Five years ago, Sam Smith underwent an especially transformative period in their life. It was around the time that they were recording their fourth studio album, Gloria, an expansion of their creative vision that overlapped with an embrace of self-liberation. But the key to that transformation — an earnest ballad they wrote during those sessions titled “To Be Free” — was shelved for the time being. Smith didn’t believe it was a fit for the record. Now, after living with it for so long, they’re sharing it in hopes that it will unlock the same freedoms for others.
“It was created during a time in my life where I became free within myself,” Smith shared in a statement about “To Be Free,” which is backed by the TwoCity Chorus, a 22-piece choir helmed by Ant Clemons and Brandon Pain. “I’ve never had a recording experience like I did making this song. It’s one vocal and guitar take from start to finish – one live performance of me and my friend Simon Aldred in a pure state of music and expression.”
Smith added: “Over the last five years, Simon and I started to create music that fit into this world of ‘To Be Free’ and during this time, I’ve continued to turn to this song in happy moments, sad moments, lonely moments and angry moments. It’s become my sister, my family member and ultimately calms me. Now, I’m ready to let it go and hopefully it can do the same for someone else.”
The single arrives alongside an expressive music video directed by (La)Horde. “With this song, the visual of rivers kept coming into my mind and into my heart,” Smith said. They were reminded of the river near their childhood home in the English countryside, the Thames in London, and New York’s Hudson River, near their current residence. “Rivers have been in my life a lot. So I found it interesting to think of my music and my expression as an artist as a river.” In the video, dancers give in to the flow.
“To Be Free” was filmed at Warsaw, one of Brooklyn’s oldest venues. In October, Smith will spend 12 nights performing in the same space for the To Be Free: New York City residency. The run of live shows kicks off on Oct. 8 and extends through Oct. 31. General sale begins Friday, Aug. 1, at 10 a.m. local time following presale, which begins Tuesday, July 29, at 10 a.m. local time.
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“I’ve been waiting for the right time to release this song,” Smith shared, “and I couldn’t be happier that it’s finally yours.”
Sam Smith To Be Free: New York City 2025 Residency Dates
Oct. 8 — Brooklyn, NY @ Warsaw
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Oct. 31 — Brooklyn, NY @ Warsaw
