**Sam Smith Embraces Non-Binary Identity in Upcoming Album ‘Hazel Eyes’**
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In a recent interview with Apple Music, British singer Sam Smith opened up about their identity and artistic journey, revealing that they have always identified as non-binary. This affirmation comes alongside the announcement of their new album, ‘Hazel Eyes’, which is infused with themes of love and personal growth.
Smith, 34, spoke candidly with Zane Lowe, reflecting on their career that began with the phenomenal success of their debut album, ‘In the Lonely Hour’, released in 2014. The album, which featured the chart-topping single “Stay with Me”, thrust Smith into the limelight at just 21 years of age. Amidst the immense pressures of fame, the singer admitted that they struggled to navigate the expectations of the music industry while trying to understand their own identity.
Describing the years following their debut as a time of recovery and self-exploration, Smith acknowledged the complexities surrounding their sense of self. “Dealing with the pressures from the industry is loud, trying to appease the audience, and coping with the life changes that come with becoming famous—it’s a lot,” they reflected.
It was not until 2019, at the age of 27, that Smith publicly came out as non-binary, choosing to adopt they/them pronouns. However, they expressed that this realisation was not new. “I have always been non-binary; I just needed the vocabulary to articulate it,” Smith shared. They described their emerging understanding of their identity as “another coming out experience,” and described the newfound freedom it brings. “There’s no more coming out for me now, which is a really freeing thing,” they said, light-heartedly affirming their status.
Smith’s liberation is evident in their upcoming album, ‘Hazel Eyes’. They have characterised the project as embodying love, stating, “It’s a record that is made with love. There is love woven through the whole thing.” Much of the inspiration for the album is drawn from their fiancée, fashion designer Christian Cowan. Smith also credited musician Simon Aldred, who acted as a mentor during their formative years in the industry. Aldred is noted as the first openly gay man Smith encountered in music, leaving a lasting impression on their artistic journey.
“It was nice to just take a minute to step away from the rules and just sing my heart out,” Smith expressed about the album-making process. They described the experience as liberating, allowing them to pursue their creativity without the constraints traditionally associated with the industry.
As multiple music genres continue to evolve, Smith’s journey highlights the importance of authenticity and self-welcome in artistic expression. Their exploration of identity resonates with a growing number of artists and fans navigating their own paths outside traditional gender norms. As such, Smith’s story serves as both a personal account and a broader commentary on the shifting landscape of gender understanding in contemporary music.
As anticipation builds for the release of ‘Hazel Eyes’, listeners can expect a project that not only showcases Smith’s vocal talent but also reflects their journey of self-discovery and love. With a commitment to being authentic and true to oneself, Sam Smith remains a beacon of representation and insight in an ever-evolving music industry.
In conclusion, with the release of ‘Hazel Eyes’ just around the corner, fans eagerly await the lyrical insights and themes that have become synonymous with Sam Smith’s music—resilience, love, and the celebration of diverse identities. The singer’s declaration of being “fully out of the closet” assures a deeply personal yet universally relatable listening experience, reinforcing their place as a pivotal figure in the conversations surrounding gender and sexuality in popular culture.