Rising British pop sensation Myles Smith has made waves this past year, solidifying his place as one of the most promising new talents as he approaches 2025. His breakout hit, "Stargazing," not only topped charts but also found its way onto former President Barack Obama’s end-of-year playlist, marking Smith’s ascent to stardom.
2024 was significant for the singer, who recalls his first real taste of fame during a concert where he solicitously asked the audience for cookies. "This might sound trivial," he shared, "but I was playing a concert where I asked the audience, 'Does anyone have cookies?' And within about 10 minutes, the whole dressing room was full of cookies. It was the best thing ever." The sweetness of this experience paralleled the success he had throughout the year.
By December, Smith found himself nominated for the Brit Awards’ Rising Star prize, scheduled to be awarded to him this March. The recognition follows the path of musical giants such as Sam Fender, Adele, and Rag‘n’Bone Man, pushing Smith to reflect on his achievements. "I need to go to the gym. I’ve gotten so chubby on tour, just eating [craft] services and way too much fried food," he joked during his interview with ABC Audio, simultaneously highlighting the fun yet taxing nature of being on the road.
Jumping onto the music scene, Smith, born and raised in Luton to British-Jamaican parents, began writing songs at age eleven and was deeply influenced by diverse genres thanks to his multicultural upbringing. He vividly recalls the college experiences and life choices he faced prior to becoming fully devoted to music. Despite attaining success as the owner of his own management business after graduating with a sociology degree, his passion for music compelled him to invest his time and earnings toward his musical aspirations.
His decision turned fortuitous when his cover of The Neighbourhood’s "Sweater Weather" went viral on social media, catapulting him out of the business world and fully embracing his artistic side. "Money has never been the way I measure my success, but it was definitely scary," he confessed, reflecting on the uncertainty of pursuing music full-time. "I wasn't looking at what securities I had lost, but what opportunities I'd gained."
With his rising online fanbase, Smith focused on organically growing his audience. Via TikTok and YouTube, he intertwined cover versions with original content, which paved the way for his notable track "Solo". Its clever wordplay caught listeners' attention, leading to his undeniable chart success and contract with RCA Records.
Reflecting on his dynamic tour schedule, Smith took pride in completing between 60 to 80 tour dates across North America, Europe, and the U.K. He articulated this achievement as pivotal, stating, "It was just such an achievement. And I think for me, it’s a real reflection of… wow, I actually, one, really enjoy this thing and, two, [can see] myself doing it for a long time.”
The latter part of 2024 also found Smith garnering accolades, including being named BBC Introducing’s Artist Of The Year. With his EP, …A Minute, leading to significant streams and downloads, he entered the new year fueled by recognition and artistic growth.
While fame rose for Myles Smith, he remained grounded, noting the balance between continued success and personal well-being. His lighthearted acknowledgment of needing to hit the gym symbolizes the real struggles artists face, absorbed by fame yet longing for balance. His upcoming We Were Never Strangers tour will kick off on January 22, 2025, and will span the globe, granting fans another chance to witness his authentic performances.
Adding to the excitement, he’ll be opening for one of his biggest inspirations, Ed Sheeran, during the final leg of Sheeran’s Mathematics tour starting this May. With so much on his plate, Myles Smith embodies the balance between ambition and maintaining personal connection to artistry, promising his fans one sweet ride going forward.