Spotify’s global editors and Songwriter & Publisher Partnerships team spend their days immersed in new music, tracking the writers behind the songs breaking through and the creators shaping what’s next. Today, we’re spotlighting the Songwriters to Watch 2026 class, a group of standout songwriters and writer-producers poised to define the sound of the year ahead.
To give listeners a taste of what’s next, Spotify has selected two essential cuts from each songwriter (or team), all gathered in the Songwriters to Watch 2026 playlist.
“Songwriters are the architects of the songs we fall in love with, and too often their stories stay behind the scenes,” said Jacqueline Ankner, Head of Songwriter & Publisher Partnerships at Spotify. “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.”
Read on for Spotify’s Songwriters to Watch 2026, grouped by genre.
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.”
R&B
GIIFT
Essential track: “Ballin’” by Kehlani
Ariel Imani
Essential track: “Safety” by BJRNCK
Dance
Caitlin Stubbs
Essential track: “Saving Up” by Dom Dolla
Afropop and Afrofusion
Tempoe
Essential track: “With You” by Davido featuring Omah Lay
Saszy
Essential track: “YBIL (You Believe in Love)” by Qing Madi featuring Kizz Daniel
Latin
Laura Prias
Essential track: “Wapa” by Jerry Di
Stream the Songwriters to Watch 2026 playlist to hear all of Spotify’s picks in one place.
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