become Taylor Swift for a day.  

Hometown/hombase? I’m from a town called Tunbridge Wells in Kent, South England. But I live in South London now, I made a move recently.

What’s your story?

My brother and my dad are big music fans. So me being the youngest I just absorbed all of that. And when I was about 13 I started playing guitar and shortly after started writing songs. It was a slow process of finishing school and gradually turning it into a job, and now I’m here.

What was your favorite song when you were 13?

Probably “Oxford Comma” by Vampire Weekend. I used to love that song. That album was one of my first loves so to speak.

Was it the same song you learned to play on guitar?

Yeah, I learned how to play guitar solo, but not the whole song.

Does making music even interfere with studying?

When I started I only had weekends and holidays to get studio time. But I think it was a good thing. It gave me such long brakes between getting to go to studio and going back there. I felt more hungry for it. I had more ideas. It was better than just having one month to do everything.

Talking about your new single “Take Me Dancing,” what does it take to take you dancing?

Not much. I love dance music. Get me on the right night and I’m yours.  

How fun was it shooting the “Girls Like Me” video? Did you get to keep these wigs?

I didn’t! My grandma asked to ask for it, but I had to give them back unfortunately. Probably for the best. I actually still have the long-haired blonde wig, ‘cause that was mine. So maybe I’ll do a special appearance once.

Same video opens with you going to a therapy session. Are you a big fan of therapy yourself?

I definitely think a lot. I probably need therapy. I don’t know if I can say that I’m a fan of it.

Did you go to a speed dating event as seen in your video?

Unfortunately I never did. The song was not written about speed dating. I just thought it would be cool to have a different angle on what the song could mean. I wanted to make an interesting video that wasn’t following the lyrics.

What’s a perfect party look like in your world?

I think it’s just having a nice group of people with yourself. Big group of close friends.

Any musicians in your clique?

Yes, definitely. My best friend Will and my brother make dance music. There’s a few people from my hometown who also play music. It’s nice to have people with whom you can talk about making music.

If you could live a life of anybody in the Top 40 for a day, any popstar, who would you choose?

I’d go for some megafamous ones like Taylor Swift. I think it would be a pretty good day, if I could be Taylor Swift for a day.

You already have a wig for that!

Oh yeah, maybe I will just pretend I'm her.

When are you dropping a full-length album?

I just finished recording my album so hopefully I will be able to release it soon. The album will fall mostly in sync with “Girls Like Me.” It will still be very diverse. It will have dance pop songs and some ballads, too.

Any secret hobbies or talents?

I enjoy philosophy a lot. If I wasn’t making music I would’ve gone and studied that in university. I like to learn about how the world works and how people think and function.