Singer-songwriter Myles Smith has channeled five years of therapy notes into his debut album, a collection inspired by the experiences that shaped him prior to his rise to fame.
Smith emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in his work, particularly as a Black male artist in the music industry. He views his openness about emotions as a way to connect with listeners and to challenge perceptions. "It's really important in my role as a British artist, but not only as a British artist, as a black male in this space to be able to be vulnerable, to be able to be open on tracks," he stated.
He cited artists like Labrinth as an early inspiration, noting Labrinth as an "early example of someone who looks like me and sounds like me and is open and expressive of his emotions." However, Smith is also cautious about being perceived as an anomaly. "I don't like to be seen as exceptional," he said. "I'm reflective of such a beautiful culture with such a vast array of talents."
Smith hopes his success can pave the way for others, suggesting that his journey demonstrates the potential for numerous artists from similar backgrounds to gain recognition. "If anything, it should be showing that there's millions of Myles Smiths who exist, and hopefully now there's more of a ladder and a pathway for that to be seen," he remarked.
While his music often delves into emotional themes, Smith acknowledges that some songs remain intensely personal. He shared that "Grandma's Place," a track reflecting on family, childhood, and loss, was so intimate that he initially hesitated to include it on the album. "Sometimes I write songs like that and they just sit on a hard drive because they are for me," he explained. "But this one just felt super right." Miles Smith stands with his arms crossed in a white chequered shirt, while smiling.