Tag Archives: Miles Graham

A Chat With, Interviews, New Music

A Chat With: Miles Graham

Miles Graham Photo by Colin Gillen


Singer-songwriter Miles Graham has released his new song ‘Yeah We’re Gonna Get Out of It’. The track is the sixth and final song bidding to represent Ireland at Eurovision 2022. Miles is originally from Clondalkin in Dublin and is now based in Co. Sligo. Miles was a guest on Weekend Wogan on BBC Radio 2 in 2015 with the legendary broadcaster Terry Wogan. I caught up with Miles to discuss his new song ahead of The Late Late Show this Friday where the song to represent Ireland will be chosen.

“I had the song written in 2020. There was a few things supposed to happen with it. I’ve been working with a producer Justin Broad in London, and we were working on several different projects and different songs and this was one of the songs where I wrote at home. We were all on a 2k lockdown at the time. Then the kids were singing it here in the background, my young kids at home. They don’t sing all of my songs but they were singing this one. So I decided to record them. They sounded amazing and I just thought I have to record that.Then I had the guts of the song sent over to Justin and he wrote the brass trumpet on it and fully produced it. The song is called Yeah, We’re Gonna Get Out of It and… it’s about the struggles and everything that I was going through and I’m sure a lot of people, musicians, songwriters, people that work in the arts, comedians, you know, that perform on stage, feeling those struggles along with everybody else. I suppose the lyrics lend to all of that. I’ve always had an interest in The Eurovision because it’s a song competition. It’s the biggest song competition in the world. I have always had an interest in Ireland’s entries, the songs and the competition itself. So you know, I would have submitted some songs down through the years. I just thought this song [ would ] be perfect given the concept and the feeling at the time. So I submitted the song back late last year and then I got the call just before Christmas that RTE wanted me to sing it and they wanted me to perform it and they loved the song. Yeah, it was part of the six songs selected to potentially go to the Eurovision in Italy. So here I am.”

Miles’ kid’s sweet voices can be heard in the song as they sing the catchy chorus.

“They’re so excited. We are hip hop fans as well. We like a lot of soul and hip hop stuff and we would basically be all singing different songs going around the house. This is one where we just came together in the moment and recorded it and it was really fun to do. I’m so proud of them. So proud of how everything came out on the track.“

‘Yeah We’re Gonna Get Out of It’ is very different to what people would expect to hear from a Eurovision song entry. It’s an uplifting tune filled with sunny vibes and bouncy keys, jazz moments and a speckle of soul. It’s refreshing to the ears with a fun and positive vibe.

“Yeah, I agree with you. It’s fresh, I mean that for me, if you hear something that’s fresh, that’s something different. I think the competition itself The Eurovision has gotten more diverse in recent years. We had a rock band from Italy [Måneskin] win it last year. You know, there is diversity within the competition now and people would say there are certain Eurovision type songs. But you know, they might not be the ones that are winning it. So I think to have something fresh and something different is very important in a competition to be able to stand out.”

The song features a jubilant brass and trumpet solo which was played by members from Amy Winehouse’s original touring brass ensemble. Miles explained to me how that collaboration came about.

“Yeah, so Justin [Broad] and Paul [Herman] who I was working with, the producers. When they heard the demo that I sent over [with] me and the kids singing here in the house, they were like, we love this track so much and we’d love to do this, we’d love to do that. So they made the call to the guys. Ben Edwards plays the trumpet solo. Yeah, they’ve toured with Amy Winehouse. They’ve got that real soul element to what they do and they obviously bounced off the track really well as well. I’m delighted they [ came ] into the studio in London to record it. That’s one element of the song I really really love, the brass, and trumpet solo.”

Miles will perform the song on The Late Late Show on Friday, February 4th, where a winner will be chosen to progress to Turin, representing Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest. A nerve-wracking performance that unfortunately, won’t feature his kids on stage with him.

“You always get a little bit nervous. I played the Late Late Show before in 2018. So that gives me a little bit of confidence, a bit of an edge, I suppose. I’ve got a little bit of a cold at the moment. So I’m trying to just get past that and I can hopefully, be 100%.  I’m really looking forward to it, you know, just gonna enjoy it as much as I can and hopefully, the song puts a smile on people’s faces and gives that kind of positivity that I had in the room at home when I was writing and recording it with the kids. “

Props and elaborate stage setups are a big thing in The Eurovision. I wondered if Miles found it difficult deciding on what he wanted to do and how he wanted the song visually displayed on stage.

“I had an idea in my head. There are certain challenges that come in when setting up for production to be able to present something in the way you want to present it. But yeah I’m really excited about what we’ve done. I’ll leave the element of surprise for Friday night, but obviously, yeah, with the kids they can’t be on stage because Eurovision rules, they can’t be under the age of 16. There won’t be any kids on stage so we’re trying to, be able to represent them in a different way. “

Along with his bid to represent Ireland in the Eurovision, Miles told me what we can expect from him in the coming months

“ I’ve put out a song with L’Tric a dance track it went out just before Christmas called ‘She Is Gold’. So that’s out on Spotify. That’s actually written about my sister. Keep it all in the family, you know. Yeah, I’m loving that song at the moment. I have a live date in London in The Grace on the sixth of May and I’m hoping to get a couple of gigs here maybe March, April as well. So yeah, we’ll see how things go with the competition, but win or lose on Friday, I just hope people get behind the song. Because I think it’s a special song and it deserves people to hear it and just get the good vibe out there, that’s what we all need”

Miles Graham has been steadily perfecting his craft. The result is a sound that reflects his versatility as an artist. ‘Yeah We’re Gonna Get Out of It’ is a fine example of this and showcases his natural charm and passionate musicianship. 

Miles will be performing ‘Yeah We’re Gonna Get Out of It’ on The Late Late Show this Friday make sure to check it out. Until then you can stream the song below 


Author: Danu

New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Miles Graham has released the video for his new single ‘Give It Up Now’

Miles Graham Photo by Colin Gillen

Miles Graham has just released the video for his brand new single ‘Give It Up Now’, which has recently been selected for the latest national Bank of Ireland television and radio ads, in addition to him announcing a live London show which will see him play The Grace, London on the 19 November 2020. His EP ‘All The Right Things’ is out now across all digital platforms.

Miles Graham’s latest track ‘Don’t Change’ resulted in him performing the single live on BBC Radio 5 and a stunning version of Dido’s Thank You, and picking up further airplay from BBC Introducing. It accelerated a fresh stage in the Irish singer-songwriter’s career, having previously scored international dance hits alongside Don Diablo and L’Tric, as well as being playlisted on BBC Radio 2 for his breakthrough moment ‘I Can’t Love You Again’.

Fans who admired ‘Don’t Change’ now have more of his creative world to explore as he shares his new EP ‘All The Right Things’, which features the new track ‘Give It Up Now’- a bittersweet piano ballad laced with lush string arrangements and sky reaching vocal harmonies.

About the video Miles said : “The concept for this music video challenges the conscious & unconscious assumptions of the viewer, highlighting equality & the Black lives matter movement. It follows the journey of a man venturing on a jog and the people he encounters along the way. It’s the viewers choice to make their own mind up who is behind the hoodie. It could be anyone.. ‘It could be better for all ya know’.. ‘Give it up now’ . To make things better we sometimes need to challenge our own views and assumptions. There is purposely an air of hope for the future.. Let’s make it reality!”

Watch the powerful video below


Author : Danu

New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Miles Graham’s ‘Give It Up Now’ has been selected for the latest national Bank of Ireland television and radio ads

Miles Graham‘s brand new single ‘Give It Up Now’ has been selected for the latest national Bank of Ireland television and radio ads, in addition to him announcing a live London show which will see him play The Grace, London on the 19 November 2020. His EP ‘All The Right Things’ is out now across all digital platforms.

Miles Graham’s latest track ‘Don’t Change’ resulted in him performing the single live on BBC Radio 5 and a stunning version of Dido’s Thank You, and picking up further airplay from BBC Introducing. It accelerated a fresh stage in the Irish singer-songwriter’s career, having previously scored international dance hits alongside Don Diablo and L’Tric, as well as being playlisted on BBC Radio 2 for his breakthrough moment ‘I Can’t Love You Again’.

The ‘All The Right Things’ EP was recorded in London with producer Paul Herman(Emeli Sandé, Dido, Corinne Bailey Rae), with string arrangements from the renowned Sally Herbert(Plan B, Usher, Duffy,Ellie Goulding, Florence + The Machine). It is a pop and retro-soul filled EP boasting Graham’s refined and passionate musicianship. Miles Graham uses deep grooves, intricate soundscapes and mellow guitar lines to create a unique collection of tracks. He is a truly unique and passionate artist with potent song writing sure to have you hooked with one listen. 

Stream ‘All The Right Things’ EP below 


Author : Danu

A Chat With, Indie, Interviews, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

A Chat With : Miles Graham

Miles Graham Photo by Colin Gillen

I caught up with Dublin singer songwriter Miles Graham to talk about his new EP ‘All The Right Things’. We discussed how he wrote the EP, his break in 2018 and how much he is missing gigging.

Miles Graham released his new EP ‘All The Right Things’ via Peer Music on the 10th of July.The EP was recorded in London with producer Paul Herman(Emeli Sandé, Dido, Corinne Bailey Rae), with string arrangements from the renowned Sally Herbert(Plan B, Usher, Duffy,Ellie Goulding, Florence + The Machine).The EP showcases his soul-baring songwriting and top-quality sound: a genre-blurring blend of retro-soul and fresh yet timeless pop.When I spoke to Graham last, he expressed he was nervous for the release and having the EP out there now is still quite a scary thing.

“ yeah it’s still terrifying, since the last time I was talking to you nothing has changed. I’m excited about it. When you release music it can take a while for things to pick up, nothing happens overnight. It’s really busy at the moment with promo and there’s not a lot we can do gigs-wise so I’m still missing that dynamic of going out and getting energy from gigs and connecting with people, so it’s a weird balance. It’s like you’re stood still but kind of promoting this body of work but you’re not getting that energy back at you from the crowd which is a bit strange.It’s just missing something but I think we are all missing something no matter what you are up to theses days.

It’s all very surreal especially in the music industry and in the entertainment industry and any entertainment that gathers crowds it’s just all uncertain.For single people who are meeting up, how does that work now?. It’s just creating a bit of distrust with people and you don’t know their background and where they are coming from or whether they have covid 19 or not and they probably don’t even know themselves. I don’t like the way it creates that distance. Before, people greeted each other with a hug whereas we came from you know a good few years ago it was just a hand shake. You know you’d have no more than a hand shake now and that will be that and then we became more friendly with a hug and we have gone from that to no, you can’t do that.“

‘All The Right Things’ is a soulful EP with deep grooves, intricate soundscapes and mellow guitar lines. Each track warrants its own space on the EP and has a special timeless quality. It’s difficult to pick a favourite and Graham is proud of them all but Sunbeam, the intricately textured and heart-melting tribute to his daughter is a special track for him. 

“ I’m proud of all the tracks on it. It’s very hard to pick one. It’s like if you have young kids you can’t pick your favourite one, they are just all the same, but I suppose I love the groove in ‘Sunbeam’, I love the vibe in ‘Sunbeam’ and there is a nice dynamic there. It has some surprises in it with the vocal dynamic and the guitar solo and stuff. I just love the vibe and the change in melodies as the song progresses, but that’s just me being a music nerd, but then again the single ‘Give It Up Now’ I love the strings that Sally Herbert arranged and I just loved the intimacy of it. I love ballads that reach out to people as well in a different way. But yeah I vibe off ‘Sunbeam’.

When I wrote Sunbeam it was just a moment I had. I was going through a tough time in the form of a break up and my daughter, she was like my sunshine, my sunbeam and helped keep me positive and I just had a moment, I can visualise it now. My daughter hugged me in my living room and there was that Sunday morning sun just coming in the window and the curtains were barely open and you know that kind of dust that settles in the air and that sunbeam through the curtains. It was just a beautiful moment. I suppose the whole kind of vibe in that song is in the verses basically just saying that everything is going to be ok as long as we have that sunshine in our lives. She’s a twin to my son and now he’s a bit jealous. He wants me to write a song about him so I’ll have to get working on that.”

The EP as a whole flows smoothly and is perfect for relaxing to. This wasn’t Graham’s intention but just what appears to happen when he writes

“ I’ve been into that vibe. I’m not sure whether it’s my voice or not, maybe it is. I actually just got an email from a label I was working with in Australia, a dance label and they said we’d love that smooth vibe on this track and I was thinking does everyone just want to fall asleep to my music or what’s the story? It’s all the laid back type of vibe but I think there is a lot of soul in it. When I say soul I mean from the heart. Especially in the EP there is more of a connection, but no I don’t aim to be that way I think that’s probably the way I am.”

The arrangements throughout the EP are simply outstanding; Graham delicately blends bubbling rhythms with subtle explosions of melodic counterpoints to create a cohesive and charming body of work. Graham likes to be precise with his production but still manages to capture emotion within his tracks.

“Thanks very much, that’s a lovely description. I’m not sure whether it was purposely done but I do focus a lot on the dynamic within a song. From its first lyric to bringing people on a journey and in the production of a song and the lyrics and melody.I do focus on that journey and I’m conscious of that when I write, that the first line has to get people interested. It’s like writing a novel or a book, I am conscious of that and also the build up in the production.I would be quite finicky with that kind of stuff you know it has to have the right dynamic and have the feeling and accomplish the hairs on the back of the neck moment. For me that’s what music is about.”

Graham took time out to focus on family in 2018 – which was a brave decision. When you get into something like the music industry it’s easy to develop a mindset that makes you want to keep reminding people you are there for fear of them losing interest.I wondered if he was worried about this when he made his decision to take a break.

“No I didn’t worry about that.It was just something I had to do at the time and I had the right reasons obviously. I had a young family and that’s my priority and music is always second to that.Family is first.That was always the case even when I started out on my music career. I work really hard even when the kids were really young, you know changing nappies at two in the morning and sending emails at three for the next day and that’s just how it works.

It is a different thing when you have a young family and are trying to work a music career. I remember the late Terry Wogan saying that to me. I had some success in the UK in 2015 and he said Miles that’s a tough challenge and I wish you all the best with it. He knew that I had a young family and at the time I thought ‘ah he’s a nice man saying that’ but it was the years that followed that made me realise that he was very right. For me it’s worked. If you’re out touring, if you’re hugely successful and you’re out touring for months it’s different.Whereas I was going out and I was doing, like I did a tour in the UK and it was 2 weeks and I played loads of lovely venues and then I was back home again and that was fine.In 2018 it all just built up to a certain point and I went through a relationship breakup and I just had to re-focus. It’s a huge change in anybody’s life so I just needed time to re-calibrate myself and focus on family.

So I wasn’t worried about what the industry was doing, that didn’t come into my head.It was just focus on the family and then I started writing again after a few months just as therapy and I’ve learnt a lot about myself as well and how music is apart of me no matter what. Even if I don’t release music. I mean I probably have about 3 or 4 albums worth of songs that haven’t been released, that I hope to release someday but I don’t see the point unless there is a reason to put music out. I’m happy to be putting music out now. It feels right.”

Graham’s latest track ‘Don’t Change’ resulted in him performing the single live on BBC Radio 5 and a stunning version of Dido’s Thank You, and picking up further airplay from BBC Introducing.I wondered is all that support a comforting confirmation he was doing something right with his tunes

“ Totally consider myself very fortunate to get any airplay or backing from radio play from Laura Whitmore or people that like the music but it’s a really difficult business.It doesn’t come easy. It comes from hard work.Those radio plays they come from hard work from promoting and even creating the music from scratch. There is so much good music out there as well and even with lockdown, you mentioned BBC Introducing I think had like thirty or forty thousand songs uploaded to their system within lockdown and their policy is they listen to everything and perhaps they might get played on local BBC radio or whatever so you can imagine the influx of that they are getting as well so to get any plays amongst the bunches is definitely great. It is a little bit luck of the draw as well you know. No matter how good you are there is that element of luck there. You always hear musicians saying you know I consider myself very lucky but I know for a fact they work really hard.”

Graham’s plans for the rest of the year are unsure however there is a gig that will hopefully go ahead and some surprises to keep an eye out for.

