ALBUM OF THE MONTH: SABRINA CARPENTER - MAN'S BEST FRIEND

Record Store Day returns on Saturday 18 April 2026 for its 19th edition, celebrating independent record shops and the people who support them. More than 280 UK record shops, alongside thousands worldwide, will take part with exclusive physical releases and in-store events. Over the coming months, RSD will announce its official UK ambassador and unveil hundreds of exclusive releases landing in participating shops. Since launching in 2007, Record Store Day has grown into one of the most anticipated dates in the music calendar, highlighting the continued importance of independent record retail. Record Store Day 2026 is supported by a range of partners who share RSD’s passion for music, creativity, and independent record shops. BBC Radio 6 Music BBC Radio 6 Music has been a long-standing supporter of Record Store Day for more than a decade and will once again join as Official Media Partner for 2026, reflecting its ongoing commitment to championing artists, music discovery, and the UK’s record shop community. Bowers & Wilkins RSD is thrilled to welcome back longstanding partner Bowers & Wilkins, delivering high-performance audio to celebrate vinyl and support independent record stores. Giles Pocock, VP of Brand Marketing, said: “Independent record stores are the beating heart of the music community. Record Store Day celebrates the artistry and craftsmanship that makes music so special, and we’re proud to continue our support.” Jack Daniel’s x Metropolis: REVIVE LIVE RSD are delighted to welcome Jack Daniels & Metropolis to the 2026 celebrations. Their involvement centres on three outstanding live to vinyl projects which will be announced in the coming weeks. Eduardo Toledo, Head of Jack Daniel’s UK, said: “Music has always been central to Jack Daniel’s. REVIVE LIVE keeps that spirit alive - on stage, in the studio and in record shops. Live music creates unforgettable moments and embodies the independent ethos shared by both the UK music scene and our Tennessee whiskey.” War Child RSD are proud to be fundraising for War Child as the Official Charity Partner in 2026. Donations will support their work providing specialist support for children affected by conflict worldwide including mental health care, education, shelter, and emergency supplies. More details of the War Child fundraising efforts will be shared in the weeks ahead. Rich Clarke, Head of Music, said: “We’re delighted to be a long-term partner of Record Store Day celebrating independent record shops and the communities who support them. We’re honoured to the be the official charity partner and to use that platform to give vital support by children affected by conflict around the world.”

2025 has been a huge year for Sam Fender: selling out London Stadium and three St James’ Park gigs in Newcastle, winning the Mercury Music Prize in his hometown, and releasing the fastest-selling British album of the year. On top of that, he was named Record Store Day 2025 ambassador, cementing his status as one of the UK’s most celebrated artists. Now, People Watching returns in a deluxe 2LP edition with eight new tracks, including “Rein Me In” with Olivia Dean and the new single “Talk to You” featuring Elton John. These fresh tracks are the perfect excuse to revisit the album and soak up the stories and songs that made it a standout this year. The new edition features more stunning imagery from the late Tish Murtha’s archive: a figure on a snow-covered bench, overlooking terraced housing and a factory. Iconic, poignant, and deeply tied to the Northern landscapes that inspire Sam’s music. Stick it on your Christmas list, buy it for a friend, and head to your local indie record shop when People Watching Deluxe drops on 5th December. Flip through the sleeve, spin the new tracks, and relive the album all over again. 2025 has been Sam’s year - cheers to him, and to all the independent record shops that have made it one to remember! Tracklist: LP1 Side A 1. People Watching 2. Nostalgia’s Lie 3. Chin Up 4. Wild Long Lie 5. Arm’s Length Side B 6. Crumbling Empire 7. Little Bit Closer 8. Rein Me In 9. TV Dinner 10. Something Heavy 11. Remember My Name LP2 Side A 1. I’m Always on Stage 2. Talk To You (feat. Elton John) 3. Fortuna’s Wheel 4. Rein Me In (with Olivia Dean) Side B 5. Me and The Dog 6. Tyrants 7. The Treadmill 8. Empty Spaces