When Two Generations Collide
Sam Fender, Elton John and the Power of Renewal
When Sam Fender dropped his new single Talk to You, featuring Elton John on piano, it felt like more than just a musical moment. It felt like a lesson in growth, connection and transformation.
The Collaboration
Fender, riding high after winning the 2025 Mercury Prize for his album People Watching, reached out to Elton John with a riff and asked for help. Elton responded and together they created “Talk to You” - a song about the end of a long relationship, the pain of regret and the lessons that come with it.
In Sam’s words:
“It’s that feeling of losing your best friend and coming to terms with that.”
Elton added:
“I truly love Sam. He’s been a friend for many, many years and it’s incredible to see him grow into being a truly world-class artist.” American Songwriter+1
Why This Matters
On one level, “Talk to You” is simply a great track-melodic, reflective, emotionally charged. But dig a bit deeper and it becomes a story of resilience, mentorship and the power of connection across generations.
And at Moco Coaching, we believe those are exactly the themes worth paying attention to.
What We Can Learn (and Use)
Here are three ways this track mirrors what we teach at Moco Coaching-and how you might apply them to your own life and performance mindset:
1. Growth is constant
Fender’s journey shows that even when you’ve “made it” in some sense, there’s more to be done. He didn’t rest on his laurels after the Mercury Prize win. He reached out, collaborated, reflected. At Moco Coaching, we encourage you to see success as a chapter-not the end. Growth requires new eyes and fresh partnerships.
2. Vulnerability fuels strength
Writing a song about losing a best friend, about regret and the lessons that follow-that’s not weakness. It’s authenticity. At Moco, we believe true performance comes from honouring your full story-not hiding parts of it. When you bring your whole self, your past, your scars, your hopes, you open the door to deeper resilience and connection.
3. Mentorship and alliance matter
Elton John stepping in on guitar (well, piano) is a powerful reminder: sometimes the right person at the right time makes all the difference. Whether you are looking for guidance, collaboration or simply someone to reflect your vision back at you - having someone who’s been there matters. Moco Coaching is about helping you find your team, your mirror, your guide-so that you can step into your next level.
Your Next Step
If you’re ready to take this inspiration into action:
Reflect on one area where you feel you’ve hit a plateau-what’s the next bridge to cross?
Identify someone (mentor, peer, coach) who can help you move forward-not just cheer you on, but challenge you.
Write down a story you’ve been resisting or avoiding and bring it into the open. As Fender shows us: clarity begins with truth.
Final Note
“Talk to You” is more than just rock with piano. It’s a reminder that connections matter, that endings can be beginnings and that our stories-however messy-are the fuel for our next performance.
At Moco Coaching, we’re here for the journey-not just the scoreboard. Because when you align your story, your body and your ambition… that’s where real mastery begins.