Songwriting Credits… best new music playlist [September 2023]

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!

	STAR CROSSED LOVERS BY OTTO ADAY This rhapsodic saga begins with a chance encounter at Halloween and ends with the Welsh singer forming a friendship for life. Co-written and co-produced by Dave Stewart, vivid piano and strings lend the song the necessary weight. SONGWRITER(S): CHRISTIAN PUNTER, DAVID STEWART PRODUCER(S): DAVE STEWART LABEL: BAY STREET RECORDS LYRIC: SITTING IN A CARPARK AFTER DARK/THERE WAS CATHEDRAL DOWN THE WAY
	VERTIGO BY MORGAN MYLES A country song that sounds both freshly modern and in keeping with the genre’s traditions, it’s apt that this tale of the whirlwind nature of a new love gallops along like a prize Appaloosa. SONGWRITER(S): DILLON DESKIN, MORGAN MYLES, NATE DODGE, SCOTT REEVES PRODUCER(S): NATE DODGE, DAVE DARLING LABEL: BLUE ÉLAN RECORDS LYRIC: I’M LIKE THAT DESERT ROSE JUST WAITING ON THE RAIN
	GRACIE BY WILL LINLEY Linley’s contemporary vocal delivery injects an enchanting buoyancy into the South African singer-songwriter’s music. Here, in a song dedicated to the person he’ll end up with one day, you can’t help but be swept along. SONGWRITER(S): ADAM YARON, JONNY SHORR, WILL LINLEY PRODUCER(S): JONNY SHOR, ADAM YARON LABEL: ISLAND RECORDS LYRIC: OH WHEN I FIND GRACIE/I KNOW THAT SHE’LL BE THE ONE TO SAVE ME
	STRANGE NEIGHBOUR BY FOLLY GROUP Kicking off with angular guitar stabs, wonky synths and tumbling drums, just when you’ve caught up with this indie-rock romp it takes a turn to the off-kilter. It’s an anthem for the curtain twitchers and we love it. SONGWRITER(S): KAI AKINDE-HUMMEL, LOUIS MILBURN, SEAN HARPER, TOM DOHERTY PRODUCER(S): LOUIS MILBURN, KAI AKINDE-HUMMEL, SEAN HARPER, TOM DOHERTY LABEL: SO YOUNG RECORDS LYRIC: FUNNY NEW COUPLE IN AT NUMBER TWELVE/RIGHT NEXT TO THE CHURCH, BUT THEY LOOK LIKE HELL
	REFUGEE BY HASSAN BIN RASHID Originally more of a sombre lament, the Syrian rhythm section that were invited to play on the track have turned it into something altogether more celebratory. The dazzling guitar work adds a dash of the dramatic. SONGWRITER(S): HASSAN BIN RASHID AL KHALIFA PRODUCER(S): HASSAN BIN RASHID AL KHALIFA LABEL: MY 21 GRAMS LYRIC: IT’S A FEELING I CAN’T ESCAPE/IT’S A FEELING I CAN’T REPLACE
	WORKING STIFFS BY LUCIA STAVROS Standing up to the corporate machine that makes so many of us trade our integrity for material gain, the Brooklyn-based multi-instrumentalist/singer-songwriter/producer makes her point over a gently cascading harp and uncompromising beat. SONGWRITER(S): LUCIA HELEN STAVROS PRODUCER(S): LUCIA STAVROS, KEVIN ABDELLA LABEL: STAVROS PRODUCTIONS LYRIC: KEEP MAKING THAT MONEY NO MATTER WHAT THE SIN
	SUMMER OF HELL BY THE NATVRAL The work of Kip Berman (formerly of The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart) bringing together the rousing quality of peak Springsteen with the twang of Tom Petty. This alt-country rocker was made to get you out of your seat. SONGWRITER(S): KIP BERMAN, THE NATVRAL PRODUCER(S): ANDREW SAVOURS LABEL: DIRTY BINGO LYRIC: CARVE OUR SHAME INTO THE TREES/BUT DON’T COME TO ME ON BENDED KNEE
