Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger has publicly praised British singer-songwriter Sam Fender, identifying him as a contemporary artist whose work he frequently listens to. In a recent interview with NME, Jagger highlighted Fender’s songwriting ability, specifically citing the 2021 album Seventeen Going Under and noting the "interesting" lyrical quality of his broader catalog.
Why Mick Jagger Supports Sam Fender
Jagger’s appreciation for Fender centers on the young artist’s ability to craft effective pop melodies and relatable narratives. According to Jagger, the appeal lies in the "general vibe and then the grooves" of the music, coupled with strong choruses.
"I’ve had my Sam Fender moments lately, because I like a lot of his stuff," Jagger told NME. Beyond the technical aspects of the music, Jagger pointed to the lyrical content as a standout feature, noting that Fender’s writing effectively reflects his experiences growing up. Jagger also observed that Fender’s songwriting has evolved, moving beyond the working-class themes that characterized his earlier releases to embrace a more "pop-orientated" sound, citing his successful collaboration with Olivia Dean as an example.
A Potential Stage Collaboration
When asked by NME if Fender might join The Rolling Stones for a live performance, Jagger indicated openness to the idea. Specifically, the publication suggested Fender could be a fitting guest for the classic track "Tumbling Dice." Jagger responded, "Yeah, he might be really good for that." While no official tour dates or guest appearances have been confirmed, the acknowledgment marks a rare public endorsement of a modern artist from the legendary frontman.
The Rolling Stones’ Current Creative Direction
Jagger’s comments on younger artists coincide with the promotion of new material from The Rolling Stones. The band has been active in exploring collaborations and new recording projects.
- Collaborations: The band’s recent work includes a feature from Paul McCartney, who plays bass on the track "Covered In You." Jagger described the experience of working with the former Beatle as "very easy."
- Robert Smith: The Cure frontman Robert Smith appears on the track "Divine Intervention," though Jagger noted that Smith initially declined the collaboration because he "wasn’t really prepared for it."
- Podcast Series: To accompany their latest output, the band launched a six-part podcast titled Speaking In Tongues, which details the creative process behind their recent studio sessions.
Musical Influences and Preferences
Jagger’s interest in contemporary music extends beyond Fender. He recently noted his appreciation for other modern acts, describing the band Geese as "very experimental" and praising Rosalía for the "conceptual" nature of her album Lux.
When reflecting on his own career, Jagger highlighted Sticky Fingers, Beggars Banquet, and Hackney Diamonds as some of his favorite albums from The Rolling Stones’ extensive discography. He also named "Sympathy For The Devil," "Start Me Up," "Angie," and "Honky Tonk Women" as among his favorite songs to perform and revisit.