Stay With Me?
Despite his mainstream success, Sam Smith is a divisive gay figure—especially for performers.
April 01, 2015
Despite the fact that this is unquestionably Sam Smith’s moment, he’s not actually as universally beloved as you might thing. Between his multiple Grammy wins and controversial comments about Grindr, opinions of the British soul wunderkind can be pretty divided within queer circles. At 54 Below’s Broadway Loves Sam Smith, a cast of performers will honor the Grammy-winning singer with renditions of his hit songs, and we asked them to weigh in on why he’s considered such an important musical icon. But there were plenty of other downtown performers and nightlife personalities ready to take Smith to task. Weigh the pros and cons and see where you stand.
PRO
Ben Fankhauser
Newsies, Spring Awakening
“Sam speaks directly from the soul about his personal fears and deepest desires. His music begs its listeners to look inside to their most inner wants and needs.”
Janet Krupin
If/Then, Bring It On
“His is the first album in years I listened to from beginning to end. I think Sam Smith is a turn in the tide towards the craft of album-making again.”
Daniel Quadrino
Wicked, Newsies, Peter Pan Live!
“I think Sam should be celebrated for being fearless and not changing who he is for fame—and also sharing his beautiful music with the world.”
Meghann Fahy
Next to Normal, One Life to Live
“Sam Smith exudes sincerity and authenticity, which is just one of the many reasons I think so many people respond to him as an artist.”
CON
Josh Appelbaum
DJ, Occupy the Disco
“When he said in GQ, ‘Disco needs to stop. I like disco… but now everyone seems to be doing it and it’s way too much.’ Ignorant fuck! You are a gay artist with no context or respect for the music your people created.”
Max Steele
Performer, BAX artist in residence
“I made a show last year pretending to be a white gay male soul singer, a joke. I had no idea who Sam Smith was. My idea was, what’s the least sympathetic thing I could be? And so I am tickled and horrified that he’s already a real thing.”
Tyler Ashley
Dancer
“I just hate the fuckin’ music.”
Nicholas Gorham
Performer
“Queer artists are challenging the patriarchy every time we leave our houses and Sam Smith isn’t. What he’s selling doesn’t have anything to do with my experience. We’ve seen plenty of apologetic and sad faggots in the mainstream. I just want to see one who’s fighting for something.”
Broadway Loves Sam Smith at 54 Below, 254 W 54th St (btwn Broadway/Eighth Ave), April 5 at 7pm and 9:30pm; $35–$55 (plus $25 food/drink minimum). Visit 54below.com for more info.
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