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SAM EMERGES FROM THE "SHADOWS"

Sam Smith revealed what is likely to be his last new music for a while with single “Drowning Shadows” on Zane Lowe's Beats 1 radio show yesterday. During an interview on life, love and future plans, Smith revealed that he's planning on taking a hiatus from the end of this year. Will the Capitol crooner stay true to his word?

Smith's already written new music for the follow up to smash debut, In the Lonely Hour, the “most honest” material he's ever penned, he told Lowe. “I'm actually at the stage now where I'd be ready to release something not far away,” he said. However, it seems Smith's taking notes about the art of disappearing from Adele, and insists he's made the decision to take a break.

“Even if the album and music are ready, I'll come back to it. Every single song on this album has to be the greatest to me, it has to be the most honest and brutal,” he explained.

“I made the decision [to take a break] a few weeks ago when I sat down and [asked myself], What type of artist are you? Am I going to act like a conveyor belt and churn songs and hits out or do I want to take my time and say something when I want to say it? I've chosen to do that. I found myself pressuring myself recently to write songs, to have songs to cement the rest of my career. But actually all my dreams have come true, I'm living the most beautiful life at the moment, why don't I sit back and enjoy myself, take a breath, kiss some more boys and write some songs.”

Smith has been sitting on “Drowning Shadows,” which he co-wrote with Fraser T. Smith, for a while. It's the saddest and least radio-friendly Smith has ever penned, according to himself. “I wanted to leave people on this artistic song and moment,” he said.

“I wrote this song before “Stay With Me”, “Not The Only One,” and before all of the songs on [In the Lonely Hour]. I always loved it but something didn't happen right with the production, I was trying to make it sound really big. Recently we went into the studio and just did it on piano with my pianist and the song came alive again.”

Smith will release an extended version of his blockbuster debut album on 11/6. A “creative collaboration” with fashion brand Balenciaga (whose autumn/winter 2015 campaign is fronted by Smith), In the Lonely Hour: The Drowning Shadows Edition, will feature a second CD with nine new and exclusive tracks, including his latest single, which is available for free for those that pre-order the new album on iTunes.

After his Capitol team suggested the idea of a re-release, Smith told Lowe he came around to the idea, wanting to use the extended album to remind everyone where he came from as a songwriter.

“My intent as I was writing this album was that it's so important for me to make soulful, true, artistic music. I'm not going to do a repackage and put a massive single on there that's hopefully going to boost albums sales.”

With Smith looking set for a silent 2016, the Capitol U.K. team of Nick Raphael and Jo Charrington will be focusing their efforts on breaking female singer/songwriter Frances and indie rock act Eliza and the Bear. After the label's recent success with Aussie band 5 Seconds of Summer, who hit #1 on the U.K., U.S. and Australia charts with their second album, Sounds Good Feels Good, can the duo's magic touch continue throughout next year?

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