Sam Smith is stepping away from the stadium theatrics and back into the warm glow of vulnerability with his brand new single, “To Be Free.” Out now via Capitol Records, the acoustic ballad marks a deeply emotional pivot and a return to form, echoing the raw soulfulness of his debut In The Lonely Hour.
The song, co-written and co-produced with longtime collaborator Simon Aldred, is built from a single live take. The result is a stirring, organic performance buoyed by the powerful presence of The TwoCity Chorus, a collective of New York and Philadelphia voices curated by Brandon Pain with support from Ant Clemons. “I’ve never had a recording experience like I did making this song,” Smith shared.
“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.”
The song was originally written five years ago during sessions for Gloria, but Smith says he knew it didn’t belong on that album. Instead, “To Be Free” sat waiting for the right moment and that moment, it seems, is now.
To bring this new era to life, Sam Smith also announced “To Be Free: New York City,” a 12-night residency at Warsaw, an intimate venue in Brooklyn that has become synonymous with indie authenticity. The shows will run throughout October and give fans the rare opportunity to experience Sam in an up-close, stripped-down setting.
The music video for “To Be Free,” which was filmed inside the Warsaw venue, captures that spirit of intimacy and surrender. Directed by French choreographic collective (LA)HORDE, who previously worked on the blockbuster “Unholy” video, the visual showcases Sam performing the chorus as the crowd is quite literally lifted by emotion, trust, and sound.
Pre-sale tickets for to see Smith’s 2025 Warsaw Residency started, July 29.
General on sale tickets will be available August 1.
Sam Smith – “To Be Free: New York City” 2025 Warsaw Residency Dates
Wednesday, October 8
Friday, October 10
Saturday, October 11
Wednesday, October 15
Friday, October 17
Saturday, October 18
Tuesday, October 21
Wednesday, October 22
Friday, October 24
Wednesday, October 29
Thursday, October 30
Friday, October 31
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