Sam Fender has been announced as the official ambassador of Record Store Day UK 2025 – and will release two new songs as part of a special EP to celebrate.
This year’s RSD is due to take place on Saturday April 12, marking the 18th edition of the annual event.
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Over 270 independent record shops across the UK – as well as thousands more globally – will prepare to welcome a new wave of vinyl releases. As is customary, there’ll also be a series of in-store parties and a celebration of independent record store culture.
Fender, who is set to release his third album ‘People Watching’ later this month, will serve as an official ambassador of RSD ’25. He follows the likes of Taylor Swift, Kate Bush, The 1975, Noel Gallagher and Elton John in taking on the role.
In a statement, the North Shields singer-songwriter 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 like-minded 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.”
Introducing our #RSD25 ambassador, @samfendermusic 🙌 https://t.co/n52PIdTL68
— Record Store Day UK (@RSDUK) February 4, 2025
Fender is scheduled to release a six-track 12-inch vinyl record to mark RSD ’25, titled ‘Me And The Dog’.
“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,” he explained.
“We’ve included two songs that haven’t been released – ‘I’m Always On Stage’ and ‘Empty Spaces’.”
Fender concluded: “Thanks so much to all the independent stores around the world who support us. Let’s all make sure we support them too.”
The ‘Me And The Dog’ vinyl will be available over the counter only at participating shops on April 12. It also includes fan favourites and songs never pressed onto vinyl before – see the tracklist below.
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)
Alan Jordan, 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!”
Post Malone was confirmed as an official ambassador for Record Store Day 2025 last month. “Record Store Day is so important and I really hope to do my part to keep it alive,” he said.
Meanwhile, a select group of the UK’s vinyl shops will be profiled in a new YouTube series to celebrate RSD ’25.
In other news, a special edition of David Bowie’s ‘Ready, Set, Go!’ live album will be released to coincide with this year’s edition.
Sam Fender has already previewed his new album ‘People Watching’ with its title track, ‘Wild Long Lie’ and ‘Arm’s Length’. He’ll play some huge UK stadium concerts this summer and headline Radio 1’s Big Weekend in May.
Elsewhere, Fender is nominated for two BRIT Awards at next month’s ceremony: Artist Of The Year and Alt/Rock Act.
