Sam Fender: The Voice of a Generation
Sam Fender is undeniably one of the fortunate ones in the music industry. With accolades including two Brit Awards won in 2019 and 2022, a breathtaking performance at Glastonbury 2023, and a chart-topping album, Seventeen Going Under, released in 2021, the 30-year-old artist has firmly established himself as a household name. His third album, People Watching, was released recently, adding to his impressive discography. However, for anyone familiar with the struggles of growing up in a working-class environment (Fender hails from North Shields, just outside Newcastle), it’s evident that he has created his own luck through raw talent and heartfelt songwriting that resonates deeply with listeners.
Yet, despite his ability to “pour his heart” into his music, the phrase still feels somewhat rare when discussing male pop artists. Today’s pop landscape is heavily dominated by female artists who articulate their emotional journeys with remarkable depth. Icons like Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers create music that allows countless women to feel seen and understood, tackling subjects that range from friendship dynamics to societal issues like the patriarchy. In contrast, solo male pop artists are a rarity, and those who do emerge often adopt broader, less personal themes (think Ed Sheeran and Lewis Capaldi). The Britpop era of the late 90s and early 2000s provided an outlet for male voices, yet in contemporary times, it appears that only certain genres—such as the introspective nature of grime—explore the nuances of masculinity. Here, Sam Fender steps in to fill that void.
A Unique Connection with Fans
Fender’s male fans have expressed their profound connections to his music. Take Jordan, a 28-year-old from Carmarthenshire, West Wales; he recalls his first experience at a Fender concert in 2021. “I took a spare ticket from a friend,” he shares. “When I entered the venue, I noticed a diverse crowd of young men, mostly between 18 and 24. There were the typical laddy lads in Newcastle United shirts alongside softer, more introspective guys.” It wasn’t long before Jordan found himself captivated by Fender’s music, particularly the standout track, “Seventeen Going Under,” which serves as a poignant reflection on Fender’s own struggles during his youth, filled with feelings of loneliness and frustration.
This resonates with a larger societal issue: the emotional struggles faced by working-class men, who are often conditioned to “man up” and suppress their feelings, forming friendships centered around banter rather than genuine emotional connection. Fender’s music challenges this narrative. “That moment during the concert was filled with emotion,” Jordan recalls. “You could feel a vulnerable energy in the room; it was something special. Hearing an arena filled with people singing so openly was empowering, and that feeling has stayed with me.” Similarly, 18-year-old Hassan, who discovered Fender in 2018, shares a parallel sentiment. “Like many guys, I tend to keep my feelings bottled up, but Fender’s music has shown me that my struggles are valid,” he explains. “Listening to him gives me permission to be vulnerable and to open up when I need it most.”
Addressing Mental Health Issues
Many are acutely aware of the ongoing male mental health crisis. Statistics reveal that men are three times more likely than women to die by suicide, a sobering reality that ranks as the leading cause of death in men under 50. Contributing factors include social isolation, a lack of emotional outlets, and insufficient male role models. Personally, I am 28 and attended a school with around 900 students in a financially challenged coastal area in Wales. Tragically, seven of my peers have lost their lives to suicide: one girl and six boys. The grim reality of these statistics serves as a wake-up call.
Fender confronts this issue head-on in his music. Take, for instance, his 2019 song “Dead Boys,” inspired by the loss of a friend to suicide. The song reflects on the alarming rate at which young men are taking their lives, and it’s no surprise that it has become one of the most streamed tracks from his debut album, Hypersonic Missiles. The lyrics are haunting yet beautiful: “We close our eyes, learn our pain / Nobody ever could explain / All the dead boys in our hometown.” For Hassan, the song resonates deeply. “It makes me reconsider any extreme measures I might contemplate during tough times,” he shares. He is not alone in this sentiment; in 2023, Fender recounted a powerful story on Radio X about a fan who had been on the brink of suicide until he heard Fender discussing “Dead Boys” and chose life instead.
The Craft of Songwriting
David Boyden, a professional songwriter who has worked with artists like Pearl and Ben Ellis, notes that Fender excels at creating songs that intricately weave personal experiences with universal themes. “In tracks like ‘Seventeen Going Under,’ he details introspective images that immerse listeners within the story and then zooms out to discuss their broader significance through catchy refrains,” Boyden explains. “By reflecting on heavy issues through his personal lens, he invites listeners to engage with their own stories in a way that feels relatable rather than condescending.”
Although Fender’s music is distinctly British, his fan base extends well beyond the UK. Kurt, 32, who also discovered Fender in 2021, finds resonance in his portrayal of masculinity amid societal challenges. Living in the “rust belt” of America, an area ravaged by neoliberal policies and industrial decline, Kurt identifies with the struggles Fender articulates. “Sam Fender helps me make sense of my background in every aspect,” he states. “His music has provided me a sense of hope and something to aspire to.” One of Kurt’s go-to tracks is “Alright,” where the lyrics proclaim, “Gotta fight it hand to hand, We’re alright, we’re alright.” He explains, “The song serves as a reminder that despite my struggles, I’m in a good place now: sober, processing trauma, and actively engaged in my community.”
A Healing Community Through Music
This intersection of masculinity, mental health, and social commentary mirrors Boyden’s observations about Fender’s ability to transform personal experiences into universal truths. What’s more, these poignant messages are delivered through melodies that are more accessible than the aggressive sounds of bands like Rage Against the Machine or Anti-Flag. Instead, Fender’s music evokes the emotional expansiveness of groups like Beach House and The Temper Trap, bringing back the euphoric, emotive essence of late 2000s indie without the middle-class connotations that often accompany those artists.
For many young men grappling with the harsh realities of modern masculinity, Fender’s music offers a refuge where they can confront their vulnerabilities. The combination of tender melodies and heartfelt lyrics creates a sense of community among fans, serving as a healing balm in a world where emotional expression is often stifled. People Watching is out now, and its release marks yet another milestone in Fender’s journey as a voice for a generation seeking connection and understanding.
