Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Shawn Mendes fans call out singer’s ‘unnecessary’ artwork for new ‘wildfire’ single

Canadian star is being urged to ‘change’ the cover due to ‘horrible timing’

Jacob Stolworthy
Friday 09 June 2023 09:17 BST
Comments
Shawn Mendes performs 'Wonder' on Children in Need

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Shawn Mendes fans are questioning the singer’s “horrible” choice of artwork for his new single.

On Friday (9 June), the music star released a new song titled “What the Hell Are We Dying for?”

He also revealed the artwork for the track, which is a photo of the World Trade Centre, in New York City, recently consumed by the clouds of smoke that came from the Canadian wildfires.

The image went viral on social media less than two days before.

Now, many of fans of Mendes, who is Canadian, are questioning his decision, with some branding it “ignorant” and “silly”.

“Um why tf would Shawn Mendes make that his cover art?” one fan asked, with another adding: “The vocals are amazing but I think y’all should change the cover please and thank you.”

Someone who has been “a fan since day one” commented: “This is not my favorite cover art for the song.” Another called it “horrible timing”.

“Ain’t no way you used this photo as an album cover,” one critic said, as an additional fan branded it “unnecessary”.

Proceeds for the single are being donated to Canadian Red Cross, which prompted many to suggest Mendes should have used a photo from the wildfires in Canada instead.

In his post announcing the single, however, the singer wote: “Started writing this song yesterday morning with my friends in upstate Newyork & finished it only a few hours ago..felt so important to me to share with you guys in real time.”

Shawn Mendes fans aren’t happy with his new single artwork choice
Shawn Mendes fans aren’t happy with his new single artwork choice (Twitter)

Others are also expressing the belief that the song is about Camila Cabello, with whom it’s been reported he has split from.

The Independent has contacted Mendes for comment.

People in New York who are vulnerable to poor air quality have been advised to avoid going outdoors and to wear masks to protect themselves from the smoke.

Amazon Music logo

Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music

Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)

Sign up
Amazon Music logo

Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music

Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)

Sign up

New York City is currently the world’s most polluted major city, surpassing Delhi, Baghdad and Kuwait, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) describing the air pollution level as “hazardous”.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in