INTERVEW: Maggie Miles

INTERVEW:

Maggie Miles

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IN this interview….

I get to find out more about an amazing musician. Maggie Miles is based out of Nashville, and she is a wonderful artist that everyone needs to know about. With an awesome new single, Asleep, out, I wanted to know more about it. Miles also discusses her upcoming album, The Lack Thereof. Out on 17th May via Warehouse West Entertainment/BMG Rights Management, she discusses the themes explored on the album, and which of the cuts stands out as her favourite from the pack. I ask which new artists coming through she would recommend, whether there are tour dates coming up, and whether Miles will come to the U.K. and play for fans over here. With such incredible music out in the world, there is a lot of love and demand around her right now. There is a growing fanbase in the U.K. I do hope that she is able to come over here...

VERY soon.

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Hi Maggie. How are you? How has your week been like so far?

Hi! Well. Thanks for asking. I’m pretty great. Currently posted up at Dose in East Nashville, cold emailing and tinkering away at some work.

Tell me about the new single, Asleep. What was the inspiration behind it, and what was your reaction hearing it back the first time?

Asleep came from a place of honest contempt for apathy. I had just released my debut project and knew that the next thing had to happen soon. My producer Liam and I produced the songs together in tandem while I wrote the lyrics. So, hearing it back the first time wasn’t much of a reality for me. It was more. We laid it out and created the soundscape all in real time.

The verse came from me hopping up to the mic not knowing what I was gonna say, but I started humming that intro with a hard tune on my voice and then decided to turn that hum into the word “I’m” then the following sentence “…needing attention, lacking every good intention”. Fell out pretty effortlessly. I remember turning to Liam, exchanging a glance of approval, and sort of running with it.

It is from your upcoming album, The Lack Thereof. What kind of themes does the album explore, and what was it like recording it?

The Lack Thereof sort of tackles everything: from faith to doubt, apathy to inspiration, and pride to humility. It’s the duality, I think. But most of all, I want people to take what they want away from it, or the lack thereof. ;)

Do you have a favourite track from the album or one that means the most?

I’d say that’s a tough choice! I think Close holds a special place in my heart because it came as such a surprise to create. It was an accidental track. We went into the studio (which was just Liam’s living room decked out with synths, amps, instruments, and outboard gear) with the intention of creating what we thought would be the album ‘intro track’, later known as Stomach. But instead we came out with an entirely new cut. It’s short. It’s sharp. And it’s direct. I love it. Horrified to sing it live haha.

Take me back to the start. How early did music come into your life, and which artists and sounds resonated with you growing up?

Music was always around. But I was sort of too intimidated by it to pursue it. That, and I was pretty stage fright. But I loved the overwhelming emotion it instilled in me to be around it. I started writing because I kind of had to, and it greatly helped me and my mental-health in my formative years. I understood my songs most and they understood me back. That was super stable and affirming. I loved it. The music I listened to spanned throughout my growing up. But early years? One Republic’s Dreaming Out Loud, Coldplay’s Parachutes, Twenty One Pilots, Nirvana, Foo Fighters, The Fray.

Growing up as a pastor’s daughter, did that positively or negatively affect you as an aspiring artist? Were your parents accepting and open to your career path?

My parents have always been very supportive in my pursuit of music. I couldn’t be more grateful.

“There is such talent in this city, and I couldn’t be more grateful for that”

You are based out of Nashville. How important is the city and people when it comes to inspiring your music and creativity?

I think it’s a wonderful place to be sharpened. Lots of iron. But like anything, there’s lots of traps. I can’t become too concerned with comparison and never let it dictate my decisions or career. There is such talent in this city, and I couldn’t be more grateful for that. Let it inspire you rather then drown you.

With a new album coming soon, what does the rest of the year hold? Can we see you on your anywhere?

I’m working very hard to get on a tour for this summer. I’m determined to make it happen! But until then, yes! I am playing an album release show on release day - May 17th - here in Nashville! Headlining the beloved Exit/In. Can’t wait.

I know there are going to be people in the U.K. keen to see you one day. Have you played here before, or are there plans to do so in the future?

That question just hyped me up so much. The U.K. holds such a special place in my heart. I love my Brits! And I’d be elated to get over there! London has actually been my top-streamed city for about two years now. We gotta make it happen!

There are a lot of great young artists like yourself releasing such impactful and brilliant music. Are there any fellow artists you want to give a shout-out to?

There sure are. Here’s a few that I LOVE right now:

Finally, and for being a good sport, you can choose any song you like (from another artist) and I will play it here.

Love it. Here’s IDK WHAT I WANT by Abby Holliday.