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Five TikTok Songwriters That Should Be On Your Radar

Above other social media outlets, TikTok carries the torch for songwriters to share their most creative, honest and original inventions. Thanks to the app, we’ve been graced with youthful creatives whose talent is far beyond their years. Here are five TikTok songwriters that deserve all the hype.

Jensen McRae

Back in 2021, McRae gained popularity on TikTok for a Phoebe-Bridgers-meets-Covid-inspired song. In the song, “Immune,” which is now on her first album, Are You Happy Now?, McRae narrates a breakup that takes place at a vaccination site. Two years later, we know that Jensen McRae is more than a one-hit-wonder. Are You Happy Now? Is filled to the brim with thought-provoking subjects like depression and sexual abuse. All the while, McRae also balances heavier topics with fun and romantic pieces like “Starting to Get to You” and “Good Legs.” With her Tracy Chapman-esque sound, McRae is sure to outlive her virality.

https://www.tiktok.com/@jensenmcrae

Olive Klug

Klug is consistently blessing the TikTok For You pages of folk fans and songwriters everywhere. On their latest single, “Parched,” they write, “I collect your red flags and tie them to my chest/They’re my new favorite dress.” Klug divinely sums up the experience of being in love with someone while knowing their downfalls. Klug’s voice provides the soundtrack for all of us who are lost in our twenties, trying to navigate our way through it.

https://www.tiktok.com/@oliveklug

Faith Zapata

Faith Zapata released her latest single, “company,” in December of last year. She sings, “I wanted you/and you wanted anyone/anyone at all,” claiming that lyric to be her saddest in the melancholic masterpiece. Soft yet strong, Zapata’s songwriting is sensational melodrama accompanied by the quintessential fluttering indie sound.

https://www.tiktok.com/@faithcore

Leith Ross

Leith Ross is most notable for their viral song, “We’ll Never Have Sex.” They sing, “You kissed me just to kiss me/Not to take me home.” Ross has remained a TikTok pioneer in the sad folk genre and we love them for it. Now with over 1.5 million monthly streamers, they’ve established themselves far beyond the TikTok box.

https://www.tiktok.com/@leithross

Isabel Pless

After her song, “Twenty-Two,” went viral on TikTok, Pless has remained one of the most active songwriters on TikTok. And like the other artists on this list, her best, most charming writing moments take place in the comfort of her bedroom. Pless’s songwriting reminds listeners that vulnerability is contagious and authenticity fosters connection.

https://www.tiktok.com/@everythinghurtsman

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Cate Pasterchick

Writing & Editorial Intern at Beyond The Stage Magazine

Cate Pasterchick is a writing & editorial intern for Beyond the Stage. She is currently a senior studying professional writing and musical theatre at Kutztown University. When she’s not writing or performing, she can be found listening to podcasts, playing guitar, or watching reruns of “New Girl” and “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist”. Her favorite artists include Bleachers, Phoebe Bridgers, Brandi Carlile, and Jensen McRae.

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