Sam Fender is following in the footsteps of music legends like Kate Bush, Noel Gallagher, Elton John and Taylor Swift, by becoming this year’s official ambassador for Record Store Day UK which is taking place on Saturday, April 12.
Record Store Day sees hundreds of independent record shops across the United Kingdom come together to celebrate their unique culture. Special vinyl releases are made exclusively for the day and many shops host performances and events to mark the occasion. Thousands more shops celebrate the day around the globe in what has become one of the biggest annual events on the music calendar.
To mark the occasion of being this year’s official ambassador for Record Store Day, North Shields Brit Award winner Sam is releasing a limited-edition six track extended play (EP) titled Me and the Dog. The 12″ vinyl will only be available over the counter on Saturday, April 12 from participating stores. The EP features two brand-new tracks as well as fan favourites and songs that have never been pressed onto vinyl before.
On being named the official ambassador, Sam 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.
In Newcastle, Beyond Vinyl, Beatdown Records, Reflex Records and RPM Music are set to take part, while in Sunderland Hot Rats Record are set to participate.
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 North East 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!”
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/sam-fender-record-store-day-30931873
