In the ‘Listed’ feature, we get to know the most radicalist up-and-coming stars through a themed list of their top musical picks.

Here’s your chance to get to know little more about Laura Welsh, a force of pop brilliance who consistently releases catchy, sincere and on-the-pulse original songs.

Most notably was last year’s album, Soft Control, which featured the acclaimed duo with John Legend in standout song ‘Hardest Part’, plus much-loved tracks ‘Break The Fall', 'Cold Front', 'Unravel' and 'Ghosts'.

This Staffordshire-born and now London-based songwriter recently released her See Red EP via TwentyTwoSeven Recordings / Republic of Music, following an almost year long break with only the stunning ‘Let Me Go London’ to sustain us over that time. What Welsh now reveals through the new EP is everything she wasn’t able to say before. Hence the studio regression in order to collect her thoughts and the courage to put her truth into four shimmering pop tunes ‘Red’, ‘Naive’, ‘Concrete’ and ‘Numb’. Co-written with Fiona Bevan (Ed Sheeran), Jonas Wallin (Avicii) and Richard Frenneaux (Ella Eyre), Welsh confidently works in elements of dance, soul, and pop balladry into the See Red EP.

On a personal level, Laura explains the purpose behind this significant new release: "Red is a song about taking responsibility for fucking up. To admitting you are holding back and playing it stubborn... For being human." That human element is something we can clearly see within the ten tracks she’s picked for TMR, a playlist based on the idea of “Everything I Could Never Tell You”.

1. Portishead - ‘Glory Box’

When Beth Gibbons delivers the line "Give me a reason to love you" it really hits a nerve. So raw and effortlessly emotive. 'Glory Box' still sounds as good now as when I first heard it.



2. Lauryn Hill - ‘Ex-Factor’

I totally identify with this song. I find it easier to be stubborn or destructive than admit when I am in the wrong!



3. Radiohead - ‘Karma Police’

Karma exists. What goes around comes around.



4. Nina Simone - ‘Don’t Explain’

Sometimes you just don’t need to hear excuses or keep re-visiting the same situation. Nina Simone as always speaks the truth, encapsulating so much in a song.



5. David Bowie - ‘Heroes’

So empowering. Makes you feel like you can do anything you want to!



6. Fleetwood Mac - 'Dreams'

Making mistakes in order to see things clearly. That's how Fleetwood Mac inspire me. The grass is always greener and for much of the time that’s not the case.



7. Feist - ‘The Limit To Your Love’

There’s a frustration when trying to get someone to open up to you when you have let your guard down. This song conveys that emotion beautifully.



8. The Walkmen - ‘The Rat’

This is about the best song to play when you’re really pissed about something or with someone.



9. Amy Winehouse - ‘Me & Mr Jones’

“What kind of fuckery is this?” What an opening lyric! She really put everything out there and was brutally honest which I can’t help but connect to.



10. Björk - ‘Human Behaviour’

I’m fascinated by human behaviour, our fears and desires. What makes us the way we are? I love the way Björk delivers this song lyrically and is in control of her production. There’s definitely definitely no logic to human behaviour. But yet so irresistible.



With marked influences like this, it’s no wonder that Laura Welsh’s songwriting has reached such an accomplished level. The See Red EP will be one tough act to follow up, but one that we hope she does.

Until then we’ll be looking out for Laura’s next live dates and booking our tickets asap!

-Hannah Thacker

Photography by Wolf James