Record Store Day has always been a celebration of music’s physical presence—the joy of flipping through stacks, the thrill of discovering a hidden gem, and the tangible connection between artist and listener. This year, none other than Sam Fender steps up as the official ambassador for Record Store Day 2025, bringing his signature anthemic songwriting and deep-rooted love for independent record shops to the forefront.
For Fender, who cut his teeth in the music scene of Newcastle before skyrocketing to global fame, vinyl holds a special kind of magic. His upcoming third studio album, People Watching, is set to drop on February 21, but he’s got another treat lined up for fans and collectors alike: a special six-track EP titled Me and the Dog, available exclusively at independent record stores on Record Store Day, April 12.
This isn’t just any release—it’s a 12” vinyl that blends the new with the rare, giving fans a mix of fresh material and long-lost favorites that have never seen a proper vinyl pressing. With both A and B sides stacked with Fender’s signature brand of emotional, guitar-driven storytelling, Me and the Dog is bound to be one of this year’s most sought-after exclusives.
Me and the Dog showcases Fender’s ability to craft both expansive stadium-ready anthems and introspective, deeply personal songwriting. The tracklist includes:
Side A:
- People Watching – A taste of his new era, leading the charge from his upcoming album.
- Tyrants – A track that was previously only available on a limited, sold-out People Watching 7” vinyl, now resurrected for collectors.
- Empty Spaces – A completely unreleased song, giving fans an unheard glimpse into Fender’s creative process.
Side B:
- I’m Always On Stage – Another previously unreleased track, offering a deeper cut into Fender’s songwriting archives.
- Me and the Dog – A fan favorite that was only available on the People Watching CD single, finally making its way onto vinyl.
- People Watching – Live at The O2 Arena, London – A live version that captures the raw energy of Fender’s performances, immortalized in wax for the first time.
Fender’s appointment as Record Store Day ambassador is a recognition of his deep connection to the culture of independent record stores and the role they’ve played in shaping his music. In an era of streaming, where accessibility often trumps physicality, vinyl remains an art form, a deliberate act of listening.
By choosing Me and the Dog as his RSD exclusive, Fender is giving fans a tangible piece of his evolving artistry—something they can hold, spin, and cherish. It’s an artifact of music history, a nod to the power of independent shops, and a love letter to the very places where many artists (including Fender himself) first discovered their passion.
Come April 12, expect long lines, buzzing excitement, and a mad dash to get hands on this exclusive release. After all, Record Store Day is about more than just the music—it’s about community, discovery, and the artists who remind us why vinyl will always have a place in our hearts.