Sam Fender announced as Ambassador of Record Store Day UK

04 February 2025 - Press release

"ME AND THE DOG" EP TO DROP EXCLUSIVELY FOR RECORD STORE DAY ON SATURDAY 12^th APRIL, FEATURING 2 BRAND NEW TRACKS

 

Record Store Day UK is proud to announce Sam Fender as this year's official ambassador. As part of the role, Sam is set to champion the vibrant and unique culture of UK record shops and their vital role in local communities.

To mark the occasion, Sam will also a release a limited-edition 6 track EP, "Me and the Dog" on 12" vinyl, available over the counter only on Saturday 12^th April, from participating shops. The EP features two-brand new tracks, alongside fan favourites and songs never pressed onto vinyl before: 

Side A
People Watching

Tyrants (Previously only available via limited & sold-out People Watching 7")
Empty Spaces (Previously Unreleased)

Side B
I'm Always On Stage (Previously Unreleased)
Me And The Dog (Never pressed on vinyl before, previously only available via People Watching CD Single)
People Watching – Live at The O2 Arena, London (Never pressed on vinyl before)

 

Joining the ranks of iconic past ambassadors including Kate Bush, Taylor Swift, the 1975, Noel Gallagher and Elton John, Sam is ready to share his love of vinyl and record shop culture to the 2025 event. He said:
"It's a complete honour to be asked to be the Ambassador for Record Store Day 2025. The importance of indie stores cannot be understated. Without them, we lose physical spaces for music fans to discover both their favourite new artists and to forge friendships with likeminded people.  

This year is an exciting one for me and the band with the release of our new album, People Watching. We were so privileged to be able to work with the family of legendary North East photographer Tish Murtha and use her photography across the album's artwork for all formats. 

The EP we're releasing for Record Store Day is called "Me And The Dog EP", which at one point was going to be the name of the new album, so it just feels right that it should have its own moment. We've included two songs that haven't been released - I'm Always On Stage and Empty Spaces.  

Thanks so much to all the independent stores around the world who support us. Let's all make sure we support them too."

 

Over 270 small and independent shops are set to take part in this year's Record Store Day as it continues to be a driving force behind the vinyl revival, boosting the fortune of indie record shops and cementing their place at the heart of UK high streets.

Alan Jordan, the owner of Reflex Records in Newcastle, said "We're absolutely buzzing to have Sam Fender as this year's ambassador for Record Store Day. Sam's a local legend, and the way he's championed the Northeast and stayed true to his roots is exactly what independent record stores are all about – community, authenticity, and passion for music. Not only that, but he's a real vinyl fan too! It's great to see an artist who grew up down the road bring a spotlight on what we do. From buying Springsteen's 'Born to Run' from our shop – to seeing him on the world's stage – there couldn't be a better artist to fly the flag for indie record shops!"

Record Store Day takes place on Saturday 12^th April. A full list of participating shops and can be found on www.recordstoreday.co.uk