Singer Sam Smith has been spotted all around Donegal this past week and many locals were wondering – what brings him to the coolest place on the planet?
It has been revealed that the talented singer has been in Donegal to record a secret album. However, he has been spending a lot of time enjoying the sights around the county and visiting local bars and restaurants, so his secret didn’t last too long.
Smith recorded his new tracks at the state-of-the-art Attica Audio studio in Termon. The studio is owned by Villagers musician Tommy McLaughlin and many high-quality records have been mixed there over the years.
Smith and his team, including songwriter Jimmy Napes, have been using the quiet location to create the new material which is hotly anticipated by fans worldwide.
A photo was posted to Facebook in celebration of the experience. “A very pleasant few days in studio with Sam Smith, Jimmy Napes and Malay this past week,” the caption said.
Sam Smith at the Attica Audio Recording Studio, Termon
Smith hasn’t released a studio album since his multi-award winning debut record In the Lonely Hour back in 2014. Since then the singer has put out a succession of pop hits including Stay With Me, Lay Me Down and Like I Can.
Last year Smith and Napes took home an Oscar award for the Best Original Song for ‘Writing’s on the Wall’ from James Bond film Spectre.
Donegal being named as the Coolest Place on the Planet by National Geographic Traveller has been an influencing factor in bringing Smith and his team to the northwest. He told locals that he is enjoying his time here and has been making the most of the stunning scenery all around. They have also been touring some of the county’s best restaurants and bars.
The world famous music artist was spotted in a The Lemon Tree restaurant on two occasions and told staff that he is smitten with Donegal.
Award-winning chef and local food champion Christopher Molloy welcomed Smith and his group to the restaurant and snapped a photo with another staff member.
Sam Smith in the Lemon Tree Letterkenny
Smith told Chef Christopher that he was in Donegal to record new tracks, but couldn’t miss out on seeing the sights.
“He told us he was over making music and he had been travelling around Donegal. He said he was at Fanad Lighthouse and thought it was beautiful. He is enjoying the peace in Donegal during his stay,” Molloy said.
Smith made a surprise performance at McCafferty’s Bar at Mountain Top in Letterkenny on Friday night.
Owner Mark posted a photo online and said: “My jaw nearly hit the floor! An absolute gentleman, and he sang a few tunes later on too.
“Bit cheeky of me to ask for a picture but he actually took it for me. Unreal!”
