'I plan to keep collaborating': Pete Townshend talks SoundCloud co-writer and new talent

Pete Townshend has given Music Week a rundown of where he finds new music, a process that has directly led to the writing of The Who's new album.

Both he and singer Roger Daltrey speak about the new record Who – the band's first in 13 years – in an exclusive cover story interview as part of the Q4 Preview in this week's issue, on sale now. The album is released on December 6.

Along with discussing songwriting, their relationship with each other and the band's transition into the streaming environment with the help of label Polydor, guitarist Townshend reveals that one of the new songs was written with a songwriter he discovered on SoundCloud.

"It was on Soundcloud that I found Josh Hunsacker’s track and it inspired the song Beads On One String," he told Music Week. "It’s his music, my arrangement and lyric. I plan to keep collaborating this way."

Townshend then shared a few 'tips' with us on artists he has discovered online.

"I listen to new music on SoundCould, BandCamp, Instagram and IGTV all the time. This is where I find terrific new people," The Who founder explained.

"Ambient artists like Four Tet, Leverage Models and Bernhard Wöstheinrich are BandCamp finds. Saults and Spring Fall Sea are both in a league with The 1975. I found them on IG. Both bands new on the block, but authentic and strong. In pop, I like Renny Wilson: like a new Sufjan Stevens. I also listen to Rinse Radio for new London grime and hip-hop."

Townshend also said Instagram was an important discovery tool for him (username @yaggerdang).

"Instagram is where I find new beats artists I like," he said. "Lisa Bella Donna is someone I love, also guitar player Aurielle who just played at Crossroads. Amber Mark is a truly beautiful and strong new female artist I like. I am so enjoying Nakhane too, he sings the role of Siddartha on my wife Rachel’s The Seeker song cycle due out next year."

For more on The Who and their return, get the latest issue of Music Week now, plus for other tech tips, you can relive our Tech Summit from earlier this week now, via round-ups and interviews from the event at London's The O2 on Tuesday (October 8).

Plus, don't forget to check out Music Week's own new talent tips.

By Paul Stokes