Myles Smith has officially landed. The British singer-songwriter has touched down in Australia for the first time, with New Zealand next on the itinerary — and he’s already soaking in the local scene. “I just discovered Ziggy Alberts — he’s awesome. And Tash Sultana’s been on repeat,” he says ahead of a pop-up gig at the Sydney Opera House later that day.
He’s still getting his bearings, though. “Is Lorde from Australia?” he asks, before quickly correcting himself. “Oh — New Zealand, right. I’ve been singing [lyrics from Lorde’s latest single] ‘what was that’ for the last two weeks straight.”
Locals, meanwhile, are definitely already across Smith. His breakout single “Stargazing” — the biggest-selling British single of 2024 — has been everywhere, and follow-up “Nice to Meet You” went viral in no time. At 26, he’s come a long way from uploading covers in his bedroom to TikTok. Now he’s a BRIT Rising Star, a TIME 100 honouree, and a global streaming force, thanks to his singalong-ready folk-pop sound.
On tour, Smith is packing out arenas, including Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion and two sold-out nights at Melbourne’s Forum. His shows are built on connection — pausing mid-set to talk mental health, reflect on fame, grab selfies, or lead spontaneous birthday singalongs. (At the Sydney show, 5SOS’s Luke Hemmings even made a surprise appearance.) The way he connects with fans feels straight out of the Ed Sheeran playbook — fitting, since he’s set to join Sheeran’s US tour this summer.
Next up, Smith drops his new EP A Minute, A Moment on May 23rd. Before that, catch him on the rest of his tour at Brisbane’s Fortitude Music Hall on May 13th, and Auckland’s Powerstation on May 15th.
For tickets and more info, visit frontiertouring.com/mylessmith.
Rolling Stone AU/NZ: Congrats on your first Australian and NZ tour. How’s it all feeling so far?
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Myles Smith: They’ve been sold out — which is really cool — and the crowds have been amazing. High energy, super engaged, and everyone’s been so kind. It’s been a great vibe.
Did you have any expectations flying over?
We’ve been wanting to play here for about two years, but there were a few hurdles getting over. So now that we’re finally here, it just feels really special. Australia’s one of my top listening countries, so it sort of feels like coming home.
It’s been a whirlwind period for you — BRIT Rising Star, TIME 100, Shaboozey collab. What’s been the most surreal moment so far?
Honestly, it’s not even one moment — it’s stepping back and seeing the whole picture. In the moment, it’s hard to take stock, but when people bring it up — like you just did — I’m like, “Oh yeah, I did all that.” That’s wild. But for me, the biggest moment was quitting my job and calling this a career. That still feels massive.
You studied sociology and started a business before all this — has any of that carried over into your music life?
Yeah, it’s given me a lot of perspective. I know what it’s like to work a 9-5, to be tired, and to feel the world’s weight. So even when things get stressful now, I remind myself how lucky I am to do this. The work ethic stuck with me too — staying up writing reports at 2 or 3 in the morning, running meetings — all of that helps me keep going now.
What gave you the push to go all in on music?
Friendship and family, honestly. It was a big, weird transition, but having people around who ground you really helps. You don’t need to be a musician to support a musician — and I’ve also had friends in the industry, like Ed [Sheeran] and James Bay, who’ve been really supportive.
You’re touring with Ed this summer in the US — has he given you any advice so far?
For sure — I’m going to learn a lot this summer. He’s been such a good mentor behind the scenes, especially in terms of mindset. He’s helped me get out of my own head and reminded me of the value in just trying things, experimenting. He’s so grounded for someone at that level, and you learn a lot just by being around that energy.
You grew up in the town Luton — who were the artists that got you started?
Yeah, my mum was really into Motown, so I grew up with Luther Vandross and Whitney Houston. My grandma would take me to church sometimes, so I heard music there too. My brother and sister were into R&B — Ne-Yo, Justin Timberlake — and weirdly, that led me to punk and screamo bands. I loved Green Day and Black Veil Brides at school. Anything guitar-led was where I first fell in love with music.
Later I got into singer-songwriters — Ben Howard, Ed Sheeran, Tom Odell — and the way they told stories inspired me to start writing. But I didn’t see myself in those artists until Labrinth came along. He was one of the first Black UK artists doing pop — everything else was grime or hip hop — and seeing someone like him doing what I wanted to do made me feel like I could too. That’s when my pop journey really started.
You’ve said honesty is central to your music. How do you get comfortable sharing so much of yourself — especially with so many people listening now?
For me, honesty is everything. Music became a way to express feelings I couldn’t say out loud. It was my only outlet growing up. From the start, I’ve tried to be transparent with how I’m feeling — but yeah, writing something personal and then releasing it can be scary.
What makes it easier is the audience. People have been so receptive and supportive. I’ve been touring for about 18 months now, and seeing how people react in real time — the emotion, the catharsis — it’s like, oh, my music has a place. That turns it into this beautiful life cycle: I create, I release, and then I feel reassured.
What can fans expect from the new EP?
A Minute, A Moment is out May 23rd. It’s a continuation of the last one— a deeper dive into who I am and what I’ve been through, but also a bit more ambitious sonically. I’ve been experimenting with new instruments and textures.
Your BRITs speech about grassroots venues struck a chord. Do you feel a duty to speak up like that?
Absolutely. As an artist, your job is to make great music, sure — but when you have a platform, you also have a responsibility to create change. I grew up in a working-class town, and I saw firsthand how hard it was to break into music. The venues I played in early on — if they hadn’t existed, I wouldn’t be here.
So yeah, I feel a responsibility to drop the ladder back down for the kids at home. I don’t want them to grow up in a world where they can’t turn curiosity into craft, or passion into a profession.
Last one — any message for your Aussie and Kiwi fans?
I’m sorry it took me so long, but I’m here now, and I love you all lots dearly.