	CHEATER BY SAVANA SANTOS Thoughts and emotions tumble out from the Illinois songwriter as she wrestles with the fading light of a relationship. Dynamic shifts help to strengthen her position and take this alt-pop treat to the next level. SONGWRITER(S): JOSH KERR, MADI DIAZ, SAVANA SANTOS, SUMMER OVERSTREET PRODUCER(S): SAVANA SANTOS, JOHNNY SIMMEN, JOSH KERR LABEL: THE VALORY MUSIC CO./WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC LYRIC: I’M A LIAR, I’M A CHEATER/I’M IN LOVE WITH THE OLD YOU
	ALL THE WINE IN CALIFORNIA BY LOGAN LEDGER With guitars lifted from the Bakersfield sound’s heyday and a mournful vocal style dragged from the bottom of a bottle, there’s a transporting nature to this country lament. Lyrically, it’s sharper than a serpent’s tooth. SONGWRITER(S): BEAU BEDFORD, LOGAN LEDGER, NOAH JACKSON PRODUCER(S): SHOOTER JENNINGS LABEL: ROUNDER LYRIC: AT THE BOTTOM OF EACH BOTTLE/IS THE LOVE I LEFT BEHIND
	RONALDO BY LEATHERETTE The Bologna outfit bring together elements of post-punk, shoegaze and jazz on the first single to be released from their upcoming second album. The result is something of an oxymoron, a cathartic tumult that burns as it sooths. SONGWRITER(S): ANDREA GERARDI, FRANCESCO BONORA, JACOPO FINELLI, MARCO JESPERSEN, MICHELLE BATTAGLIOLI PRODUCER(S): LEATHERETTE, CHRIS FULLARD, ANDREA COLE, BRUNO DORELLA LABEL: VIRGIN MUSIC LYRIC: JUMPING TO CONCLUSIONS NEVER LED YOU ANYWHЕRE ELSE
	SPARROWS BY BRISCOE The Austin duo of Truett Heintzelman and Philip Lupton arm themselves with classic songcraft and honeyed harmonies. It’s a tried and trusted formula that reaps winning results when deployed this well. SONGWRITER(S): TRUETT HEINTZELMAN PRODUCER(S): BRAD COOK LABEL: ATO RECORDS LYRIC: NOT A WORD WAS SPOKEN BUT I THINK WE BOTH AGREED
	FORMER FRIEND BY ELEANOR A song that explores the idea of feeling incompetent in the wake of personal tragedy, the considered instrumentation helps frame this emotional journey. At points lush, at others stark, it twists and turns. SONGWRITER(S): AIDAN WASSE, ELEANOR GEBROU, JOHN FELLNER PRODUCER(S): ELEANOR GEBROU, JOHN FELLNER, AIDAN WASSE LABEL: PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION/FONTANA NORTH LYRIC: DON’T CONFUSE MY SADNESS WITH REGRET
	BETTER THAN LIFE BY GRRRL GANG The Indonesian garage-punk trio don’t mess about here. Muhammad Faiz Abdurrahman brings a bruising beat over which guitar and bass can thrash about with abandon. Point made, it’s over and out in less than two minutes. SONGWRITER(S): ANGEE SENTANA, EDO KHOLIF ALVENTA PRODUCER(S): LAFA PRATOMO LABEL: TRAPPED ANIMAL LYRIC: I FEEL CAGED IN MY BODY/I’VE BEEN FLIRTING WITH DEATH
	A SCENE FROM SOME OLD POEM BY DANIEL GADD “I’ve known a lot of loneliness and sorrow/But they’re just sinking in this river/Like a stone,” the closing lines from this dusty lament. Before it sinks, the song’s lightness of touch and gentle canter helps that stone skim across the water. SONGWRITER(S): DANIEL GADD PRODUCER(S): JONJO KEEFE LABEL: SELF-RELEASE LYRIC: GUESS I’LL LIE HERE WITH MY EYES CLOSED/ FORGET THE COLD TODAY
	RAINING TOMORROW BY NATANYA A luscious and fresh R&B groove, there’s both playfulness and confidence in a production that brings together an afrobeat rhythm and waterfall-like guitars. Taken all together, it’s a welcome splash of nostalgic sunshine. SONGWRITER(S): NATANYA POPOOLA PRODUCER(S): NATANYA POPOOLA, JOSHUA GASKIN BROWN, KWAKU KONADU LABEL: MOVES RECORDINGS LYRIC: I CAN SEE THESE CHANGES SO I KNOW IT’S RAINING
