Sy Smith’s Live Performance Video | “Why Do You Keep Calling Me”

Sy Smith gives us face time for “Why Do You Keep Calling Me”

A new Midnight Special-styled video features a live performance of her second single from “Until We Meet Again”

JUNE 1, 2024 – Ever since the release of her 6th studio album – the critically-acclaimed “Until We Meet Again” (+FE Music, January 26, 2024), world-renowned vocalist Sy Smith has been giving fans unforgettable performances of the groove-laden songs (produced by Zo! & Tall Black Guy) – both in concert (having just completed the 1st leg of her tour with 18 shows in 9 cities) and in a video series of live performances on her YouTube channel and social media pages (“Live From The Blue House”).

Just in time for Black Music Month, Sy Smith gives us a new visual for her Minnie Riperton-reminiscent, self-produced second single “Why Do You Keep Calling Me”. The video taps director Lawrence Miner Jr. (known for his work with rapper Oddisee and Frederic Yonnet) who plays off of the retro feel of this single by taking visual cues from nostalgic performances from the 70s era. In fact, the video itself IS a live performance, it’s not lip-synched. “I’ve been watching lots of old clips of shows like Midnight Special and really wondering why we don’t have shows like this anymore. In fact, I think that’s what makes platforms like Tiny Desk and (Noochie’s) Front Porch so special. I think people really miss live performances on screen. And not the over-produced ones we see on awards shows. I think people miss the human FEEL, the flaws, the imperfections that make the songs real. So I wanted my video to showcase this. Besides, I haven’t been invited to do a Tiny Desk yet, so… I did my own version!”, Sy remarks while ending on her signature laugh.

The video for “Why Do You Keep Calling Me” features the rhythm section (who also co-wrote and recorded the tune with Sy): Dre King on keys, Biscuit Bynum on drums and Dennis Turner on bass. She’s backed by vocalists Precious Joubert and Tiffany Cross. Sy joins the two backing vocalists and the 3 break into a mean two-step during King’s iconic Rhodes solo that’s certain to be replicated wherever this song gets spins. After two-steppin’, Sy launches into the song’s sermon, where her vocals seem to climb Mount F*ck Around and end at Point Found Out with her signature whistle tone planting her flag on the summit. Yep. That’s how you do that.

Fresh off the heels of a 16-city European tour with Grammy-winning trumpeter Chris Botti, Sy Smith will continue with her “Until We Meet Again” tour in the following cities:

Santa Monica: June 15 – Juneteenth Celebration
Durham: July 19-20 – Missy Lane’s Assembly Room
Little Rock: July 31: Ron Robinson Theater
Dallas: Aug 2: Kessler Center
London: September 1: The Jazz Cafe

Follow Sy Smith:

IG: @syberspace
X: @syberspace
FB: Facebook.com/sysmithmusic

Source: Sy Smith