From Glastonbury to a billion streams, Myles Smith reflects on his meteoric rise and the role social media has played in his success.

Myles Smith, a 26-year-old singer-songwriter from Luton, has had a year to remember, cementing his place as one of the most exciting new artists in the UK. Named BBC Introducing Artist of the Year, Smith has shattered expectations, achieving milestones that once seemed far beyond reach.

When reflecting on his journey, Smith says he has continually surpassed his own ambitions. “I guess it’s taken a long time. But I finally feel comfortable in my own skin and I feel proud of the music,” he shared, as he toured North America. From humble beginnings as an 11-year-old guitarist and pianist, he has now reached global recognition, with a top-five single, a performance at Glastonbury, and over one billion streams to his name.

For Smith, 2024 has been a whirlwind. “What I think this year’s taught me is that expectations are there for comfort. But very rarely are they exactly what we imagine,” he reflected. At the start of the year, he never imagined playing over 100 shows or amassing billions of streams. “I will never take the opportunity for people around the globe to choose to listen to my music for granted.”

His breakout hit, Stargazing, has become a worldwide sensation, earning platinum certification and even featuring on former US President Barack Obama’s summer playlist. The song, which Smith says was written in just 15 minutes, has resonated with fans globally and has been embraced by the viral world of TikTok.

“I just wanted to write something that was simple, but something that we all experience and feel at some point in life. I feel like doing that, it resonated with so many more people around the world,” he explained. The track’s success has been amplified by TikTok, which has become a powerful platform for aspiring artists. For Smith, the platform’s role in the modern music industry cannot be overstated.

“I think social media in general is so significant to an artist’s journey,” Smith stated. “Some people may feel that the onus to do social media is a pressure that isn’t needed. And others may see it as an opportunity to really sort of find a community at a global scale.” Smith falls into the latter category, seeing the autonomy social media offers as a powerful tool for musicians to connect with audiences in an authentic way.

While Smith embraces the freedom that platforms like TikTok provide, he also acknowledges the concerns surrounding the influence of social media on music. Some argue that platforms like TikTok have altered music’s structure, influencing shorter song lengths and more formulaic styles. “I think that the idea that TikTok somehow diminishes the quality of music or somehow you have to fit the music within parameters is a myth for me personally,” Smith countered. “It’s given me more freedom than ever to do what I want. Times change all the time. One time you were cutting records on vinyl, next it was on CD, then MP3 and digital… it’s about moving with the times.”

However, while the benefits of digital platforms are clear, Smith is also keen to highlight the financial struggles artists face, especially when touring internationally. “It is super expensive,” he acknowledged, noting that many artists, including Rachel Chinouriri and CMAT, have spoken out about the high costs of touring, particularly in North America. Smith believes more support is needed for live music, especially for smaller venues and grassroots scenes, which have been hit hard post-Covid.

“Small venues are truly fundamental to an artist’s journey and luckily I was able to start my journey a long time ago,” Smith said. He stressed that the vital role of such venues cannot be overstated, citing how iconic artists like Adele and Ed Sheeran began their careers in these spaces. “Thinking about support for musicians and thinking about how we can move forward and value the arts is an important conversation.”

As Smith continues his North American tour, playing to packed crowds, he remains grounded, focusing on writing music that speaks from the heart. With his career soaring, Myles Smith’s journey is just beginning, and as 2024 comes to a close, it’s clear that he has exceeded every expectation – including his own.