“EP is out I want to promote it as best I can. There have been really positive vibes back about it so far. It’s hard to plan really but I have one gig booked in London for the 19th November and fingers crossed that will go ahead.It would be great to get out and gig the songs live.Thats the best way to experience them I think.It’s a different experience for people to come and see me live with the band and I’d love to give people that experience.For one thing I’m really tall. I’m like six foot four so that would be the first thing ‘oh he’s really tall’. I love performing so hopeful a few gigs will come about.There are things happening in the background with the music that you might hear very soon.That I just can’t say at the moment.I’m also shooting a music video this weekend in Dublin for the single ‘Give It Up Now’. We are shooting it around Merrion Square so that should be good. “

Miles Graham’s new EP ‘All The Right Things’ is a timeless collection of tracks. His delicate and emotive vocals, lush harmonies and raw tender moments build in to the tracks groove infested underbelly making each song an engaging and spell-binding listening experience. He is a rare talent and the EP is a must listen.

Stream ‘All The Right Things’ below 


Author : Danu

EP Review, Indie, Indie Soul, New Music, Soul

Miles Graham ‘All The Right Things’ EP

Miles Graham is set to release his new EP ‘All The Right Things’ via Peer Music on the 10th July. Graham’s latest track ‘Don’t Change’ resulted in him performing the single live on BBC Radio 5 and a stunning version of Dido’s Thank You, and picking up further airplay from BBC Introducing. It accelerated a fresh stage in the Irish singer-songwriter’s career, having previously scored international dance hits alongside Don Diablo and L’Tric, as well as being playlisted on BBC Radio 2 for his breakthrough moment ‘I Can’t Love You Again’.The ‘All The Right Things’ EP was recorded in London with producer Paul Herman(Emeli Sandé, Dido, Corinne Bailey Rae), with string arrangements from renowned Sally Herbert (Plan B, Usher, Duffy,Ellie Goulding, Florence + The Machine).

‘All The Right Things’ is a pop and retro-soul filled EP boasting Graham’s refined and passionate musicianship. Miles Graham uses deep grooves, intricate soundscapes and mellow guitar lines to create a unique collection of tracks. From title track ‘All The Right Things’ to the vibrant ‘Don’t Change’ through to the lush coos of the velvety ‘Sunbeam’, Graham adorns each track with warm hooks and peppy twinkles on keys while sprinkling R&B elements on top.

The arrangements throughout are simply outstanding; he delicately blends bubbling rhythms with subtle explosions of melodic counterpoints to create a cohesive and charming body of work. The musical components slowly build upon this and meld into an intricately textured soundscape as Graham utilizes vaporous guitar and laid back tones to add richness to his tracks. This is most evident in the heart-melting tribute to his young daughter, ‘Sunbeam’. Graham soulfully croons in spectacular fashion – while slipping into his sweet falsetto, his velvety tones drift over the sweet melodies with passion and tenderness.

Lyrically ‘All The Right Things’ EP is powerful, profound and deeply personal as Graham ruminates on past experience of the turmoils of a breakup. However Graham is breaking free from the turmoil that comes with hostility on the piano ballad, ‘Give It Up’. Through conversational lyrics which gives a fly on the wall insight to break-up he provides a motivational tune with oodles of passion and gusto. 

The softer moments within the EP is where Graham excels, his delicate and emotive vocals, lush harmonies and raw tender moments build in to the tracks groove infested underbelly making each song an engaging and spell-binding listening experience. This is a rare talent and not easy to achieve consistently yet this technique flows effortlessly through Graham’s work marking him as quite the master songwriter. Miles Graham and his intriguing take of music is getting better and better with each release, keep an eye on this artist. 

‘All The Right Things’ is set for release this Friday 10th July. For more you can follow Miles Graham on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/MilesGrahammusic/


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Soul, New Music, Soul

Miles Graham ‘Give It Up Now’

Miles Graham Photo by Colin Gillen

Miles Graham has announced the title of the new single ‘Give It Up Now’ which is set for release on 10th July, along with his EP ‘All the Right Things’. Graham’s latest track ‘Don’t Change’ resulted in him performing the single live on BBC Radio 5 and a stunning version of Dido’s Thank You, and picking up further airplay from BBC Introducing. It accelerated a fresh stage in the Irish singer-songwriter’s career, having previously scored international dance hits alongside Don Diablo and L’Tric, as well as being playlisted on BBC Radio 2 for his breakthrough moment ‘I Can’t Love You Again’.

