Sam 2009
“I’ve gone on an incredible, incredible journey with the first album it’s given me the ability to learn my art”
Email Sam to V&M June 2009
“AHHHHHHHHHHHH I LOVE YOU ALLL!!!!”
V&M response
“united we stand x x x x x”
– a collectors’ dream –
‘Sam Smith Their Incredible Journey’
a 90-minute Documentary with Sam centre-stage throughout, performing and chatting about their life, loves, dreams, sexuality and their “incredible” journey.
and… Albums | Videos: Pop, Chat, Performance | Gallery
‘Sam Smith Diva Boy’ – £19.95 – Buy Now
FYI Sam’s first dance album …. ‘Sam Smith The Lost Tapes Remixed‘ was released by Kosmo Records (Germany). ‘When It’s Alright’ the single from that album which charted was released also by Sony Europe, that was one of Sam’s first 2 chart singles. Available check your preferred music store.
Sam was no ordinary boy; their journey to success began as soon as they could walk and talk. They had big dreams backed by resolute determination fueled by self-belief and tenacity. Sam’s mind, body and soul focused on one dream only … “I Want To Be A Star“ Sam 3 Oct 2007.
However, Sam had no professional experience or personal / creative direction so they could not achieve their dream.
“I want to be the first male ‘diva’ Sam 2009
Sam Smith Diva Boy is taken from step by step records of Sam’s journey to pop stardom
No Memories No Hearsay Just History
Before the Fame
Sam Smith Diva Boy is about the period when Sam was an aspiring young artist and came to Venus & Mars Music (V&M) – for development.
‘When Sam Met Bob’ was the life defining meeting for Sam with Bob of ‘Ria John Bob’. At that time Sam (14 years old) had their eye on a career in Musicals and it was in a Sylvia Young musicals’ class that Sam met Bob.
Bob saw Sam’s real potential and knew they should be in pop music where they could write and perform original songs. He introduced Sam and their parents to his own “artist-centric” label/management V&M.
V&M agreed with Bob’s views but, always aware of the danger of pushing young artists too soon, thought Sam was too young to sign. Instead, they arranged studio time with Bob and Adam Helal where Sam could learn studio technique and record songs of their choice … without signing a contract!
Sam loved every minute and recorded songs including ‘Breathless’ / ‘Feeling Good’ / ‘Mac The Knife’ / ‘Let There Be Love’ / ‘My Love Is Your Love’ / ‘Rehab’ – further displaying their love of the Musicals … Sam was happy.
After months of getting to know Sam and combined with the constant lobbying by Sam’s parents, V&M (Dee O’Reilly and John O’Reilly) signed the then 15 year old Sam, under the guardianship of their parents and also with the proviso that they would always be with Sam (as they were still a minor); One or both parents were with Sam for the following 3 years.
V&M produced a personal development plan for Sam and so started their 3-year V&M journey. Their dreams were nurtured, their arts and skills first uncovered and then developed.
Sam was a good listener and learner, determined to be a star, concerned about equality for all and never hesitated to express appreciation of V&M. Following three transformative years with V&M Sam emerged like a butterfly from a cocoon as an informed person, conceptual artist and a burgeoning pop star … and with their first self-penned album/project – MayDay – (unfinished but demoed).
Sam was then promoted to their professional ‘firsts’ including chart success.
While Sam was standing on the edge of achieving their dream of pop stardom they chose ‘Ria John Bob’ songs (out of hundreds on offer) for their first album ‘Sam Smith Diva Boy’. That album was the launchpad to Sam’s destiny and exactly what Sam needed at that time. Sam recognised that and said …
“I love Sam Smith Diva Boy, I’ve grown up with it and I’ve grown as a person with it” Sam 2009.
The title of Sam’s documentary is taken from a quote Sam made in their documentary
“I’ve gone on an incredible, incredible journey“ Sam 2009.
It is a glowing tribute to Sam who is centre-stage throughout, performing and chatting about their life, loves, dreams, sexuality and their “incredible” journey.
Unique is a much-overused word but, in this case, it is perfect to describe Sam’s story – a story like no other – and the only true account of Sam’s incredible journey to pop stardom.
Until now this story has been the best kept secret in, and by, the music business.
‘Sam Smith Their Incredible Journey’ REVIEWS (extracts)
A Film that is fascinating and unprecedented …Sam Smith Their Incredible Journey is the unique and exclusive account of the discovery and formative years of a much-loved global superstar. We are now used to every stage of every youngster’s life being documented on video and social media so might expect every future celebrity to be trailing none too revealing baggage of their childhood selves, but this film is different. Not only has this material been long unavailable and never-before seen, but it captures the evolution of ambition into art, the process and sympathetic teamwork of nurturing a star into being, the recognition and blossoming of a true natural talent in a film that is fascinating and unprecedented. James Norton
”In my opinion the documentary portrayed a relatable and human side of Sam Smith that I did not know about. Where before there was an amazing voice without a story, for the first time I saw the human behind the star. Seeing the humble and hardworking beginning of his career combined with the warmth and passion of everyone involved, has made me a fan. Rosane De Souza – independent viewer
This exceptional documentary about award-winning pop star Sam Smith is a clear and important story about what goes into discovering, nurturing, educating, developing, liberating and promoting an artist in the making.
Martin Fanning Windmill Lane Pictures
A beautiful documentary “Sensitively edited” (Bob Shennan BBC) from hours of step-by-step film, audio and video records of Sam on his journey to success. Prior to his current career Sam had a remarkable creative and successful journey with Venus and Mars Music (V&M) and it is all intentionally captured in this beautiful documentary. It could also be described as a master class in ‘How to Become a Global Pop Star’… inspiring, insightful and Sam’s truth, wrapped up in a touch of sweetness. This is a rare fulfilment of the criteria for a proper documentary. Vivienne Best
“We took Sam to the edge of his awesome career and gave him the canvas on which he could, and did, paint the landscape of his future” Betty Kane Director V&M 2010.