	MOTORCYCLE BY SURPRISE BABY Though centred on a desire to escape a failing relationship, this hushed alt-rock number doesn’t feel the need to get anywhere in a hurry. The contemplative tone gives every element room to breathe. SONGWRITER(S): SARSTEN NOICE PRODUCER(S): CLAIRE MORISON LABEL: MUSKRAT RECORDS LYRIC: I HAD A DREAM THAT I DIED AND GAVE ALL OF MY GUITARS TO YOU
	CUT YOUR FACE BY THE JOY FORMIDABLE Kicking off with a riff to melt even the most heat-resistant of faces, the Welsh trio are at their irresistible best here. Not content to let the guitars do all the work, a kaleidoscope of sounds swirls in and out of view. SONGWRITER(S): RHIANNON BRYAN, RHYDIAN DAVIES PRODUCER(S): RHYDIAN DAVIES, RHIANNON BRYAN LABEL: HASSLE RECORDS LYRIC: THE MOONLIGHT HAS YOUR THOUGHTS/AND THE DAYBREAK WANTS YOUR BODY
	MAIN CHARACTER BY MORGAN HARPER-JONES When you’ve said everything there is to say, sometimes all that’s left to do is let out a gigantic scream. Having worked through her emotions, that’s exactly what the singer-songwriter does here. SONGWRITER(S): MORGAN HARPER-JONES PRODUCER(S): IAIN ARCHER LABEL: PIAS LYRIC: I STARTED WRITING TO GET YOUR ATTENTION
	DON’T TAKE YOUR HEARTACHE OUT ON THE WORLD BY D.A. STERN The Los Angeles-based alt-pop artist is singing like he means it as he dispenses hard-learned advice to his younger self. Synths, keys, and a slyly funky bass all help to raise the emotional stakes. SONGWRITER(S): DAVID AARON STERN PRODUCER(S): D.A. STERN, ANDREW LAPPIN LABEL: SELF-RELEASE LYRIC: THINK YOU COULD LOVE ANYBODY IF YOU ONLY HAD THE CHANCE
	PARASITE BY COACH PARTY With frenetic vocals that lead to a glass-shattering scream, Jess Eastwood leads Coach Party through their heaviest song to date. It’s a good job it’s only 1:38, this blistering effort will leave you exhausted. SONGWRITER(S): GUY PAGE, JESSICA EASTWOOD, JOE PERRY, STEPHANIE NORRIS PRODUCER(S): GUY PAGE LABEL: CHESS CLUB RECORDS LYRIC: I GIVE TOO MUCH AND I WISH I NEVER MET YOU, YOU
	DAISY GIRL BY LILAC HAZE The appropriately surnamed dream-pop star puts fear to one side as she considers a new relationship. There’s something of an ‘80s sheen to guitars that elevate this delicate pursuit of happiness. SONGWRITER(S): KATRINA WALTERS SWIFT PRODUCER(S): CALUM WOTHERSPEEN, KATRINA WALTERS SWIFT LABEL: KWS BLANK CANVAS MUSIC LYRIC: TELL ME DO YOU CARE/TELL ME DO YOU SEE HER STANDING OVER THERE?
	CAN’T PLEASE ‘EM ALL BY REID HAUGHTON Both Haughton’s voice and the laidback country groove of his backing band ooze with insouciant charm. It’s the ideal sound for a song encouraging us all to take a step back and do what makes us happy. SONGWRITER(S): BEAU BAILEY, REID HAUGHTON, STANTON LANGLEY PRODUCER(S): SADLER VADEN LABEL: RIVER HOUSE ARTISTS LYRIC: DON’T YOU LOOK BACK TILL YOU FIND THAT GRASS THAT’S GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE
	SAY YOU LOVE ME BY ÄYANNA This soul-infused pop track undulates as the productions fades in and out of consciousness. The muted quality of the first verse allows the rest of the song to blossom under the shine of a new love. SONGWRITER(S): ARI PENSMITH, ÄYANNA PRODUCER(S): DAOUD, BEN BILLIONS LABEL: LVRN RECORDS LYRIC: I’LL SAY WHAT YOU WON’T FOR THE BOTH OF US
