Sam Ryder will release his second studio album ‘Heartland' on 17th October 2025 via independent label Artist Theory.
Available to pre-save now, the album features the new single ‘The Feeling Never Went Away'. Its infectious bassline melds with Ryder's undeniable vocal as he powerfully narrates emotions and struggles that can persist and return, and the power of acceptance in healing.
The album takes listeners into the intimate corners of Ryder's soul over the past year, tracing a profound journey of growth, both personally and professionally. After two decades of unrelenting dedication to his music, ‘Heartland' is the album Ryder has long yearned to create. Sonically fresh and elevated, and lyrically resonating on a deeper level than ever before, the 13 tracks that comprise Heartland unveil a side of Sam you’ve never seen or heard before.
The announcement follows Ryder's triumphant Glastonbury debut in June and comes ahead of his biggest headline show to date at London’s Wembley Arena – a particularly poignant place for Sam as the venue of the first gig he ever went to as a teen.
After taking some time away to pause and reflect following a dizzying couple of years that saw his hit single ‘Space Man' skyrocket him to the forefront of the airwaves, score a #1 album, billions of streams, stadium performances and more, Ryder has reclaimed creative control and freedom with ‘Heartland'.
Discussing the album, Ryder says “This record is a collection of songs attempting to convey the feeling of the last couple of years. The wish is to find a connection with you no matter where you are in the world, whether it’s flying high or feeling like you’re the only ship out on the ocean. If you’re navigating the pain of forgiveness and the weight that comes with holding onto resentment, if you’ve lost confidence in yourself and you’re trying to find a way back to your spark, spirit and hope, this is for you. Take to the Heartland. I’m with you every step.”
On the ‘The Feeling Never Went Away’, Ryder says “It’s about still having feelings for someone or something even though they perhaps don’t deserve them anymore, but you can’t help it, it’s chemical. In my own life that finds its form in the shape of struggles or demons I’ve had over the past year or so, and even though I think I’ve conquered them, back they come. I think ultimately healing and breaking the cycle is about recognising these feelings and accepting them, and knowing that although the feeling might never go away, it doesn’t define us.”
Sam worked alongside an incredible team of collaborators on ‘Heartland', including Mikky Ekko (Teddy Swims, Rihanna), Steve Mac (Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber), Mike Elizondo (Gwen Stefani, Tom Elmhirst (Amy Winehouse, Adele), Jon Green (Teddy Swims, James Bay), Nick Lobel (Harry Styles, Beyoncé, Miley Cyrus), J Kash (Miley Cyrus, Charlie Puth), Fede (Coldplay, Miley Cyrus) and Jesse Fink (Myles Smith).
Heartland tracklisting
- Olympic '89
- The Feeling Never Went Away
- OH OK
- Heartland
- White Lies
- Suffer In Silence
- Armour
- Burn It Down
- Better Man
- Up Down
- Come and go like the asteroids do
- Electric Marine Blue
- Eyes On You
Sam Ryder – Headline UK Tour Dates
November 6 – Wembley Arena, London – Get tickets
Sam Ryder – 2025 Festival Dates
Aug 14 – Rock ‘n’ Roll Circus
Aug 15 – Hardwick Festival
Aug 22-24 – CarFest
Aug 30 – Yorkshire Wildlife Park
