Sam Fender has shared his take on Alan Hull and Lindisfarne’s powerful track Winter Song. Originally released in 1970 by the ‘local legends’ of Newcastle, Fender has sprinkled his own magic on this version.
Winter Song is a beautiful track singing of the need to have empathy towards others in less fortunate positions to you, ‘Do you spare a thought for the homeless tramp who wishes he was dead?‘. His hauntingly emotive vocals provide a chance to reflective on everything we do have and what we should all be grateful for, ‘when the turkey’s in the oven and the Christmas presents are bought‘. In a year which for many has been made harder due to the ongoing pandemic, it feels the perfect time for us all to get a small reminder to be a little bit kinder.
Speaking about the track, Sam Fender says “I wanted to do a Christmas song, and wanted it to be close to my home and my heart. For me, the words are more relevant this year than ever. Christmas won’t be the same for a lot of people this year, and that’s why I picked Winter Song. Alan Hull truly was one of the most fantastic and underrated writers of his time. Geordie legend. I hope I’ve done it justice, I’m really proud of it.”
A lyric video, produced in conjunction with People Of The Streets (POTS) has been released. Featuring photos shot in Manchester, London, Nottingham and Tel Aviv, it shows the perspective of life on the streets for those who are living through it.
POTS is a social enterprise which seeks to meet the less tangible needs of those who are experiencing homelessness. Putting human stories at the heart of public conversation on homelessness, participants take part in educational courses where they learn skills including photography skills to enable them to develop a portfolio of visual and written work. With this portfolio they are able to exhibit it, put it on sale and profit from these sales, with profits going to the creator of the work through a self-development fund.
Alongside his collaboration with POTS, Sam Fender is teaming up with The Big Issue whose vendors are currently unable to work due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions. Fans can purchase the latest edition via his webstore and proceeds from this will go towards helping build the Vendor Support Fund to help those currently unable to earn an income and also support the magazine. Head HERE to get yours from his merch store and do your bit to help an important cause this Christmas.
Earlier this year the singer-songwriter released Hold Out, which marked the end of his Hypersonic Missiles era. Fans can now look forward to the start of a new era in his music and what will follow in the new year.
Winter Song is out now and can be streamed or purchased from HERE.
What do you think of Winter Song? Tweet us @CelebMix and share your thoughts.