Sam Smith Compares Their Own ‘Polarizing’ Nature as an Artist to a ‘Big F—ing Tub of Marmite’

**Sam Smith Embraces Their “Polarizing” Identity as New Album Approaches**

Sam Smith, the 34-year-old Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, has openly discussed the diversity of opinions surrounding their work and persona in a recent interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music. Identifying as nonbinary and preferring they/them pronouns, Smith acknowledges the polarising nature of their artistry, stating that they often elicit contrasting reactions from listeners.

Reflecting on their unique musical journey since emerging into the spotlight nearly a decade ago, Smith commented, “My career isn’t like everyone else’s. It’s very, very different.” This sentiment echoes their experience of enduring significant public scrutiny, particularly regarding their evolving identity and personal changes, which have included transformations in appearance and style. Despite facing backlash along the way, Smith has maintained long-standing professional relationships, contributing to their artistic growth.

The artist is set to release their upcoming album, *Hazel Eyes*, which they describe as embodying a transition through various musical genres. “Now, if and when I return to maybe a more pop commercial sound, I come at it with different weapons now because of this music,” Smith explained, highlighting the evolution of their sound from their debut album, *In the Lonely Hour*, released in 2014. This new project marks a pivotal moment in their career, representing both personal growth and artistic exploration.

In the interview, Smith also evaluated their past work with a critical eye. “I look back at things and I study them… I don’t torture myself anymore about it. All of that is part of the colour palette of me,” they reflected. This newfound acceptance of their artistic journey has allowed Smith to embrace their identity more fully, rather than dwell on past insecurities regarding their earlier work.

The artist’s self-awareness extends to the awareness their family has instilled in them. Drawing from their mother’s wisdom, Smith shared, “The women in our family are like Marmite. People either love us or hate us.” This metaphor resonates deeply with their experiences, as they acknowledge that their artistic persona may not universally appeal to everyone. “I’m a big f—ing tub of Marmite,” they quipped, underscoring their comfort with being a divisive figure in the music industry.

Despite potential public backlash, Smith emphasised the importance of having supportive allies in the industry. One prominent figure who has offered solidarity is the Queen of Pop herself, Madonna. During a period of controversy surrounding Smith’s 2022 hit “Unholy,” a collaboration with fellow artist Kim Petras, Madonna reached out to offer her support. “She’s so aware of queer news and what’s happening in the community,” Smith said, acknowledging Madonna’s influence as a source of inspiration for many in the LGBTQ+ community.

Smith’s admiration for Madonna exemplifies the interconnectedness of artistic expression and social advocacy within the queer community. “I feel like her music is a lifeline to queer people,” Smith declared, underlining how deeply powerful and nurturing the impact of supportive artists can be during turbulent times.

As anticipation builds for the release of *Hazel Eyes*, which will debut on 21 August, Smith’s candidness about their journey continues to resonate with fans and critics alike. The album is not just a reflection of their evolving musical style, but also a testament to their resilience and commitment to personal authenticity. With every note and lyric, Sam Smith remains unapologetically themselves, inviting listeners to both celebrate and challenge the complexities of identity in today’s music landscape.

As they prepare for the next phase of their career, Smith embodies the idea that art can serve as both a refuge and a battleground for expression, leaving a lasting impression on an ever-diverse audience.