Songwriting Credits… best new music playlist [May 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!

	BARBED WIRE FENCE BY RUTH THEODORE A delightfully evocative ditty that contrasts the beauty of the natural world with the inanity of all things human-made. Dotted with details that brings the River Itchen to life, the subtle digs at modern greed are just as insightful. SONGWRITER(S): RUTH THEODORE PRODUCER(S): RUTH THEODORE, TODD SICKAFOOSE, MATHIAS KUNZLI LABEL: RIGHTEOUS BABE RECORDS LYRIC: A FLASH OF KINGFISHER/AND LOOK A LITTLE DIPPER/THERE WHERE THE RIVER BENDS
	LET’S GET OUT OF THE CITY BY BLAIR DUNLOP The driving pace of this uptempo folk-rock number really evokes the sense of jumping in a car, escaping the urban environment and hitting the sticks. The lyrics, filled with coffee addicts and collagen zombies, won’t have you returning any time soon. SONGWRITER(S): BLAIR DUNLOP, JACOB STONEY PRODUCER(S): JIM MORAY LABEL: GILDED WING RECORDS LYRIC: METROPOLITAN ALL MADE UP/LIVE AND DIE BY THE COFFEE CUP
	MNSF BY MANJA With its meteor-shower synths, textured beats and high-gloss vocals, this retro-futuristic electro-pop number combines elements of The Weeknd and ‘Discovery’-era Daft Punk. Veil yourself in space dust and come join the party. SONGWRITER(S): DEWA PUTA JAMES SUKADANA, MARK BAYU SAPUTRA VLEUGELS, NICK WISNU PRATAMA VLEUGELS PRODUCER(S): BRIAN KRESNA PUTRO, ENRICO OCTAVIANO LABEL: 12WIRED LYRIC: I HAVE TO TRY/I’LL DIE FIGHTING TO THE END
	I WOULDN’T WANT IT ANY OTHER WAY BY MARGAUX The Brookyln-based singer-songwriter ponders post-breakup profundities, mourning both the end of love and the loss of a friendship. Margaux’s unadorned sound is the ideal canvas on which to explore such ideas. SONGWRITER(S): MARGAUX BOUCHEGNIES PRODUCER(S): SAHIL ANSARI LABEL: MASSIF RECORDS LYRIC: TEARS FALL, IT SEEMS THAT WE’VE OUTGROWN
	ENJOY THE RIDE BY ELLES BAILEY From the crushing lows to the unexpected and triumphant highs, the life of a musician is one hell of a journey. In this spirited country rocker, the Bristol songwriter pays tribute to the road she’s travelled while keeping firmly focussed on the road ahead. SONGWRITER(S): ASHTON TUCKER, ELLES BAILEY, WILLIAM ADRIAN EDMUNDS PRODUCER(S): DAN WELLER LABEL: COOKING VINYL LYRIC: I DON’T KNOW THE ANSWERS BUT I WILL GET THERE IN THE END
	GIVE UP BY JAMES VINCENT MCMORROW Everyone is sad on the new song from the Irish singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/producer. Yet, in the accompanying children’s voices, insistent beat, punchy guitar strums and gazes to the sky, hope lingers. SONGWRITER(S): JAMES VINCENT MCMORROW PRODUCER(S): JAMES VINCENT MCMORROW LABEL: NETTWERK MUSIC GROUP LYRIC: JUST PUNCH ME ONCE AS HARD AS YOU CAN STAND
	FINER THINGS IN LIFE BY YELLOW DAYS George van de Broek brings the psychedelic funk here. Inventive melodic lines are filtered through his urbane delivery. Is it bravado or the earned confidence of someone who knowingly eschews the finer things in life? SONGWRITER(S): GEORGE VAN DEN BROEK PRODUCER(S): YELLOW DAYS LABEL: SUGAR LOAF RECORDS LYRIC: I DON’T OWN EXPENSIVE SUITS/I’D RATHER SPEND MY TIME WITH YOU
	CITY WARM HEART BY LA PRIEST Radiating a contagious sense of sonic exploration, the former Late Of The Pier and Soft Hair man embraces his reintroduction to society. Recorded in his garden studio, amiable keyboards and guitar provide an inviting welcome back. SONGWRITER(S): SAM EASTGATE PRODUCER(S): SAM EASTGATE LABEL: DOMINO RECORDING CO LYRIC: WHEN YOU’RE LIGHT AS A GHOST IN THE BALLROOM/BABY, YOU’RE ALIGHT
