Arts & Entertainment

Sam Smith releases acoustic version of latest single, ‘To Die For’

Published

6 years ago

March 13, 2020

***Sam Smith*** *(Photo credit: Walter Pfeiffer)*

Less than a month after the recent release of their new single, “To Die For,” singer Sam Smith has debuted a new acoustic version of the song.

Smith dropped the new recording on Friday, which features a stripped-down musical accompaniment of piano and cello, along with an “ambient visual” which was filmed and recorded live in Los Angeles. The pop superstar’s vocals are placed front and center in a sentimental performance that evokes their earliest releases.

The original version, which was released on Valentine’s day, was itself accompanied by a profound Grant Singer- directed video, in conjunction with the announcement of Smith’s long-awaited third album, “To Die For,” which is scheduled to drop May 1 on Capitol Records.

The original recording opens with a sample from the 2001 cult film “Donnie Darko,” pairing soaring strings and evocative piano with Smith’s distinctive vocals expressing their plaintive confession, “I just want somebody to die for.” The introspective tune was recorded with Jimmy Napes and Stargate, who also collaborated with Smith on 2017’s 4x US Platinum track, “Too Good At Goodbyes.” Smith also recently released a behind-the-scenes video about the making of their official video for the title track.

Since the release of their 2014 debut album, “In The Lonely Hour,” Smith has sold over 25 million adjusted albums worldwide, in addition to winning four Grammy Awards, an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and three BRIT Awards. Their second album, “The Thrill Of It All,” debuted in the number one spot on the Billboard 200 in 2017, also topping charts worldwide, and was awarded four stars by Rolling Stone. A 2019 collaboration with Normani, “Dancing with a Stranger,” sold more than 10 million units and racked up over two billion streams worldwide, becoming a number one airplay hit in the US and UK and achieving Platinum status in 19 countries. A follow up single, “How Do You Sleep?,” amassed over 600 million streams worldwide.

You can watch the video for the new acoustic version below.

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Photos

PHOTOS: Lambda Legal in the Pines

Fundraiser held at ‘Normal Heart’ house

Published

8 hours ago

July 31, 2026

Guest photographer

A scene from the 'Lambda Legal in the Pines' fundraiser on July 25. (Photo by Santiago Felipe)

The LGBTQ organization Lambda Legal held its annual “Lambda Legal in the Pines” fundraiser on Saturday, July 25. The event was held at a house on Fire Island featured in Ryan Murphy’s 2014 HBO film, “The Normal Heart.”

Organizers say over $500,000 was raised to support Lambda Legal’s national litigation and advocacy work.

(Photos by Santiago Felipe)

Out & About

Come showcase your singing, poetry talent

Spark Social open mic night planned for Aug. 13

Published

12 hours ago

July 31, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m.

Get ready to share your talent or just kick back and enjoy some great performances. This event is a fun, laid-back vibe where everyone’s welcome to take the stage. Sign-ups are first-come, first-served, but you can also DM Spark Social on Instagram to reserve a performance spot. Whether you’re a singer, poet, or comedian, this is your chance to get on stage and share your art. More details are available on Eventbrite.

Calendar

Calendar: July 31-August 6

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

16 hours ago

July 31, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, July 31

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at DIK Bar. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Saturday, August 1

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Sunday, August 2

“Black Gay Flea: Summer Kickback” will be at 12 p.m. at Wunder Garten. This is a space created to celebrate Black LGBTQ+ creatives, artists, makers, entrepreneurs, and the community that shows up for them. Come spend the afternoon shopping with local vendors, discovering new brands, supporting small businesses, and connecting with people from across the DMV. More details are on Eventbrite.

Monday, August 3

“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).

Tuesday, August 4

The DC Anti-Violence Project will host “Soul Centered” at 7 p.m. at Thurst Lounge. This is not a dating event in the traditional sense. It is a space to meet kindred spirits, future collaborators, mentors, friends, or maybe someone who reminds you of what’s possible. Romance may happen, but it’s not the expectation. For more details, visit DCAVP website.

Wednesday, August 5

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.

Center Aging Women’s Social & Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. To register, visit the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.

Thursday, August 6

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the Center. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.

Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.