At just 15 years old, Salford songwriter John Denton is already operating with a level of emotional clarity and songwriting maturity that many artists twice his age are still chasing. Someone Else’s Game is a coming-of-age indie anthem that captures the quiet pressure, confusion and contradiction of growing up in a world that constantly tells you who you’re supposed to be.
Built around a catchy, sun-soaked guitar rhythm and a compelling, instantly memorable chorus, the track feels deceptively light on first listen. But dig a little deeper and its emotional weight becomes clear. Denton uses opposing lyrics and contrasts to reflect a teenage life shaped by expectations — living the life that’s demanded rather than the one that feels instinctive. It’s honest, relatable, and quietly powerful.
There’s a timelessness to Someone Else’s Game. It carries the accessibility of classic indie songwriting while remaining rooted firmly in the now, speaking directly to a generation navigating social pressure, identity and conformity. That sense of authenticity is exactly why Denton has already caught the attention of the likes of Johnny Marr (John was the inaugural winner of the The Salford Foundation Trust Johnny Marr Award), Bruce Springsteen, and The Edge, alongside support from NME, BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Manchester and beyond.
Having signed to Modern Sky UK , John steps confidently into his solo career, Someone Else’s Game feels like more than just a single — it’s a statement. A reminder that some of the most important voices in indie music right now are the ones brave enough to question the rules they’ve been handed.
John Denton isn’t playing by someone else’s rules — and that’s exactly what makes this release feel so vital.
Someone Else’s Game is out now on all streaming platforms
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