Full Breakdown
Sam Fender Collaborates with Elton John on New Single Following Mercury Prize Win
10/17/2025, 8:33:54 PM
Sam Fender's Triumph and New Release
Sam Fender has recently released a new single titled "Talk to You," featuring Elton John on piano, just one day after winning the 2025 Mercury Prize for his album *People Watching*. The song, which will be included in the deluxe edition of *People Watching* set for release on December 5, explores themes of regret and the end of a long relationship. Fender describes it as capturing the feeling of losing a best friend and coming to terms with that loss.
Fender stated, “I was playing around with the riff and thought, ‘What I need is a really good pianist,’ and then, ‘Hmmm, I wonder who I can call?’ And of course, who better than Elton John?” John, who has been a long-time friend of Fender, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying, “I couldn’t resist, and it was so much fun playing it for him. I truly love Sam. He’s been a friend for many, many years and it’s incredible to see him grow into being a truly world-class artist.”
Background on *People Watching* and Mercury Prize
Fender's album *People Watching*, released in February 2025, has received critical acclaim, topping the UK Albums Chart and achieving the largest opening week sales for a British solo artist since Harry Styles' *Harry's House* in 2022. The Mercury Prize judges praised the album for its “cohesion, character and ambition,” noting its blend of heartland rock with relatable themes of everyday life and community. Fender dedicated his Mercury Prize win to his late friend, actor Annie Orwin, who inspired the album's title track.
Official Statements and Responses
During the Mercury Prize ceremony held in Newcastle, Fender expressed his surprise at winning, stating, “I just really didn’t – we did not expect this at all.” He emphasized the significance of the event being hosted in his hometown, marking the first time the awards took place outside London. The judging panel highlighted *People Watching* as a classic album that will resonate for years to come.
Criticism and Opposition
While the reception of *People Watching* has been overwhelmingly positive, some critics argue that the album's themes may not resonate with all listeners, particularly those who may not relate to the experiences of loss and regret depicted in the songs. However, this perspective has not significantly impacted the album's acclaim or Fender's rising status in the music industry.
What's Next for Sam Fender
Looking ahead, Fender has indicated plans for further musical projects, expressing a desire to release more material soon. He mentioned to John during an interview that he has already begun thinking about a follow-up album, stating, “I’m going to make another album, I think. I’ve got a load of other songs, so I want to make another record.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Just wanna talk to you / Wanna talk with my best friend / Wanna let go of everything that I carry” — Sam Fender
- “Sam was writing and recording in a studio in West London and called to say he’d written a song with a piano riff that he thought would sound great with me playing it. I couldn’t resist, and it was so much fun playing it for him. I truly love Sam. He’s been a friend for many, many years and it’s incredible to see him grow into being a truly world class artist.” — Elton John
- “After accepting his award, the 31-year-old gushed in the winners’ room: “It’s an absolute honour and it’s amazing it’s happened up here, for the first time outside of London.” — Sam Fender
Fender's collaboration with Elton John and his recent Mercury Prize win solidify his position as one of the UK's leading singer-songwriters, with fans eagerly anticipating the deluxe edition of *People Watching* and his future projects.
