Sam Fender’s Inspirational New Album: A Tribute to Annie Orwin

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Sam Fender’s new album People Watching will be out in February 2025

Sam Fender has opened up about how the death of a “very close” friend and mentor inspired his latest single.

The singer said People Watching is about Annie Orwin, who he described as “a surrogate mother in a lot of ways”.

He told BBC Radio 1’s Jack Saunders the song was inspired by walks to and from the care home where Annie died last year.

Sam said Annie “always used to complain about me not ever mentioning her” but hopes he has “repaid her” with the single.

“I hope she’s up there thinking, ‘about time, kid’,” he said.

Annie Orwin: The Muse Behind the Music

Annie was an actress who for 17 years starred in Byker Grove – a coming of age drama centring on a Newcastle youth centre which ran from 1989-2006.

Her character was a foster carer and her agent, who described Annie as “a force to be reckoned with”, said after playing the role, she went into teaching and mentoring in the north east.

In the single, Sam sings about promising to get Annie out of the care home where she died, which he describes as “falling to bits and understaffed”.

He said he was with Annie when she died, a moment referenced in the song with the line: “I stayed all night till you left this life cos that’s just love.”

He told Radio 1: “It’s just a song about how much I love her really and how much I respected her.

“She was larger than life, so I felt like she needed something that was soaring.”

The Impact of People Watching

The song struck a chord with fans like Enqruita who told BBC Newsbeat it helped her reconnect with feelings of grief she felt when her grandmother died two years ago.

“When I listened to it, it made me cry,” she says.

“Grief is something we’ve all been through and the fact Sam is so brave so share this, it makes you feel like you’re not alone, that you’re not the only one who feels this pain.

“I feel like it made me heal a part of myself I didn’t know needed to be healed.”

The Journey to People Watching

Sam said People Watching was the last song he wrote for the album.

Around the time of Annie’s death, he says he was finishing up the album but then “wrote a load of new songs”, including the new single.

“It ended up being one of the most euphoric tracks on the album, I think,” he says.

“It made sense, it’s about Annie.”

He says the album, set to be released in full in February, is “more outward-pointing than Seventeen Going Under was,” describing it as “a collection of stories”.

“It’s about people I know and my hometown and [People Watching] felt like a great title.”

Conclusion

Sam Fender’s upcoming album, inspired by the life and legacy of Annie Orwin, promises to be a heartfelt tribute that resonates with fans on a deeply emotional level. Through his music, Fender has found a way to immortalize the impact of a beloved mentor, capturing the essence of love, loss, and healing in each poignant lyric.

FAQs

What is the release date for Sam Fender’s new album?

The album, titled People Watching, is set to be released in February 2025.

Who is Annie Orwin and how did she inspire Sam Fender?

Annie Orwin was a close friend and mentor to Sam Fender, who described her as a “surrogate mother” and a source of inspiration for his music. The single People Watching is a tribute to her life and legacy.

How has People Watching impacted fans?

The song has resonated with fans, helping them navigate feelings of grief and healing. Many listeners have found solace in the emotional depth of Fender’s tribute to Annie Orwin.

Title: The Rise of Sustainable Investing: A Game-Changer in the Financial World

Introduction:
Sustainable investing has become a hot topic in the financial world, with more and more investors looking to align their investments with their values. This shift towards sustainable investing is not just a trend, but a movement that is reshaping the way we think about finance and the future of our planet. In this article, we will explore the rise of sustainable investing, its impact on the financial industry, and why it is here to stay.

The Growth of Sustainable Investing

The concept of sustainable investing, also known as socially responsible investing (SRI) or environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing, has been gaining momentum in recent years. According to a report by the Global Sustainable Investment Alliance, sustainable investing assets reached $35.3 trillion globally in 2020, representing a 15% increase from the previous year.

Key Drivers of Sustainable Investing Growth

There are several key drivers fueling the growth of sustainable investing:

– Increasing awareness of environmental and social issues
– Demand for transparency and accountability from companies
– Regulatory changes promoting sustainable practices
– Generation shift towards more socially conscious investing

Impact on the Financial Industry

The rise of sustainable investing is reshaping the financial industry in several ways:

– Companies are being held accountable for their environmental and social impact
– Investors are demanding more sustainable investment options
– Financial institutions are integrating ESG factors into their investment strategies
– Sustainable investing is no longer seen as a niche market, but as a mainstream investment approach

Expert Insights on Sustainable Investing

According to a recent survey by Morgan Stanley, 85% of individual investors are interested in sustainable investing. Experts believe that sustainable investing is not only a moral imperative, but also a smart financial decision. Companies that prioritize sustainability are more likely to outperform their peers in the long run.

Conclusion:

The rise of sustainable investing is a game-changer in the financial world, with investors increasingly looking to align their values with their investments. As the demand for sustainable investing continues to grow, companies and financial institutions will need to adapt to meet this shift in investor preferences. Sustainable investing is not just a trend, but a movement towards a more responsible and sustainable financial future.

FAQ:

Q: What is sustainable investing?
A: Sustainable investing, also known as socially responsible investing (SRI) or environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing, involves considering environmental, social, and governance factors in investment decisions.

Q: Why is sustainable investing important?
A: Sustainable investing is important because it allows investors to align their investments with their values, while also promoting companies that prioritize sustainability and social responsibility.

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