Sam Fender has teamed up with Adolescence actor Owen Cooper for a moving new video for ‘Little Bit Closer’. Check it out below.
The song was shared as part of the Geordie singer-songwriter’s latest album, ‘People Watching’ – which was praised by NME as a “gorgeous” record that tackled the feeling of being “existential, uprooted and disconnected”.
Now, Fender has shared the dramatic new video for the song, which sees him enlist actor Owen Cooper, who recently found fame with his role as Jamie Miller in the critically acclaimed Netflix drama Adolescence.
The footage was shot in the Lake District in the north-west of England, and follows the young actor as he goes on a camping trip with a group of friends and begins to contemplate his understanding of faith.
It also sees the ‘Seventeen Going Under’ singer reunite with Adolescence director Philip Barantini. The two worked together four years ago for the music video for 2021’s ‘Spit Of You’, and the project also included the series’ co-writer and actor Stephen Graham.
“It’s so great to be working with Phil again, I had no doubt he was the right director for this piece, his video for ‘Spit of You’ was my favourite,” Fender said. “Phil called to say he’d asked Owen if he’d like to be in the video, and that Owen was keen. I was elated that he could do it after seeing his incredible performance in Adolescence.”
He continued: “Alongside Semera Khan [Creative Director] and the rest of the cast and team, they have created something beautiful.”
Barantini shared: “To have the opportunity to direct another video for Sam was an immediate yes – an absolute no-brainer for me! Not only is Sam an incredible artist but he’s a beautiful human and a great friend! Also, the opportunity to direct Owen again so soon after Adolescence was an absolute joy!”
Although Fender dropped the highly anticipated album ‘People Watching’ less than three months ago, he has hinted that he already has new music in the works and is “desperate” to lean into more of a punk-inspired sound.
There hasn’t been any official announcement of another album yet, but last month did see the release of fan favourite track ‘Tyrants’ for the first time. The song had previously only been available as part of the ‘Me And The Dog’ vinyl EP and on the seven-inch edition of 2024 single ‘People Watching’.
As for live shows, the BRIT Award winner is set to play some huge UK stadium shows this summer. These include stops at the 75,000-capacity London Stadium – marking his first stadium headline date outside of his hometown Newcastle – and further stops at Newcastle’s St. James’ Park.
Fender will also headline Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2025 in Liverpool later this month, and in August he’ll play three big outdoor gigs in Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast, as well as top the bill at Ireland’s Electric Picnic. Find any remaining tickets for Fender’s UK and Ireland headline dates here.
