Songwriting Credits… best new music playlist [January 2024]

Songwriting Credits… Our rolling playlist of the best new music being created by some of the many talented songwriters we have the privilege of listening to

Here’s our hand-picked collection of 40 superb new songs where we can give the songwriters all the credit they deserve

Welcome to our new rolling playlist, Songwriting Credits. Here we doff our caps to the best new music being created by some of the many talented songwriters we have the privilege of listening to. Keep sending us your songs, they make our day and deserve to be heard!

	DARK NOVEMBER BY SHAY MARTIN LOVETTE The North Carolinian alt-folk artist has a campfire-warm voice to thaw the frostiest of hearts. Balancing the old and new, some subtly wonky FX help to invigorate the coyote call of a lap steel guitar. SONGWRITER(S): SHAY MARTIN LOVETTE PRODUCER(S): JOSEPH TERRELL LABEL: RED-WINGED BLACK BIRD LYRIC: JUST A KITCHEN FULL OF SMILES/LINING UP IN SINGLE FILE
	LIKE A LION BY ROSINA BUCK Using her delicate voice to pull you in, the weight of the song’s autobiographical lyrics lands a devastating blow. Then, with the help of a robust arrangement, she’s able to find her strength and roar long into the night. SONGWRITER(S): ROSINA KATE BUCK PRODUCER(S): TIM ALLEN LABEL: ROUGH KITCHEN RECORDINGS LYRIC: YOU’RE A LIAR/YOU GOT THE FACE OF A LIAR
	SEE SAW BY AMELIA COBURN Duncan’s choice: “Welcome to the soundtrack to your next favourite fantasy horror movie. This folk song starts with the simplicity of a music box before going on a ride on an off-kilter waltzer whose walls are decorated with pictures from old folk tales.” SONGWRITER(S): AMELIA COBURN PRODUCER(S): BILL RYDER-JONES LABEL: QUIET CROWN LYRIC: MAGPIE, MISCHIEVOUS SIGH, WITNESSING CROWS AND THEIR MURDER
	SCARED BY LOUIS AND THE SHAKES A sweeping indie ballad that feels like a modern take on the stirring anthems made by Suede back in the 90s/early 00s. A galvanic guitar part melts into the strings and percussion to both bolster and elevate the song’s emotional outpouring. SONGWRITER(S): JAMIE LAWSON, LOUIS ANTONIOU, MANNY O’DONNELL. MICHAEL SMITH PRODUCER(S): MICHAEL SMITH LABEL: MARQUEE RECORDS LYRIC: IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK YOU’D BE PARANOID
	SUN GIRL BY JULIA HOLTER A soundscape that could be jarring in less skilled hands is the perfectly foil here. Everything from field recordings to bursts of flute and a bulging bassline combine with vocals that fall into place like another instrument. SONGWRITER(S): JULIA HOLTER PRODUCER(S): JULIA HOLTER, KENNY GILMORE LABEL: DOMINO RECORDING CO. LYRIC: PLACE ME, DRAG ME/MOVE ME, SUN GIRL
	DEATH BY ENTERTAINMENT BY SAM AKPRO Post-punk that brings to mind Wolf Like Me-era TV On The Radio, with a little Tame Impala thrown in for good measure. The bassline gets the toes tapping, the wall of guitar noise injects even more adrenalin. SONGWRITER(S): FINN BILLINGHAM, SAM AKPRO PRODUCER(S): SAM AKPRO, FINN BILLINGHAM LABEL: ANTI/EPITAPH LYRIC: NO REST FOR THE IMPATIENT/EASILY DESTROYED, EASILY EMPLOYED
	MAY I COMPLY BY HEARTWORMS The latest triumph from the Speedy Wunderground label, complete with production from Dan Carey, there’s danger lurking here. Over percussion carved from the remnants of a manmade disaster, Jojo Orme’s delivery is appropriately macabre. SONGWRITER(S): JOJO ORME PRODUCER(S): DAN CAREY LABEL: SPEEDY WUNDERGROUND/[PIAS] LYRIC: STARE AT THE BODIES ON THE SIDE WHILE WE DRIVE
