Sam Smith recently captivated audiences with a performance on The Late Show, featuring two standout songs. Among the highlights was a heartfelt cover of Bill Withers’ classic, “Ain’t No Sunshine,” alongside their own single, “To Be Free.” The performance set the tone for their upcoming residency in New York City.
Upcoming Residency: To Be Free
This month, Sam Smith will launch their “To Be Free” residency at Warsaw, one of Brooklyn’s historic venues. The residency will run for 12 nights, starting on October 8 and concluding on October 31. Following this New York engagement, Smith is scheduled to perform at the Castro Theatre in San Francisco in February, with eight shows planned.
Performance Highlights
- Ain’t No Sunshine: Smith’s rendition featured a minimalist arrangement with two guitarists.
- To Be Free: This song, released in July, was illuminated by backlighting and accompanied by a solo musician and backup singers.
Smith describes “To Be Free” as a song created during a pivotal time of self-liberation. After initially setting the track aside during the production of their fourth studio album, Gloria, they later chose to share it with fans. The song features the TwoCity Chorus, a 22-piece choir led by Ant Clemons and Brandon Pain.
“I’ve never had a recording experience like I did making this song,” Smith stated. The creative process involved a single, live recording session with friend Simon Aldred, producing an authentic expression of music.
Music Video Filming
Interestingly, the music video for “To Be Free” was also filmed at Warsaw, further emphasizing the venue’s significance in Smith’s artistic journey. As they prepare for their upcoming performances, fans are eagerly anticipating the emotional resonance of Smith’s music and the unique atmosphere that this residency promises.