	LOSING OUT BY TOTAL TOMMY The detached sprechgesang vocals of the verses can’t hide the hurt at the heart of this pounding and grungy tale of betrayal. Listen closely and, like a secret mobile phone found by a partner, it’s all laid bare. SONGWRITER(S): MARK ZITO, TOTAL TOMMY PRODUCER(S): MARK ZITO LABEL: [PIAS] LYRIC: HAVEN’T TOLD YOUR WIFE AND KIDS ABOUT THE MESS YOU MADE
	IF I COULD MAKE YOU CARE BY CARDINALS If you love songs that slowly build like a mighty wave before crashing into the rocks, this offering from the Cork six-piece won’t let you down. A tranquil accordion contrasts with a frantic wall of guitar noise. SONGWRITER(S): AARON HURLEY, DARRAGH MANNING, EUAN MANNING, FINN MANNING, OSKAR GUDINOVIC PRODUCER(S): RICHIE KENNEDY LABEL: SO YOUNG RECORDS LYRIC: I’LL LOVE YOU LIKE I DID/WHEN I WAS JUST A KID
	BOY BYE BY BIRTHE The presence of trumpet, saxophone, and alto amplifies the emotion at the heart of this R&B track. The victim of infidelity, the Belgian pop artist’s anger is punctuated with every blast of horn. SONGWRITER(S): BIRTHE DE ZUTTER, LUIS OSCAR SANTOS PRODUCER(S): OSKI LABEL: 6258308 RECORDS DK2 LYRIC: IT DOESN’T EVEN MATTER THAT YOU DIDN’T MEAN IT
	SIMILE BLUES BY THOM SOUTHERN This bluesy rock number finds Southern embodying characteristics of a menagerie of animals from monkeys to to eagles. The influence of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club is apparent in the sleazy riff that stalks like a spider. SONGWRITER(S): THOM SOUTHERN PRODUCER(S): THOM SOUTHERN LABEL: MIGHTY GOOD LEADER LYRIC: I SWAM LIKE A SHARK/RAN LIKE A LION/CRAWLED LIKE A BEAR/STOOD LIKE A GIANT
	RAINBOWS BY DEAD PONY Something of an oxymoron, but this Scottish outfit have cracked the formula to making melodic industrial rock. With Anna Shields dishing out advice to her younger self, this song will appeal to fans of Olivia Rodrigo and Nine Inch Nails alike. SONGWRITER(S): ANNA SHIELDS, BLAIR CRICHTON PRODUCER(S): BLAIR CRICHTON LABEL: LAB RECORDS LYRIC: IF I WENT BACK, I’D HUG ME AND SAY “YOU’RE GOOD”
	DOOMED BY MOTHICA This atmospheric alt-pop number delves into the LA artist’s experience with depression, vulnerability and suicidal ideation. As well as being in a romantic relationship with Death, the song finds Mothica being stalked by past trauma. SONGWRITER(S): ALEXANDRA VELTI, DAVID BURRIS, MCKENZIE ELLIS PRODUCER(S): DAVE BURRIS LABEL: RISE RECORDS LYRIC: I WAS DRAWN TO THE DARK WITH THE DEVIL’S MARK
	BELLY BY NIAMH REGAN Crackles of noise like a record player left on long after the final note has finished ripple through a song about not being heard. The latest introspective offering from the Irish alt-rock artist is a tantalising taste of her new album. SONGWRITER(S): NIAMH REGAN, TOMMY MCLAUGHLIN PRODUCER(S): TOMMY MCLAUGHLIN LABEL: FACTION RECORDS LYRIC: THE MORE I PUSH THE MORE YOU HATE ME
	BUSINESS AS USUAL BY ELIZA ROSE A collaboration with producer MJ Cole that thrives in that sweet spot were jazz and soul combine like a fresh summer salad. If you suspect it could also work if spiced up with a sprinkling of UK garage, check out the night shift mix. SONGWRITER(S): ELIZA ROSE, MJ COLE PRODUCER(S): ELIZA ROSE, MJ COLE LABEL: ROSEBUD RECORDINGS LYRIC: HONEY I’M THE QUEEN BUT I CAN NEVER GET HURT
	SILVER BY MEMORIAL The voices of Ollie Spalding and Jack Watts – melting together, drifting apart, complimenting and contrasting – set this duo apart from their peers. Little touches of instrumentation pop up to share in the magic. SONGWRITER(S): JACK WATTS, OLIVER SPALDING PRODUCER(S): OLIVER SPALDING, TOMMY READ, HANNAH READ LABEL: REAL KIND RECORDS LYRIC: GUESS THAT I WAS TOTALLY OBLIVIOUS/YOU SAID SHE WAS DANGEROUS
	DREW A HEART <3 BY PAST LIFE ROMEO The solo project of Camila Djadja, previously of rock group Sugar Pills, brings elements of drum and bass into their shoegaze world. Adding these different colours brightens the scene, unearthing feelings of acceptance and intimacy. SONGWRITER(S): CAMILA DJADJA, CARLOS LOVERBOY, THOMASINE LE GALLIC PRODUCER(S): JIM CASSANOVA, CAMILA DJADJA, CARLOS LOVERBOY LABEL: SECRET LIFE RECORDS LYRIC: WE MAKE OUT IN YOUR MUM’S CAR/LIKE WE’RE TWO MOVIE STARS
	DEEP WATER BY REBECCA LAPPA “I jumped off the sinking ship/praying that I’d make it” – the open lines of this immersive alt-pop number sets the scene and find the Edmonton, Alberta, songwriter gaining the strength to leave an abusive relationship. SONGWRITER(S): REBECCA LAPPA PRODUCER(S): LOUISE BURNS LABEL: TONIC RECORD LYRIC: BUT JUST LIKE A JAGGED REEF/HE RIPPED THE BOTTOM FROM MY HEART
	SINK YA TEETH BY THE MYSTERINES A rattlesnake guitar shakes its tail as Lia Metcalfe bares her fangs and goes for the jugular. Tenebrous rock n roll for fans of The Dead Weather and The Kills, the Merseyside group are at their venomous best. SONGWRITER(S): LIA METCALFE, PAUL CRILLY PRODUCER(S): JOHN CONGLETON LABEL: FICTION LYRIC: YOUR DIRTY SHEETS/YOUR KEROSENE KISS
	(UN)HAPPY HOUR BY YOUNG RISING SONS This Brooklyn band know how to lay down an indie anthem. Melodies more memorable than a first kiss, clapped percussion, and the vocal swagger of Andy Tongren all combine to make this one unforgettable experience. SONGWRITER(S): ANDY TONGREN, JULIAN DIMAGIBA, MAXIMILIANO IANTRONO, MICHAEL SKWARK, MIKE PEPE, STEVE PATRICK PRODUCER(S): ANDY TONGREN, JACKSON HOFFMAN, MIKE PEPE LABEL: SONS RECORDING HOUSE LYRIC: I CAN’T RECALL BEING SCARED TO FLY/TILL I SAW THAT PLANE THAT FELL OUT THE SKY
	EULOGY BY LIANG LAWRENCE Words tumble out from the London-based songwriter as she purifies her thoughts after a break-up. Like writing a testimonial for a funeral, there’s catharsis to be found in this emotional outpouring. SONGWRITER(S): LIANG LAWRENCE PRODUCER(S): JOEY WALKER LABEL: THE OTHER SONGS LYRIC: AND WE’LL GATHER OUR FRIENDS/PAINT A PICTURE OF AN END
	BARROW BOYS BY MARCEL WAVE The soundtrack to a broken country. Imagine a West-Yorkshire version of Debbie Harry recruiting Zoot Horn Rollo in order to write a sardonic takedown of gentrification and you might come close to what the quintet are up to here. SONGWRITER(S): CHRISTOPHER MURPHY, LINDSAY CORSTORPHINE, MAIKE HALE-JONES, OLIVER FISHER, PATRICK FISHER PRODUCER(S): MARCEL WAVE LABEL: UPSET THE RHYTHM LYRIC: HAVE YOU EVER HAD ANYTHING SLIP THROUGH YOUR HAND LIKE A GRAIN OF SAND
	SINNER BY LEI HOPE There’s an in-the-room intimacy that adds weight to both the lyrical guitar playing and airy vocals. As you hear hands move about the frets, layered voices and peripheral percussion bask in the glory. SONGWRITER(S): HOPE CHIGUVO PRODUCER(S): HOPE CHIGUVO, WILL LEVISON LABEL: HEAIST OR HIT RECORDS LYRIC: HEAVEN’S WAITING/THERE’S A MATRIX IN MY HEART