	HOLLYWOOD BLVD BY LOREN KRAMAR From the opening horn lines through to Kramar’s warm delivery, there’s a timeless feel to a song that’s physically and spiritually anchored in his home city of Los Angeles. Grand in scope, it plays like the biopic of an imagined glamorous life. SONGWRITER(S): LOREN MICHAEL KRAMER, SEAN O’BRIEN PRODUCER(S): SEAN O’BRIEN LABEL: SECRETLY CANADIAN LYRIC: I’VE GOT HANDS AND FEET TO PUT IN THE CONCRETE
	GIVE UP WHAT YOU KNOW BY FAELAND Back after a three-year hiatus, the folk duo of Rebecca Nelson and Jacob Morrison return with a song that deals with the impact of a chronic health condition suffered by Nelson. A steady backbeat, sturdy bass and Morrison’s backing vocals provide the support. SONGWRITER(S): JACOB MORRISON, REBECCA NELSON PRODUCER(S): ROB PEMBERTON LABEL: SELF-RELEASE LYRIC: YOU SAY YOU WANNA GO HIGH/AS YOU’RE LYING ON THE FLOOR
	GET WHAT YOU WANT BY THE MANATEES A rhythmic and textured indie dance track that will appeal to fans of Talking Heads and Klaxons, and has a sonic questing at its heart. Enjoy the throbbing beats, rippling synths, shards of guitar and much more. SONGWRITER(S): JAMES MILLER, JAY HARRIS, TYLER BLOOR PRODUCER(S): TAREK MUSA, JAY HARRIS, TYLER BLOOR, JAMES MILLER LABEL: FIERCE PANDA RECORDS LYRIC: CHAOS IS CALLING ME
	PIXIE DUST BY ETHEL Floating along with a production that sounds like a cloud being coerced through a series of machines, there’s a subtle power to Ethel’s soulful voice. The Paris-based newcomer uses that power to pay homage to friendship between women. SONGWRITER(S): ETHEL GHRENASSIA, SOLAL TONG CUONG PRODUCER(S): BANSHEE THE GREAT LABEL: +1 RECORDS LYRIC: CAUSE WHEN YOU LIGHT UP IN THE DARK/IT GIVES ME SUCH A RUSH
	CARSICK BY YOUBET Like driving quickly through a deep puddle in the countryside on a sunny day, the burst of fuzzy guitars at the start of this indie road-trip soon gives way to a breezy melody and nostalgic recollections. SONGWRITER(S): NICK LLOBET PRODUCER(S): NICK LLOBET LABEL: HARDLY ART LYRIC: KNOWING WHEN TO STOP/IT MUST BE SWEET
	BAD ADVICE BY KAT EATON Born in Wales, living in Yorkshire, but armed with a soulful style of R&B that wouldn’t sound out of place in Memphis, Tennessee, Eaton’s latest song is brought to life by roaring horns, slick guitar work and some nimble piano playing. SONGWRITER(S): KAT EATON, NICK ATKINSON PRODUCER(S): NICK ATKINSON LABEL: REASON & RHYME RECORDS LYRIC: DON’T TELL THEM WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE NOT IN THEIR SHOES
	IT’S JUST A BROKEN HEART BY JOEL CULPEPPER Whether on its own or accompanied by brass and backing vocals, the neo-soul artist’s voice is a beautiful instrument capable of both subtlety and great power. Over a gospel beat it provides comfort for those struggling from heartache. SONGWRITER(S): JOEL CULPEPPER, TOM MISCH PRODUCER(S): TOM MISCH LABEL: BEYOND THE GROOVE LYRIC: NOTHING COMPARES TO YOUR HANDS IN MY HAIR
	SOPHIE BY UCHE YARA Originally from Austria, now based in Berlin, Yara is hotly tipped to do big things in 2024. This chugging and grungy single channels the energy of her live performances while adding a few studio tricks for good measure. SONGWRITER(S): UCHENNA KATZMAYR PRODUCER(S): UCHE YARA LABEL: GOLDENDAYS FM LYRIC: READING KAMA SUTRA INSTEAD OF TOUCHING ME
	HAVE A GO HEROES BY THE RHYTHM METHOD There’s something of the Pet Shop Boys in the slightly detached vocals as the London outfit head out across Britain, ignoring the advice of medical experts in the process. There’s catharsis to be found in both the fresh air and life on the road. SONGWRITER(S): JOEY BRADBURY, ROWAN MARTIN PRODUCER(S): BILL RYDER-JONES LABEL: MOSHI MOSHI RECORDS LYRIC: AND MUM AND DAD, YOU RAISED ME WELL/IT’S NOT YOUR FAULT I’M ON THE ROPES