	DRUNK & LOUD BY BLOOM TWINS With the same sonic attack as Icona Pop’s ‘I Love It’ comes this breakneck anthem from twins Anna and Sonia. Co-written and produced by Sam Harris of X Ambassadors, this is raise-your-arms-and-jump pop at its best. SONGWRITER(S): ADAM LEVIN, ANNA KUPRIENKO, RUSS FLYNN, SAM NELSON HARRIS, SONIA KUPRIENKO PRODUCER(S): ADAM LEVIN, SAM NELSON HARRIS LABEL: THIS FICTION LYRIC: TAKE YOUR TOP OFF/SHOW YOUR BODY OFF/YOU CAN GET ME OFF
	LITTLE ONE BY THE BREATH Though the hand-clapped rhythm evokes the fun of the playground, this calming folk lullaby is more suited to easing any nocturnal worries. Ríoghnach Connolly’s vocals sooth like a well-tucked duvet. SONGWRITER(S): THE BREATH PRODUCER(S): THOMAS BARTLETT LABEL: REAL WORLD RECORDS LYRIC: LAY DOWN WITH ME MY LITTLE ONE/I HAVE YOU NOW THE DAY IS DONE
	SEETHRU BY TIM ATLAS Created in a hired studio in Williamsburg, there’s a palpable sense that the singer/songwriter/producer was having a great time when he came up with this urgent and infectious pop groove. SONGWRITER(S): RYAN BANDONG, TIMOTHY FERGUSON PRODUCER(S): TIM ATLAS LABEL: NETTWERK MUSIC GROUP LYRIC: RICHES TURN TO GOLD/BUT I FOLD IN THE FIRE
	THE LIKES OF YOU BY NXKXTA As a brooding bassline ripples, the twang of a guitar begs you to come closer. Try as you might, it’s impossible to hold on to this seductive alt-rock ballad as it slithers free from your grasp. SONGWRITER(S): NIKITA ANDRIANOVA, STEVEN ANSELL PRODUCER(S): STEVEN ANSELL LABEL: DROWNED IN SOUND LYRIC: I LOVE TO THINK OF YOU AS A TEST I HAD TO PASS
	POETRY BY SAINT SAVIOUR There’s a bottomless well of great music created when a message, guitar and beautiful voice come together as one. Not content with that classic combination, a stunning whistled passage adds that extra touch of magic. SONGWRITER(S): REBECCA JONES PRODUCER(S): SAINT SAVIOUR, BILL RYDER-JONES LABEL: VLF RECORDS LIMITED LYRIC: AND LITTLE BY LITTLE/YOU ARE BECOMING SUNSHINE
	SWEET SUMMERS DAY BY TAMARAEBI Duncan’s choice: “When Tamaraebi hits those Everestian high notes, you can’t help but think he’s been blessed by the Divine. He can’t ask for better surroundings than this gospel song with a trip-hop beat.” SONGWRITER(S): TAMARAEBI PRODUCER(S): FLOTHEPRODUCER LABEL: BLACK ROSE MUSIC LYRIC: SO TAKE ME TO THE RIVER/LET THE RAIN FALL DOWN AND WASH AWAY THE SIN, SINNER MAN
	OPEN THE DOOR BY GABBY’S WORLD The slightly quirky production can’t obfuscate the catchy topline melody at the heart of this alt-pop lullaby. Gabby Smith’s delicate, occasionally faltering, voice is the ideal vessel to carry it forth. SONGWRITER(S): GABRIELLE SMITH PRODUCER(S): GABRIELLE SMITH, BARRIE LINDSAY LABEL: CARROT ALL RECORDS LYRIC: YOUR ACID TONGUE/I BITE MY TONGUE
	FALLING DOWN BY PUMA BLUE With the nostalgic sheen of an old vinyl that’s been dusted down and placed on a record player for the first time in years. Memories fade in out of consciousness, the result is both comforting and eerie. SONGWRITER(S): JACOB ALLEN, LUKE BOWER TEEJ PRODUCER(S): JACOB ALLEN, TEEJ LABEL: BLUE FLOWERS MUSIC LYRIC: SOME SHAPE FLICKERS UNDER MY SKIN/THE DARK PARTS THEY STILL SEEP IN
	SUPERCHARGED BY BIRTHH The addition of field recordings made in NYC may anchor things in the real world, but the lilting orchestration lifts the Brooklyn-based Italian songwriter out of Prospect Park and places her on top of the clouds. SONGWRITER(S): BIRTHH, LONDON O’CONNOR PRODUCER(S): BIRTHH, LONDON O’CONNOR LABEL: CAROSELLO RECORDS LYRIC: I NEVER WANNA BE LIKE YOU/AND I’M ALREADY SO MUCH LIKE YOU
