Myles Smith, a rising pop star, has swiftly ascended the music industry ladder to become one of the most promising talents of 2024. Born to a working-class British-Jamaican family, Smith's humble beginnings in the culturally diverse town of Luton laid the foundation for his unique musical style. His journey from dreaming up melodies to recording chart-topping hits exemplifies the power of passion and perseverance.
Smith's early exposure to music came through a serendipitous discovery of Coldplay's "Yellow."
"It resonated with me, even though I didn't understand a word of it," Myles Smith reflected on his first true musical inspiration.
This connection ignited his desire to create music, leading him to write songs by crafting melodies and lyrics to YouTube instrumentals. His eclectic taste evolved over time, embracing various styles and phases.
"I went through a lot of stages," Smith admits. "I was a huge Green Day fan at one point. I even went through a bit of a Screamo phase."
In 2020, Smith recorded an eight-track album titled "Scars," marking a significant milestone in his career. However, it was his haunting cover of The Neighbourhood's "Sweater Weather" in 2022 that catapulted him to worldwide recognition, amassing over 600 million streams. As his online presence grew, Smith harnessed the power of social media and live performances to organically build a dedicated fanbase.
His efforts did not go unnoticed. Voted into fourth place on BBC Radio 1's Sound of 2025, Smith is cementing his status as one of the year's most promising new talents. Furthermore, he has been named BBC Introducing's Artist Of The Year and celebrated his first Brit Award win.
In 2024, Smith released his latest EP, "…A Minute," featuring the hit single "Stargazing." The song quickly became the biggest-selling British single of the year and even earned a spot on Barack Obama's end-of-year playlist.
"It's quite wild," says the singer. "It's still getting played, seven or eight months down the line, which is awesome."
Smith's distinctive folk-pop sound draws influences from renowned artists such as Ed Sheeran and Marcus Mumford. This style, combined with his strong online presence, has allowed him to connect intimately with fans through platforms like TikTok.
"It's a lot, for sure, but I used to stand on the edge of my sofa and pretend I was at Glastonbury. So being able to tour, at whatever scale, is just such a privilege that it doesn't feel like hard work," Smith shares.
Looking forward, Smith will receive the Brit Awards' Rising Star prize in March 2025, joining the ranks of previous recipients like Sam Fender and Adele. Yet, despite his success, Smith remains grounded and committed to his artistry rather than financial gain.
"Money has never been the way I measure my success, but it was definitely scary," he admits. "It started off very much like plunging into an ice bath and feeling the shock. Like, 'OK, this is real. I don't have a consistent salary coming in, and I don't have the security of knowing how long this is going to take.'"
Smith's music resonates deeply with listeners because he infuses it with personal stories and emotions. His message extends beyond melodies and lyrics; it's about resilience and inner strength.
"I need you to know, it wasn't my music, it was you," Smith confides. "I know this because I've been where you are. I've clung to songs in the dark searching for something – anything – that made me feel like I could keep going."
His words echo a sentiment of empowerment and companionship for those who find solace in his music.
"But music didn't save me. What saved me was the smallest part of me that chose to stay, even when it hurt," Smith reflects. "My songs might walk beside you, but it's your strength that carries you forward."
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