	BIG TROUBLE BY ZOOEY CELESTE (FT TEI SHI) There’s an off-kilter vibe akin to Moody by ESG on a song which grew out of a track Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s Nick and Jake Portrait originally intended for another artist. There’s a spontaneity at work that can’t be faked. SONGWRITER(S): BRIAN MERRILL, JAKE PORTRAIT, NICK HAKIM, VALERIE TEICHER, BARBOSA PRODUCER(S): NICK HAKIM LABEL: ATO RECORDS LYRIC: OH, I WANT TO BE FREE
	FAR AWAY BY JB ELWOOD With verses haunted by melancholy guitars and a chorus that takes flight, the different emotions that accompany leaving home to follow your dreams are captured by the Austin, Texas, singer-songwriter. SONGWRITER(S): JON BALL PRODUCER(S): ANDREW MIDDLETON LABEL: SELF-RELEASE LYRIC: IN SEARCH OF A NEW LIFE/LEFT HER ONLY HOME BEHIND
	JUNI BY DAVID SAN CLAIR Out of a proper intro, the types that sets up the emotion of a song, the Irish singer-songwriter addresses a future relationship between a father and daughter. Forever in its grip, the song ebbs, flows and utterly captivates. SONGWRITER(S): DAVID SAN CLAIR PRODUCER(S): DANIEL DE BURCA LABEL: SELF-RELEASE LYRIC: YOUR PICTURE’S HANGING ON THE LIVING ROOM WALL
	UNENDING BLISS BY ROSIE TUCKER A tornado vocal kicks off an indie rock number which remains jittery throughout. With guitars both stout and sinewy swirling around, this is music to lift you up and drop you back down in an entirely different county. SONGWRITER(S): ROSEANNA GRACE TUCKER PRODUCER(S): WOLFY LABEL: SENTIMENTAL RECORDS LYRIC: REBUTTAL FIZZLES ON MY TONGUE
	I KNEW BY ASH MOLLOY Originally released during Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, Molloy dedicated her song to friends and family who had shared their stories of partner violence. At first fragile, courage and strength flourish with the help of fortifying orchestration and vocals. SONGWRITER(S): ASHLEEN MOLLOY PRODUCER(S): ROBERT KELLY LABEL: WAX RECORDS LYRIC: YOU KNEW WHAT I MEANT WHEN I ALWAYS SAID THAT SEEING HER MADE ME NERVOUS
	WHEN YOU’RE SOBER BY VICTORIA HOUSER The country/roots artist from Hubbards, Nova Scotia, blends both humour and subtle melancholy on this cautionary tale. With trumpets and fiddles augmenting the melody, the arrangement helps to sell the story. SONGWRITER(S): CHRIS STAIG, VICTORIA HOUSER PRODUCER(S): VICTORIA HOUSER, CHRIS STAIG LABEL: SELF-RELEASE LYRIC: COS ONCE THE NIGHT IS DONE IT’LL ALL GO WRONG
	BEAUTIFUL BY OVERPASS Feeling lost and out of step with his day-to-day life, vocalist Max Newy uses this euphoric indie anthem to remind himself of the beauty all around him. The classic combination of introspective verses and triumphant choruses work their cathartic magic. SONGWRITER(S): ELLIOT RAWLINGS, INDIA ARMSTRONG, JAKE BISHOP, MAX NEWBOLD PRODUCER(S): RICH TURVEY LABEL: IS RIGHT RECORDS LYRIC: WE STILL NEED THE CHANCE TO BE BEAUTIFUL BABY
	LONELY TIMES BY GABI SKLAR This is the type of infectious modern pop that you can imagine being a TikTok sensation for Meghan Trainor. After just one listen you’ll find yourself humming the chorus for days on end. SONGWRITER(S): ANTON GÖRANSSON, GABI SKLAR, ISABELLA SJÖSTRAND PRODUCER(S): ANTON GÖRANSSON LABEL: CHAMPAGNE THERAPY MUSIC GROUP/DISTROKID LYRIC: I’M STALLING, I CAN’T FIND THOSE HEELS I HATE TO WALK IN
