When Miles Smith first released a teaser for what would become the up-and-coming folk-pop hit “Stargazing” on His TikTok in early April, he had no idea what would become of it—both in terms of the overwhelming response from his fans, but more pressingly, what the then-still-unfinished preview would sound like when it finally became a finished product.
“As the song was building momentum, I was like, 'Oh, snap, I've got to finish this thing,'” says Smith. Advertising sign. A week after making that initial post, which featured him singing a stripped-down rendition of the song's catchy hook over a simple acoustic guitar, Smith revealed a studio demonstration of “Stargazing,” which he continued to use as a teaser — generating 80 million views across multiple videos — leading up to its official release on May 10.
Soulful melodies, heartfelt lyrics and an online following of fans hungry for more made the perfect recipe for the 26-year-old Luton, England native's debut at Advertising sign diagrams. With 6.7 million official US streams in its opening week, according to Luminate, the track became Smith's first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 77 on the chart dated May 26. reaches a new high of No. 51 on this week's list, boosting Smith into the top five Advertising signThe Emerging Artists chart for the first time as well.
As “Stargazing” continues to shine, Smith takes it all in, without abandoning his strategy: sharing glimpses of unfinished works with fans along the way. In just the last few weeks, Smith has already released demos of the pop-tinged folk balladWhispers“and the charming love song”Be mine” on his TikTok. “It could be a 'Stargazing' part two,” he teases of the final track. “You never know with these things. I was itching to get it out.”
Below, Smith opens up about the cosmic development of “Stargazing,” balancing social media with mental health, his touring experience, his list of dream collaborations and more.
Where did you get the idea for 'Stargazing' and how did it come about?
It was something that was born from being with the people I loved in a space I loved. I was out in Malibu in LA [in January], my first time there, and definitely different from where I grew up. I was with songwriter Jesse Fink and a songwriter-producer Peter Fenn, who I've worked with before. I just signed with my label [RCA Records], and I said, “I want to write something that's really warm and fun and happy.” I found the hook pretty instantly.
It was just us jumping around, about the fifth day they started writing — looking at each other with guitars and having the time of our lives. It came from the idea of the people you love, the things you love, always being present in your life, perhaps in a way you don't recognize or see. And then what comes to light later in the day, and that euphoric moment of realizing that. The whole song wasn't finished that day, but it was definitely finished. From the moment this tune was found, the warmth in the room was contagious.
Where did the transference of the stars come from?
Jump out of nowhere. It was late in Malibu, and we're looking at the ocean and the sunset, and in that beautiful moment, I stood there and it was quite cathartic. I was like, “Damn, I'm doing what I really wanted to do looking at this beautiful night sky scene.” We were like, “Oh, snap, is that what it's called?” We threw out the word and it found its life there.
How much did the original recording change from the final product?
At the time, it was really the hook and the bare bones of the verse and melody. I think that's the exciting part of where we are now in music. Not everything has to be done and not everything has to be perfect. In fact, the process of getting there was very much a mutual relationship between me and my fans. Seeing them react to it made me even more inspired to finish the song. We kept the bones of the demo in there and embellished it to bring it up to studio standards. We wanted to not stray too far from the magic that had been created.
So, when you posted that initial clip on TikTok, you hadn't finished the whole song yet?
No, the whole song wasn't done by that point, but it was something we knew was special. “Solo” and “My Home” – my two songs before – were a similar process. I just fell in love with the bare bones of the song. I have this itchy finger that I can't wait to get something on. I know for many artists it's about getting everything perfect. But to me, there is so much beauty in imperfection.
A big part of why I love the audience I have is that they put up with me as I work through things and as I explore what something should sound like. That they are part of my creative process is integral to the music being what it is and the connection of how it connects. I am forever grateful for comments online. It really matters in the final mastering and finishing of any song I do.
Has there been any reaction to his chart success from friends or family that stands out?
My mom was just like me and she said, “Is this real? Are you being cheated?' [Laughs.] We got on FaceTime and I got about 50 messages from friends and family because my mom had gone mental in all the group chats. Especially here in the UK, the reality of a UK artist takes center stage Advertising sign [charts] it's not very long, so when you listen to it, it sounds a bit like a dream. Then it happened and we were like, “Oh, my words. We're making waves across the pond.”
It's so rewarding and so inspiring to be able to do this and follow so many great British artists. Having support across the water and feeling like I have a home away from home was just so humbling and such a privilege to experience. Charting on the Hot 100 has such a profound impact on an artist's journey to truly gain confidence and validation in how they think and feel about their art and music.
Do you have a favorite TikTok interaction or song usage?
The ones that really turn me on are weddings. This is the biggest day of one's life at this point, possibly. And they've chosen my voice, a kid from a million miles away who grew up in a town no one has ever heard of, as the soundtrack. It stops me in my tracks every time I see it and reminds me that what we do as artists really does have an impact on people's lives.
Sometimes online, you can get so distracted by things that don't matter. When you pull back to the reality of those moments, it really reinforces the role of an artist — but also the beauty of the music industry and the transition to social media in a global perspective. I am so lucky to be part of a generation of artists who are doing this.
How is your relationship with social media?
My relationship is healthier than it was. Of course we compare ourselves to people so much and look at people doing amazing things. For a long time, I took this as a reflection of who I am it was not act. This was not great for me. But I started using social media, for lack of a better word, in a more selfish way—like, “Hey, I want to use this as a tool to find my community, build relationships, and network.” I started focusing on what was important to me and it became such an incredible part of my artistic journey.
Now I have a community that thinks, feels, and expresses in similar ways and teaches me things about myself and the world that I didn't know. I now see it as an opportunity to connect with people around the world.
You are currently on tour in Europe. How was that experience?
I did a mini show earlier this year, and that was my first time bridging the gap between online and real life. It was such a surreal moment. Being on stage and being in cities I've never been to and people singing lyrics to me stopped me watching every night. This tour is that, just a little bigger. It's still the exact same feeling. I feel like I'm living a dream. People ask me, “Is it normal yet?” For me it is not. I don't ever want it to be normal.
The magic of living your dream and seeing it every night is what I think music is. Seeing people in real life, hearing their stories and struggles and singing, laughing, crying in a room together is what I want to do for the rest of my life. I loved every moment of this tour. I can't wait to go to the States and bring it back.
What's next for you after the tour?
After the tour I'm going to get… I'm lying. I won't take a break. I don't have time for a break! I'm going straight back into the studio, writing and recording more music. The part that I love about what I do, and the part about working with the people that I work with and the company that I now call home at RCA, is that they really support my vision of being able to put out music and not always have to wait.
Who are some of your dream partners?
I'm a huge Mumford & Sons stan. I love Noah Kahan — I think what he does is just incredible. I can't think of anyone who is a better songwriter at this stage. Hozier is a STORM OF THE AIDS. But if I had to pick one dream of all time, it would be Chris Martin. I will forever be a Coldplay stan.
A version of this story originally appeared in the June 1, 2024 issue Advertising sign.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/myles-smith-stargazing-tiktok-hot-100-interview-1235702281/