	89CC BY HUNNY A twinkling 80s-evoking synth kicks off a mid-tempo song that’s not afraid of wearing its heart on its sleeves. And how best to ramp up that emotion – with a massive saxophone solo, that’s how! SONGWRITER(S): JACOB GOLDSTEIN, JASON YARGER, JOSEPH BURGER-ANDERSON, KEVIN GRIMMETT PRODUCER(S): HUNNY, DEREK TED LABEL: EPITAPH LYRIC: YOU SAY THE WORLD IS TOO BIG AND YOU’RE TOO SMALL/BUT I THINK YOU’RE JUST MY SIZE
	LIKE THUNDER BY AMUNDA A brisk R&B ode to the fact that being you is always enough, especially during those times when you’re just about getting through the day – the gang vocals and guest verse from Elijah Kashmir bring the supportive affirmation. SONGWRITER(S): AMANDAH WILKINSON, DJANA GABRIELLE, ELIJAH KASHMIR PRODUCER(S): AMANDAH WILKINSON LABEL: RELIABLE RECORDS LYRIC: SOMETIMES LIFE GETS TOO MUCH/DON’T LET IT PULL YOU UNDER
	SILVER BEACHES BY BLANCO WHITE A song built from the organ progression of the verse, the echoes of guitar and siren-call backing vocals tempt you out into the shimmering night waters. White and co-writer Pilo Adami have clear musical chemistry. SONGWRITER(S): CHARLOTTE SCHNURR, JOSHUA JAMES EDWARDS, PILO ADAMI PRODUCER(S): JOSH EDWARDS LABEL: NETTWERK MUSIC GROUP LYRIC: SOMEHOW I NEED NO REST/NO ALIBI, FOR WHERE I’M GOING
	PERFECT MOVIE SCENE BY MOYKA Making the kind of elegant modern dance-pop that Robyn has made a career out of, Moyka’s latest songs floats between several distinct passages and ends in a crescendo of blissful abandon. SONGWRITER(S): EIRIK HELLA, MONIKA ENGESETH PRODUCER(S): MONIKA ENGESETH, EIRIK HELLA LABEL: GEMS LYRIC: I DANCE WITH TEARS, KISS ALL OF MY FEARS/THEY STILL APPEAR IN EVERY DREAM
	YOUR BEAUTIFUL SELF BY LAND OF TALK Lizzie Powell’s Montreal outfit have stripped things back on their new album. Here, ominous piano chords provide the blueprint for a song that remains restrained even when guitars and keys hitch a ride. SONGWRITER(S): ELIZABETH POWELL PRODUCER(S): ELIZABETH POWELL LABEL: SADDLE CREEK LYRIC: TAKE A DEEP BREATH, LET IT OUT, SHOW THE LOVE IN
	WIDE OPEN BY DIRTY SLIPPERS The Budapest rockers are aiming for the stars here. Pounding rhythms, chiming guitars, glitzy synths and a message of hope in the face of adversity all provide the fuel for this journey into space. SONGWRITER(S): LOBÓ-SZALÓKY LÁZÁR PRODUCER(S): TIM PALMER LABEL: YOU AND MEDIA MANAGEMENT LYRIC: IF WE WALK TOGETHER WE WILL MAKE IT TO THE END
	ALL THOSE MINUTES AGO BY LITVAR There’s something about small-town living that fosters idiosyncratic art. Perhaps it’s the tension between being defined by your surroundings and the determination to leave them. That strain is palpable on this quirky indie number. SONGWRITER(S): JOE LEMIEUX, MATTHEW JOSEPH FALKOWSKI, REX G THURSTAN PRODUCER(S): CHARLES NEWMAN LABEL: MOTHER WEST LYRIC: SEE EVERY TIME I’M VULNERABLE/YOU JUST LAUGH
	HIGHLANDS BY MIDDLE KIDS Aaron’s choice: “Following the blissful Bootleg Firecracker was going to take some doing, but the Aussie indie-rock trio have upped the pace while reaching similar levels of melodic joy. Imagine The Strokes fronted by Taylor Swift.” SONGWRITER(S): HANNAH JOY CAMERON, TIMOTHY FITZMAURICE PRODUCER(S): JONATHAN GILMORE, TIM FITZ LABEL: LUCKY NUMBER MUSIC LYRIC: I CAN’T KEEP WAITING FOR THINGS TO CHANGE

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