Arts & Entertainment

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

Published

5 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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Arts & Entertainment

Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier returns bigger than ever with two-day WorldPride celebration

Published

21 hours ago

April 15, 2025

Staff reports

The Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier will be extended to a two-day celebration in honor of WorldPride coming to D.C. this year. Taking place on Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7 at The Wharf, this year’s event promises more entertainment, more community, and more pride than ever before — all set against the stunning waterfront backdrop of our nation’s capital.

With the addition of Friday, the party kicks off at 3 p.m., with the inaugural WorldPride Boat Parade at 7 p.m. As an Official WorldPride Partner event, the boat parade will feature 30 decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel. For information on signing up for the boat parade contact Stephen Rutgers at [email protected].

Saturday’s signature Pier Party kicks off at 12 p.m., featuring a drag show, DJ’s, streaming of the WorldPride Parade, and the iconic Fireworks Show Presented by the Leonard-Litz Foundation — one of D.C. Pride’s most anticipated spectacles.

“We’re expanding Washington Blade Pride on the Pier to reflect the excitement and momentum building for WorldPride in D.C.,” said Blade publisher Lynne Brown. “It’s a celebration of our community’s progress and a powerful reminder of the joy and visibility Pride brings to the heart of our city.”

Now in its seventh year, Washington Blade Pride on the Pier extends the city’s annual celebration of LGBTQ visibility to the bustling Wharf waterfront with an exciting array of activities and entertainment for all ages. The District Pier will offer DJs, dancing, drag, and other entertainment. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase for those 21 and older.

Pride on the Pier is free and open to the public, with VIP tickets available for exclusive pier access, hosted bars, and private viewing areas for the boat parade and the fireworks show. To purchase VIP tickets visit www.prideonthepierdc.com/vip.

Friday VIP: 5-9 p.m., enjoy an air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, cash bar and complimentary drink.

Saturday VIP Session #1: 2-5 p.m., enjoy an air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, catered food, and an open bar.

Saturday VIP Session #2: 6-9 p.m., enjoy the air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, catered snacks and dinner, and open bar with a front-row view of the fireworks.

Event Details:

📍 Location: District Pier at The Wharf (101 District Sq., S.W., Washington, D.C.)
📅 Dates: Friday, June 6 & Saturday, June 7, 2025
🛥️Boat Parade: 7 p.m. (June 6). 🎆 Fireworks Show: 9 p.m. (June 7)
🎟️ VIP Tickets: www.PrideOnThePierDC.com/VIP

Event sponsors include Absolut, Capital Pride, DC Fray, Infinate Legacy, Heineken, Leonard-Litz Foundation, Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, Relish Catering, Washingtonian, and The Wharf. More information regarding activities will be released at www.PrideOnThePierDC.com