Sam Smith has become one of music’s biggest gay icons, and it’s only fitting the music video to his collaboration with Calvin Harris celebrates gay culture. In the new “Promises” music video, vogue and ball culture take center stage.
The “Promises” music video mixes clips of Harris and Smith with clips of ball and vogue dancers. For those who don’t know, ball culture involves performers competing for prizes and trophies at balls. Ballculture is huge in places like New York for the LGBT community, and the video prominently features several ball icons. Fashion model Winnie Harlow also makes an appearance.
The video is a perfect companion to the original single, a light dancefloor anthem suited for any occasion. It’s also great to hear Smith on electronic production again. He got his big break singing on “Latch” by Disclosure, but his solo career caters to slower piano ballads. The video also gives exposure to still underground LGBT hallmarks; everyone knows drag, but how many people know ball and vogue?
Watch the “Promises” music video below: