Sam Smith Says Their “Polarizing” Artistic Persona Is Like a “Big F—ing Tub of Marmite”
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Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
“I know I can be a divisive figure. Some people hear me speak or sing and think, ‘That’s wonderful,’ while others have a very different reaction, basically saying, ‘Please, just go away,’” Smith said.
Sam Smith has long understood that their music and personality may not appeal to everyone.
During a recent conversation with Zane Lowe, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter discussed how their career has evolved since they first entered the music scene more than a decade ago. Smith, who identifies as nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns, also opened up about why they believe their artistic identity can be so divisive.
Smith explained that their career has followed an unusual path, with several members of their professional team remaining by their side since the beginning. They also reflected on the many personal changes they have experienced over the years, including changes to their appearance, clothing, weight and sense of self.
According to Smith, those transformations have sometimes brought criticism and required both them and the people around them to learn and adapt along the way.
Their upcoming album, Hazel Eyes, represents another stage in that evolution. Smith described the project as a bridge between the various musical styles they have explored throughout their career. They added that if they eventually return to a more mainstream pop sound, they will approach it with a broader set of creative experiences and skills gained from making this record.
Smith also looked back at their 2014 debut album, In the Lonely Hour, and acknowledged that they sometimes revisit their earlier work and recognize things they would approach differently today. However, they said they no longer criticize themselves as harshly as they once did.
Rather than viewing past decisions as mistakes to dwell on, Smith now sees every stage of their career as part of the larger creative picture that has shaped who they are as an artist.
The singer believes their ability to divide opinions may even be hereditary. Smith recalled their mother telling them that the women in their family were “like Marmite,” referring to the famously divisive British spread that people tend to either love or dislike.
Taking that comparison to heart, Smith joked that they have become their own “big f—ing tub of Marmite.”
For Smith, being polarizing is simply part of who they are. They acknowledged that some listeners may enjoy hearing them sing or speak, while others may have an entirely opposite reaction.
Still, Smith has found support from fellow artists during difficult moments. Madonna, for example, reached out to Smith when they faced controversy surrounding their 2022 collaboration “Unholy” with Kim Petras.