	NOTHING HURTS LIKE A GIRL BY GIRLI Like Baby Queen produced by Robyn, this is alt-pop with a sophisticated disco sheen. It’s also a song that’s rewarding whether you just let the pulsating groove wash over you or delve deeply into Milly Toomey’s world. SONGWRITER(S): EMMA ROSEN, MILLY TOOMEY, ZHONE PRODUCER(S): ZHONE LABEL: ALLPOINTS/BELIEVE LYRIC: IT’S NOT ALL CHERRY CHAPSTICK AND LEMONADE
	COOL FOR YOU BY HAIKU HANDS The Australian alt-dance trio emphasise the importance of self-identity in the face of the capitalist machine while dropping a banger that will have you shedding your inhibitions and letting the good times explode from within. SONGWRITER(S): BEATRICE LEWIS, CLAIRE NAKAZAWA, JOEL MA, MIEH NAKAZAWA, MOTEZ PRODUCER(S): MOTEZ LABEL: SPINNING TOP RECORDS LYRIC: DON’T THROW ME UNDER THE BUS
	GOD TALKS BACK BY NECTAR WOODE The influence of Erykah Badu on the East London neo-soul artist is palpable on a song that uses only a few ingredients to deliver a flavourful punch. Woode’s velvet voice is very much the star of the show. SONGWRITER(S): CALLUM MERRETT, EWAN MERRETT, NECTAR WOODE PRODUCER(S): BAD SOUNDS LABEL: COMMUNION RECORDS LYRIC: SAID IT ALL BEFORE BUT YOU’RE HEAVEN/YOU BRIGHTEN UP THE SUN WHEN IT’S SETTING
	TALLEST DOGWOOD BY FOYER RED Elan Riordan delights in falling out of step with her bandmates on this skittish indie number. Just when you think she’s caught up, the whole song breaks down into a jazzy/Beefhearty section complete with ornithic clarinet cries. SONGWRITER(S): ELANA RIORDAN, ERIC JASO, KRISTINA MOORE, MARCO OCAMPO, MITCH MYERS PRODUCER(S): JONATHAN SCHENKE LABEL: CARPARK LYRIC: SITTING ON THE BACK PORCH, WATCH THE DOWNPOUR FROM THE SWING
	FOREVER BY ELLIS There’s a dusky 80s sheen that makes you want to grab hold of a cassette of this song and play it on your car radio as you take a slow drive through town. While the drumbeat tempts you forward, Ellis’s restrained vocals help keep your foot from the accelerator. SONGWRITER(S): LINNEA SIGGELKOW PRODUCER(S): LINNEA SIGGELKOW, CHARLES SPENCER LABEL: SELF-RELEASE LYRIC: I’VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT THE THING THAT DIED/AND I CAN’T GET IT BACK NO MATTER HOW NICE I ASK
	SOMETHING ON MY MIND BY SAM PALLADIO This co-write with Ed Harcourt finds the Cornish songwriter playing tribute to his late mother. With the help of some Beatles-y production touches and Palladio’s heartfelt deliver, it’s very much the celebration of a beautiful life lost far too soon. SONGWRITER(S): ED HARCOURT, SAM PALLADIO PRODUCER(S): SAM PALLADIO, SØREN HANSEN, PAUL DEVINCENZO, DAVE SARDY LABEL: SELF-RELEASE LYRIC: FATHER AND BROTHERS CARRY THEIR MOTHER OVER THE RIVER
	VANCOUVER BY KINGFISHR Edmond Keogh has a voice that sounds like it was carved from The Knockmealdown Mountains. Its richness transforms this folky offering into something that will have a broad appeal for all music fans. SONGWRITER(S): CAREY WILLETTS, EDMOND KEOGH, EOGHAN MCGRATH, EOIN FITZGIBBON PRODUCER(S): CAREY WILLETTS LABEL: DOONANE RECORDS LYRIC: WE WERE JUST KIDS/BENDING THE RULES AND STAYING OUT WAS ALL WE DID
	BRUSSEL SPROUTS BY ESSENCE MARTINS “Some people have goodness in their bones/I’m lucky to have found one of those.” On this soulful and folky ballad Martins pays tribute to her twin sister. Over a simple guitar and background ambience, the heartfelt lyrics shine through. SONGWRITER(S): ESSENCE MARTINS PRODUCER(S): JULES KONIECZNY LABEL: ESSENCE MUSIC LYRIC: GOT MY WATER COLOURS OUT/AND I PAINTED A SKY WITH NO CLOUDS
