- 2025-02-24
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MUSIC
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Sam Fender Releases New Album “People Watching”
British singer-songwriter Sam Fender released his third studio album “People Watching” on February 21, 2025 via Polydor Records.
This marks his first album in four years since the 2021 album “Seventeen Going Under”.
The album comprises 11 songs, produced by Sam Fender, Dean Thompson, Joe Atkinson, Markus Dravs, and Adam Granduciel.
He started making the album with producer Markus Dravs in London in 2023, and then, he finished with The War on Drugs' Adam Granduciel in Los Angeles earlier 2024.
The album artwork features photos of the late British social documentary photographer Tish Murtha.
Sam Fender said of the album title, “I guess the whole album's sort of a collection of stories, and it's a bit more outward pointing than I suppose 'Seventeen Going Under' was. So it's all about different, different people who I know and in my hometown. And it kind of felt like a great title.”
He added about the album artwork, “I can't say enough how amazing it's been to feature Tish's photography. It's truly an honour to showcase her amazing work amongst these songs.”- Sam Fender told Apple Music about the album, “When writing the past two albums I started with a clear goal and concept, but towards the end of recording it always morphed into something else-at least for me it did. I wanted to go in there and write good songs; not think about some grandiose overblown message, just 10/11 good songs about ordinary people.”
He said of working with producer Adam Granduciel, “I've been a huge fan of The War on Drugs for many years. And I'm gonna ask them. And then we ended up working with him. And I think it was like, I can get away with ripping him off if he's in the room. The ego a little bit, but I mean, he gets it, I mean, and he really, kind of he transforms the album in a way that I really didn't expect.” -
Sam Fender explained about some tracks for the album.
“People Watching”
“People Watching is about somebody that was like a surrogate mother to me and passed away last November. I was by her side at the end, slept on a chair next to her. It's about what was going through my head, to and from that place and home. It's kind of ironic because she was the one that gave me the confidence to go on stage, and always used to be like 'why haven't you mentioned my name in your acceptance speech'. But now an entire song (and album) connects to her. I hope that wherever she is now she's looking down saying 'about time kid.' I'm really excited for the 'People Watching' video. I was so buzzing when I found out Andrew Scott wanted to be involved - I'm a huge fan of his and he was absolutely perfect for the role.”
Irish actor Andrew Scott said, “Sam's masterpiece of a song has become a true friend to me. Working on it was truly cathartic, and I'll always be grateful to Sam for his extraordinary talent, and for the other artists who made this film, and of course to my mum, who I will hold in my heart til the day I die.”
“Arm's Length”
“For a while, it wasn't even going to be on the album... but thankfully Brooke Bentham joined and was like, are you mad?? It originally came from one of those magic moments where you're just messing around, and a song literally falls out the sky. It's about being avoidant and flighty. But also just a simple pop song, which I love.”
“Remember My Name”
“'Remember My Name' is a love song dedicated to my late Grandparents - they were always so fiercely proud of our family so I wrote the song in honour of them, from the perspective of my Grandad who was looking after my Grandma when she was suffering from dementia. The video is a really special one for me, I'd like to thank everyone involved.”
Director Hector Dockrill said, “We all knew how important this piece was to Sam, which everyone honoured and approached the subject with care, creating something real and human. A special mention to Philippa, who we street cast - her lived experience brought an authenticity that couldn't be replicated - and to Dave Johns, whose depth and humility grounded the film with a nuanced performance that only he could pull off. The entire team's dedication and heart made this happen, and I'm incredibly grateful.”
Photo by Sarah Louise Bennett - source : Apple Music
