Sam Smith, the 32-year-old British singer and songwriter, recently opened up about a significant opportunity they turned down early in their career. Speaking on BBC Sounds’ ‘Sidetracked’ with Nick Grimshaw and Annie Mac, Sam revealed they had been approached by Major Lazer, the renowned trio consisting of record producer Diplo and DJs Walshy Fire and Ape Drums, to collaborate on their 2016 hit track, ‘Cold Water’. However, Sam declined the offer due to their busy schedule at the time, and the song eventually went to Justin Bieber.
Reflecting on this decision, Sam shared, “The only time I got sent a song that I heard and then became a well-known song was ‘Cold Water’ by Major Lazer with Justin Bieber. They sent me that to sing and at the time I was so busy and couldn’t do it and we passed on it – but I’m happy I passed on it because Justin Bieber did it way better than what I would have done. It was made for him.”
‘Cold Water’, featuring Justin Bieber, went on to become a massive hit, topping charts worldwide and solidifying Bieber’s presence in the music industry. The track’s success, however, has not left Sam with any regrets. Instead, they are content with how things turned out, acknowledging that Bieber was the right fit for the song.
While Sam missed out on ‘Cold Water’, they have not shied away from other high-profile collaborations. Notably, they have worked with DJ Calvin Harris on two tracks, ‘Promises’ and ‘Desire’. Sam spoke highly of their experience working with Harris, expressing admiration for his talent and work ethic.
“I didn’t know what to expect with Calvin because I was like, is this, you know, what does he do? Because some people in the studio, it’s like ‘oh, you don’t play an instrument’. Like you don’t actually make the music. You’re more of a taste maker, which is fab. But he does everything himself. And I was immediately just enamoured by his talent. We just had so much fun making ‘Promises’. It was the funnest day. I think you can hear that in the writing.”
The collaboration with Harris not only resulted in successful tracks but also fostered a supportive relationship between the two artists. Sam praised Harris for his support during challenging times, highlighting the DJ’s positive impact on their life and career.
“He’s an amazing man, and he’s come to my aid and supported me and built me up at times when I really needed him.”
Sam Smith’s journey in the music industry has been marked by both missed opportunities and fruitful collaborations. Turning down ‘Cold Water’ might have been a significant decision, but it paved the way for other successful projects and partnerships. As Sam continues to evolve as an artist, their ability to reflect on past choices with such grace and positivity sets an inspiring example for others in the industry.
In a world where the pressure to seize every opportunity is immense, Sam Smith’s story is a reminder that sometimes, turning down one chance can lead to even greater ones. Their candid reflections on their career choices and collaborations offer valuable insights into the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the music industry.
