Lily Allen announces comeback album West End Girl

Sam Ryder has unveiled his second studio album Heartland.

Released through the independent label Artist Theory, the new project captures what the 2022 Eurovision runner-up describes as “the feeling of the last couple of years.”

The album represents a fresh chapter for Ryder, who took time to pause and reflect after the whirlwind success of his 2022 breakout hit Space Man, a Number 1 album, and billions of streams around the world.

After stepping away from Parlophone, the singer found himself without a label and struggling with a crisis of confidence.

He recorded the album in Nashville, living in a log cabin during the process. The tracks draw inspiration from the city’s rich musical heritage, classic Western and Hollywood scores, and elements of soul music.

Speaking about the record, Ryder shared: “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.”

He also spoke about the single The Feeling Never Went Away, explaining: “It’s about still having feelings for someone or something even though they perhaps don’t deserve them anymore… Even though I think I’ve conquered them, back they come. Healing and breaking the cycle is about recognising these feelings and accepting them.”

The 13-track album, a follow-up to 2022’s There’s Nothing but Space, Man!, features the previously released songs White Lies, OH OK, and Armour.

Ryder collaborated with an impressive roster of producers and songwriters on the project, including Mikky Ekko, Steve Mac, Mike Elizondo, Tom Elmhirst, Nick Lobel, and J Kash, among others.

The release comes after his acclaimed Glastonbury debut in June and ahead of his biggest headline performance yet at London’s Wembley Arena on November 6 — a particularly special venue for Ryder, as it’s where he attended his first concert as a teenager.

Remaining tickets for the Wembley show are available at aegpresents.co.uk/event/sam-ryder.