Songwriters to Watch 2026 according to Spotify

By Johanna CampbellJanuary 13, 202612 mins read

As we kick off another year, Spotify’s music team has, again, shared its top picks for Songwriters to Watch 2026.

Spotify’s editorial teams have revealed their Songwriters to Watch for 2026, shining a light on the songwriters and writer-producers that they believe have the ability and talent to define the sounds of the year ahead.

Having spent hours and days sifting through potential candidates, keeping an eye on who wrote recent breakout hits and where they went next, Spotify’s music team have assembled their group for the year.

Jacqueline Ankner, Head of Songwriter & Publisher Partnerships at Spotify, champions these creators, saying, “Songwriters are the architects of the songs we fall in love with, and too often their stories stay behind the scenes.” She added, “With Songwriters to Watch 2026, we are spotlighting the creators shaping culture across genres, from Nashville hitmakers to global pop builders and producer-writers pushing sound forward. Our goal is to help these writers reach new audiences, deepen industry recognition, and celebrate the craft at the heart of every great song.”

To help listeners discover these writers, Spotify has selected two essential tracks from each songwriter or writing team. These songs highlight their recent work and creative style, and they have all been brought together in Spotify’s Songwriters to Watch 2026 playlist.

Here are Spotify’s Songwriters to Watch 2026, as shared in Spotify’s announcement:

Country

Travis Wood

Essential track: “I Ain’t Sayin’” by Jordan Davis

Joe Fox

Essential track: “Skoal, Chevy, and Browning” by Morgan Wallen

Sam Westhoff

Essential track: “Blink Twice” by Shaboozey and Myles Smith

Hip-hop

A.Chic

Essential track: “ZEN” by JENNIE

WATERBOUTUS

Essential track: “Maske weg” by Souly

Pop

Luis Navidad

Essential track: “Hairdresser” by Skye Newman

MANUKA (Will Brown and Conor Dickinson)

Essential track: “One Thing” by Lola Young

Elvira Anderfjärd and Luka Kloser

Essential track: “Fame Is A Gun” by Addison Rae

“It’s really special to be included alongside writers we’re genuine fans of,” said Elvira Anderfjärd and Luka Kloser. Thankful to be part of this and to share this moment with so many talented writers.”

Punjabi

IKKY

Essential track: “Symmetry” by Ed Sheeran featuring Karan Aujla

“EVERYTHING begins with the songwriting and recognizing songwriters is about respecting the craft and people behind the music we love,” said Ikky. “I am so grateful to Spotify for taking the time to acknowledge us because when writers are supported, great music gets heard.”