Jul 28
Sam Smith Unveils “To Be Free” Single and Music Video, Announces 12-Night NYC Residency
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Sam Smith, the multi-platinum, GRAMMY, BRIT, Golden Globe, and Oscar-winning artist, has launched their latest single, “To Be Free,” alongside an evocative music video filmed at Brooklyn’s Warsaw. Released on July 24, the track is a stripped-back acoustic piece that highlights Smith’s signature vocals and conveys a personal journey toward self-acceptance and liberation .
The official video, directed by @La Horde, captures Smith’s live performance at Warsaw, emphasizing the intimate and raw atmosphere that defines this latest phase of their artistic evolution .
In conjunction with the single’s release, Sam Smith announced a 12-show residency titled “To Be Free: New York City,” set for October 2025 at Warsaw in Brooklyn. This series of performances promises fans an exclusive and personal experience, with Smith performing in a smaller venue known for its vibrant and inclusive atmosphere .
The residency runs across key dates in October, including October 8, 10, 11, 15, 17, 18, 21, 22, 24, 29, 30, and 31. Pre-sale for tickets begins July 29, with general on-sale starting August 1 .
In a statement accompanying the release, Smith shared, “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. It was created during a time in my life where I became free within myself” .
The lyrics of “To Be Free” resonate deeply with themes of self-acceptance and courage. Lines such as “May your heart be open / Let no one change your mind” and “To be free, wings of freedom fly to me” echo a call for authenticity that has long been central to Smith’s music and public persona . The song’s sparse arrangement and heartfelt delivery have quickly drawn praise from both fans and critics .
As a non-binary and queer artist, Sam Smith has consistently championed LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion in the music industry. Their willingness to share personal stories of struggle and triumph continues to inspire fans worldwide, particularly those within the LGBTQ+ community seeking affirmation and solidarity .
The “To Be Free: New York City” residency is particularly significant given New York’s historic role as a center of LGBTQ+ culture and activism. Hosting such an event in an intimate Brooklyn setting underscores the importance of safe, celebratory spaces for queer and transgender people to gather, reflect, and rejoice in shared experiences .
Smith’s new single and residency announcement come at a time when authentic LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream music remains crucial. As anticipation builds for the October shows, “To Be Free” stands as both a personal milestone for Smith and a rallying anthem for those embracing their identity in the face of adversity .
Tickets for “To Be Free: New York City” are expected to sell out quickly, reflecting both Smith’s enduring popularity and the demand for inclusive, meaningful live music experiences. For more information and to watch the “To Be Free” music video, fans are encouraged to visit Sam Smith’s official channels .