	ZONE BY CHANEL LOREN As you follow the phases of modern dating, from lust to eventual disappointment, the one thing that doesn’t diminish is the desire to listen to this laid-back alt-R&B groove to the very end. And when it’s over, it’s time to go again. SONGWRITER(S): CHANEL LOREN PRODUCER(S): ROSS JAMES, RIC RUFIO LABEL: SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT LYRIC: FLIRTING WITH THE LIGHTS LOW/PULL ME IN REAL CLOSE
	BRIGHT YELLOW BY LAZY DAY Thanks to the washes of synths and percussion, what starts as a monochrome sketch eventually bursts out in glorious techicolour. But like all good paintings, it’s that solid foundation that allows the colours to flourish. SONGWRITER(S): TILLY SCANTLEBURY PRODUCER(S): TILLY SCANTLEBURY, GETHIN PEARSON LABEL: BRACE YOURSELF RECORDS LYRIC: AND ALL THAT BRIGHT YELLOW SURROUNDS THEM/SURROUNDS THEM LIKE A HALO
	BLUME BY DO NO HARM Like walking through a churchyard and unexpectedly hearing a snatch of choral singing from within, the heavenly vocals here are obfuscated enough by swathes of sound to keep them both original and intriguing. SONGWRITER(S): FINN VINE PRODUCER(S): FINN VINE LABEL: SLO MUSIC LYRIC: WHEN THE MAGIC NUMBERS ARE SOLVED/IS THAT A LIFE EVOLVED?
	GHOST BY PORIJ Taking from their debut album ‘Teething’, the latest offering from the Manchester four-piece once again highlights their ability at seamlessly uniting house beats with the sensibilities of alt-pop. SONGWRITER(S): JACOB MAGUIRE, JAMES MIDDLETON, NATHAN CARROLL, SCOUT MOORE PRODUCER(S): DAVID WRENCH, PORIJ LABEL: PLAY IT AGAIN SAM LYRIC: YOU’RE A GHOST OF THINGS THAT WE SHOULD’VE NURTURED
	THE HIGHWAY BY NATALIE DEL CARMEN An Americana ode to taking a drive down the road of life, the LA-based songwriter isn’t only thinking about what lies ahead. With the help of her grandfather’s banjo, lessons from the past can’t help put show the way. SONGWRITER(S): NATALIE MARTHA DEL CARMEN PRODUCER(S): ZACK BURKE LABEL: SELF-RELEASE LYRIC: I VISIT YOUR EYES WHEN I’M FEELING LOW
	BLAME IT BY TOM JENKINS Duncan’s choice: “The galloping guitar work, fret noise, dynamic pulse and effortlessly ethereal vocals all help to lend a freshness to an alt-folk number akin to a dandelion pappus being carried away on a spring breeze.” SONGWRITER(S): TOM JENKINS PRODUCER(S): TOM JENKINS LABEL: XTRA MILE RECORDINGS LTD LYRIC: A MATCH TO THE FOREST/I FELT I CROSSED THE LINE
	PARC DE BEAUVOIR BY BIBI CLUB Just as snaky guitar lines and creepy keys oscillate between light and shade, lyrical observations of watching children playing in the park combine with slightly darker reflections. The result is appealing off-kilter. SONGWRITER(S): ADÉLE TROTTIER-RIVARD, NICOLAS BASQUE PRODUCER(S): ADÉLE TROTTIER-RIVARD, NICOLAS BASQUE LABEL: SECRET CITY RECORDS LYRIC: THE KIDS ARE RUNNING IN CIRCLES AROUND US
	OVER & OVER BY COSMO PYKE The Peckham singer’s naturally mellow vocals glide around a soulful organ as if in conversation with one another. You can’t help but feel grateful that you have the chance to listen in. SONGWRITER(S): COSMO PYKE PRODUCER(S): COSMO PYKE, NYOZI LABEL: PYKRETE RECORDS LYRIC: SHE SAID I WAS BORN INSANE/I THOUGHT I WAS ALRIGHT
