Newcastle-raised songwriter Samuel Winder has released his debut album, Cracking, a nine-track exploration of uncertainty, change and the fear of standing still.
The album was recorded across 2024 and 2025 at RTN Studios in Winder’s hometown of Newcastle before he relocated to London.
While the record has remained unreleased for almost a year, its extended wait has become part of the album’s story, giving Winder space to step back from the constant push towards whatever comes next.
Cracking follows a steady run of releases throughout 2025, including the gritty and delicate single Dog, which landed a music video placement on ABC’s rage.
His latest single, the racing folk-rock track Slippin’, arrived in April following his move across the world.
Across its nine tracks, Cracking blends folk-rock instincts with a much broader sonic palette.
Grainy drum machines, soft piano, rugged synths, layered saxophone and spacious live drums sit alongside acoustic guitar and Winder’s rich, tender vocals, creating an expansive sound that moves between intimacy and bursts of energy.
The album’s songs explore different corners of that musical landscape.
Half Past builds into an electrifying, post-punk-tinged outro, while Graze takes a more meditative approach with banjo and a stripped-back reflection on minimalism.
Sooner or Later combines wistful piano with raw lyrics and distorted electric guitar, before closer Culdesac grows from sparse beginnings into a joyful heartland-rock finale.
At its centre, Cracking is an album about moving forward while learning when to stop. The title track reflects on the monotony of everyday life and the feeling of youth splintering away, while the album’s long gestation ultimately mirrors its themes by allowing Winder to find value in pausing.
Samuel Winder’s debut album Cracking is out now via all streaming platforms. You can check out what he’s getting up to in London by heading to his Instagram.
