Sam Fender on 'Rein Me In' With Olivia Dean, Meeting Elton John and Star Wars | Interview
Why It Matters
Fender’s sudden chart dominance and high‑profile collaborations illustrate how strategic duets can catapult emerging artists into international stardom, shaping future release strategies and touring plans.
Key Takeaways
- •Fender's surprise LA night included Paul McCartney, Elton John, Star Wars.
- •"Rain Me In" topped UK #1, won Brit Song of Year.
- •Olivia Dean chose the duet, adding a female perspective.
- •Success arrived during planned break; Fender balances fame with family.
- •Upcoming studio sessions aim to capture momentum for new album.
Summary
The interview captures Sam Fender’s whirlwind Los Angeles visit, where a last‑minute label‑arranged ticket landed him at a Paul McCartney show, followed by chance encounters with Elton John, Al Pacino and a Star Wars experience at Disneyland.
Fender celebrates the meteoric rise of his single “Rain Me In,” which topped the UK chart, won the Brit Song of the Year award and is climbing charts worldwide. He credits the duet’s success to Olivia Dean, who selected the track herself and infused a dual‑narrative, female perspective that broadened its appeal.
He jokes that while the song exploded, he was still playing PlayStation, eating KFC and trying to decompress with his grandmother, underscoring the surreal contrast between ordinary life and sudden fame. Notable moments include his description of the Star Wars ride as “the happiest day of my life” and his gratitude toward Dean for delivering his first number‑one.
Looking ahead, Fender plans to return to the studio with his band, using the current momentum to craft new material for his next album, while navigating the pressures and opportunities that come with global recognition.
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