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Sam Smith: The Bright-Side of Fame
- Fernando Flores
- Oct 17
- 3 min read
Article Contributed by Fernando Flores Edited by Rebecca McDevitt, Managing Editor
Images provided by Getty Images
SoundCheck Mag was lucky enough to be invited to Sam Smith’s To Be Free residency in NYC. Let’s just say, it was one of those nights that’ll stay with you. To witness raw talent is to watch Sam perform live. The residency was a full experience, and SoundCheck Mag is proud to have been there for it.
An Intimate Venue & Experience
Located at Warsaw in Brooklyn, NY, fans receive the right amount of intimacy that allows you to be right there in the moment with Sam. No flashy gimmicks, nothing that would scream overcompensating. It was just Sam, the music, and the crowd.
From small venues to large stadium shows to extreme stardom within a year, Sam has collected quite the gathering, which had the venue packed to the limit. The crowd was unlike any other. From the moment Sam stepped on stage, the crowd pressed closer to the stage, like a family gathered in excitement to see their kin perform.
And Perform They Did
Sam’s voice is, well, legendary. There’s no other way to put it. They went all out with an amazing setlist of old, new and surprise tracks. Belting out the heart-wrenching lines of the classic song, “Stay With Me.”
They brought a whole new level of energy to tracks like “I’ve Told You Now” that left the room completely captivated. But what made it stand out wasn’t the amazing vocals and surprise setlist. It was the way Sam interacted with everyone. They’re not just up there performing at you, they’re performing with you. You’re all in it together.
On a Personal Note
Sam got pretty personal with the crowd. They shared what the residency means to them, touching on their journey from just starting out to claiming fame and what led to their freedom. That sense of liberation was felt throughout the entire show. Sam wasn’t holding back. It was all about being unapologetically yourself, and you could feel that energy radiating from the stage.
The show had this nice mix of emotional highs and pure fun moments. One minute you’re wiping away a tear to a stripped-down version of “Unholy,” and the next you’re dancing along to a more upbeat track. Sam made it about creating this space where everyone felt comfortable being themselves. And honestly, by the end of the night, you couldn’t help but feel a little lighter too.
The residency wasn’t about the hits, it was about freedom. Sam let everyone in that room know that it’s okay to be vulnerable, to express yourself however you need to, and to embrace who you truly are. It was kind of like Sam was giving you permission to be yourself through example of his own life path.
The Final Act
When the final song hit, the crowd was holding back tears knowing that the show ending. Everyone collectively emotional from the great experience Sam left us with. You knew this wasn’t just another performance—it was something that left a lasting impression. If you haven’t seen Sam Smith live yet, don’t sleep on it. Trust us, their “To Be Free” residency is set to have you leaving the venue with a new perspective to life.
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