	LET ME FEEL IT BY MAUD A producer, songwriter and musician from North Norway, Maud brings together elements of hyperpop and classic trance here. The processed vocals help add to the icy feeling created by crystalline synths and a trippy beat. SONGWRITER(S): KRISTINE HOFF PRODUCER(S): KRISTINE HOFF LABEL: MAUD RECORDS LYRIC: OVERTHINKING EVERYTHING/I DON’T KNOW WHAT’S WRONG WITH ME
	THE LONGEST GOODBYE BY ROSIE DARLING Over sympathetic piano and strings, this emotional ballad finds the Boston-born alt-pop star struggling to get over a past relationship. Rather than turning a corner, clarity comes from knowing this feeling may never subside SONGWRITER(S): ANDREW TUFANO, JUSTIN GAMMELLA, ROSIE DARLING PRODUCER(S): JUSTIN GAMMELLA LABEL: NETTWERK MUSIC GROUP LYRIC: I FIND YOU HERE AND THERE/WHEN I’M TRYING TO FORGET
	CLOUDS ARE RELEASE BY RAVELOE Like This Is The Kit’s Kate Stables, Glasgow songwriter Kim Grant knows how to gather elements of folk, pop, indie and rock and weave them into something that is uniquely hers. Here, clear skies and stormy seas come together as one. SONGWRITER(S): KIM GRANT PRODUCER(S): GAL LABEL: OLIVE GROVE RECORDS LYRIC: THERE IS A GRACE IN EVERY LINE ON HER FACE
	THRONE OF AMBER BY HARP Former Midlake singer Tim Smith has teamed up with his wife Kathi Zung on new project Harp. His voice still possesses the ethereal beauty that made his old band such a bewitching proposition, it’s easy to sink back under its comforting embrace. SONGWRITER(S): KATHI ZUNG, TIM SMITH PRODUCER(S): TIM SMITH, KATHI ZUNG LABEL: BELLA UNION LYRIC: WHERE’S THE WARM AND PIERCING SUN/YOU KNOW I CAN’T REMEMBER
	FUNNY GIRL BY FRANNY LONDON The California-based experimental-pop artist plots a melodic path through juicy synths and an insistent beat then, around the halfway point, everything comes together in an ecstatic crescendo. United, the road ahead glistens with the promise of new adventures. SONGWRITER(S): FRANNY LONDON FLACKETT-LEVIN PRODUCER(S): FRANNY LONDON LABEL: FIA RECORDS LYRIC: TOO TIRED TO FIND OUT THE TRUTH
	HANDS BY JJ WILDE Moving to Nashville hasn’t curbed the wild side of this Canadian rocker. With a particularly raunchy guitar riff setting the tone, Wilde does her best to let you know who’s in control. This is seductive songwriting at its best. SONGWRITER(S): JILLIAN DOWDING, RACHEL KANNER, ZACH DEGAETANO PRODUCER(S): STEVE SOLOMON, RYAN SHORT LABEL: BLACK BOX RECORDINGS INC. LYRIC: BREAK UP FOR THE MAKE UP/’CAUSE I LOVE THE WAY YOU WAKE UP IN MY BED
	DOES SHE HOLD YOU LIKE I DID BY KATHERINE PRIDDY There’s a distinct Western movie feel here. Opening with evocative Morricone-esque trumpets, galloping guitars, and thunderous percussion, the singer-songwriter saddles up and races for the setting sun. SONGWRITER(S): KATHERINE PRIDDY PRODUCER(S): SIMON J WEAVER, KATHERINE PRIDDY LABEL: COOKING VINYL LTD LYRIC: SO I LOSE MYSELF IN READING BOOKS BUT NEVER REACH THE END
	INTO YOUR ROOM (WITH MUNA) BY HOLLY HUMBERSTONE Aaron’s choice: “The 2022 Brit Rising Star continues to rise with this latest single from her tear-stained debut album, Paint My Bedroom Black. Joined by three-piece indie pop band MUNA, the song reaches new heights while plumbing the painful depths of unrequited love.” SONGWRITER(S): Ethan Gruska, Holly Ffion Humberstone, Rob Milton PRODUCER(S): Rob Milton, Ethan Gruska, MUNA LABEL: Polydor / Darkroom / Geffen LYRIC: You’re the center of this universe / My sorry ass revolves around you

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