	SILENCE BY EMMY MELI With incessant anxiety providing a deafening barrier to clear thinking and peace of mind, the only place to find solace is through singing. Against an R&B/pop backdrop, Meli lets rip and banishes those crippling spectres. SONGWRITER(S): ARROW BROWN, DANNY KLEIN, EMILY CATHERINE LOMELI, MATT CAMPFIELD, MICHAEL MATOSIC PRODUCER(S): SOME RANDOMS LABEL: BMG LYRIC: RIDIN’ IN AN ELEVATOR, EVERYBODY GETTING ON BUT NEVER OFF
	SEE THROUGH BY ELJÉ The help of an imaginative sample of Amerie’s ‘1 Thing’ and amapiano beat provide the foundations as the North London singer digs deep into feelings of unreciprocated longing and self-worth. SONGWRITER(S): KOBE FRANCIS, LEAH ANTHONY PRODUCER(S): KENNI BLU LABEL: SELF-RELEASE LYRIC: BUT YOU DON’T SEE THE WORTH IN ME/IT’S LIKE I’M SEE-THROUGH
	THE COWBOY WAY BY ROB WOLF Like the sun rising over the Rocky Mountains, a sumptuous fiddle stirs a hardworking cowboy from his slumber and signals the start of a new day. Filmic and evocative, you’ll be saddling up to join him in no time. SONGWRITER(S): ROB WOLF PRODUCER(S): TYLER CAIN LABEL: WOLF ENTERTAINMENT LYRIC: THEY SAY THE COWBOY’S A DYING BREED, WELL I’LL TELL YOU THAT ISN’T TRUE
	EVERYTHING FALLS APART BY ISOBEL CAMPBELL The cyclic melody, steady beat, and Campbell’s softly soothing vocals give this folky pop song a hypnotic feel. Don’t relax for too long though, a slightly ominous tension permeates this subtle dismantling of toxic masculinity. SONGWRITER(S): CHRIS SZCZECH, ISOBEL CAMPBELL PRODUCER(S): ISOBEL CAMPBELL, CHRIS SZCECH LABEL: COOKING VINYL LYRIC: QUIT STEPPING ON MY HEART YOU SON OF A BITCH
	SHE TOOK YOU TO NARNIA BY HIGHSCHOOL With an insouciant vocal style reminiscent of Julian Casablancas, Rory Trobbiani’s voice sways in a hammock above a propulsive beat and lyrical bassline. New EP ‘Accelerator’ is definitely worth checking out. SONGWRITER(S): LUKE SCOTT, RORY TROBBIANI PRODUCER(S): FINN BILLINGHAM LABEL: [PIAS] AUSTRALIA LYRIC: WE CAN HANG OUT BY THE POOL
	STRUT BY LIZ LAWRENCE Agoraphobia caused by the self-isolation of lockdown and working from home, pubs driven out of business through high rent and preying developers – like a fruit machine due to pay out, this glitchy alt-pop number will tempt you back to your local SONGWRITER(S): ELIZABETH LAWRENCE PRODUCER(S): ALI CHANT LABEL: CHRYSALIS RECORDS LYRIC: I’M OUT LOOKING TO FEED MY HUNGRY EGO
	NORTH STAR BY CHINA BEARS With a rousing style that manages to find swathes of hope within feelings of loss, this indie anthem will captivate fans of Frightened Rabbit and The National. Both intimate and expansive, it’s sure to be a live favourite. SONGWRITER(S): DEAN MCCAW, FRAZER PROCTOR, IVAN PROCTOR, JAMES ZEALEY PRODUCER(S): ROD JONES LABEL: FIERCE PANDA RECORDS LYRIC: IF I FOLLOW THE NORTH STAR/WILL YOU MEET ME THERE?
	BALU BY ELBOW Aaron’s choice: “The second single from their 10th studio album Audio Vertigo sees the Mancunian indie rockers back to their bombastic best. Aptly introduced by the LP’s interlude track (Where Is It?), where Guy Garvey is inadvertently recorded demanding his bandmate Al to ‘give it fat, wide wheels!’” SONGWRITER(S): Alex Reeves, Craig Potter, Guy Garvey, Mark Potter, Pete Turner PRODUCER(S): Craig Potter LABEL: Polydor Records LYRIC: I’ll dig you back up when they kill you/And hollow your skull for my wine

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