‘Give it up now’ showcases Miles Graham’s rich soulful sound as he uses passionate emotive songwriting, intricate arrangements and crisp production to create a hair raising listening experience. It’s an earnest piano led ballad as Graham’s velvety soulful vocals melt upon an elegant backdrop of R&B beats and timeless retro tones. It’s a bittersweet number complete with lush harmonies and graceful laments on strings while the strength, emotion and drive is provided by the wonderfully sweet and soothing tones of Graham’s vocals.

Graham builds the song superbly offering his retro soul pop with oodles of power and gusto however he is by no means overpowering. Graham weaves subtle layers within this track to create intrigue. Each verse provides movement and a sultry fluidity that takes this ballad to more dynamic and powerful heights. A great listen.

About the track Graham explains, “’Give it up now’ is about being free of the turmoil that comes with antagonism. It has conversational lyrics that give a fly on the wall incite to break-up, the EP is an emotional narrative within my very dynamic journey . The freedom of letting go ‘It could be better for all you know..’ is perhaps a teasing lyric in the song to some kind of better life ahead, but is ironically ambiguous in it’s positive/negative balance. “

‘Give It Up Now’ is set for release on 10th July, along with his EP ‘All the Right Things’. For more you can follow Miles Graham on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/MilesGrahammusic/


Author : Danu

Indie, Live Music, New Music, Singer/Songwriter, Takeover

Event News – Miles Graham Takeover

Miles Graham will takeover our Instagram and Facebook for a live stream this Friday at 7.30 pm

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/indie_buddie/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/indiebuddie/

The Irish singer-songwriter Miles Graham has been establishing his reputation, first hitting BBC Radio 2’s playlist with ‘I Can’t Love You Again’ and then with high profile Billboard Dance hits with Don Diablo and L’Tric. During that time, Graham has focused upon honing his deeply affected songcraft, the first release of which comes with his brand new single ‘Don’t Change’.

Grahams velvety, soulful vocals and infectious tunes are going to make for one heck of a live stream.

Miles Graham has just released the live performance video to accompany his brand new single ‘Don’t Change’ check it out below


Author : Danu

A Chat With, Indie, Indie Pop, Interviews, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

A Chat With : Miles Graham

On Wednesday afternoon I spoke to singer songwriter Miles Graham (who was sitting having a cuppa in sunny Sligo) about his new single ‘Don’t Change’ and upcoming EP. Originally from Dublin, Miles Graham is a musician & Indie Soul Singer/Songwriter that has been described as a talent rarely found, possessing a warm, magnetic voice and songwriting talent reminiscent of early Van Morrison. What sets Graham apart is that he marries this with the commercial appeal of James Morrison and Ray LaMontagne.

Miles has been establishing his reputation relentlessly since first hitting BBC Radio 2’s playlist in 2015 with ‘I Can’t Love You Again’ and then with high profile Billboard Dance hits with Don Diablo and L’Tric. His new release ‘Don’t Change’ is quite the step away from the dance tracks. I wondered if he approached the writing process differently 

“I think it’s definitely evolved to a certain extent. The dance music was totally out of the blue. I didn’t expect to do that at all. If you listen to the record that we put out ‘I Can’t Love You Again’ it was just a ballad-y love song and I got a call from Neon Records in Australia when the record was doing the rounds in the UK and they wanted to do a dance version of the song and they wanted to use the vocals. So I sent over the vocals and they asked me to re-record it in a different tempo, which I did but it just wasn’t really working for that particular song.So they ended up sending me some other music and asked me to write for that music. So I ended up doing that and I came up with a record called ‘1994’ for L’Tric and they released that.It was like number 2 in the UK club charts and number 3 in Australia and it was all very much a surprise. It was a side track to what I do but it obviously led me on to recording with Don Diablo and other DJ’s . It was fun and exciting. House music and dance music is such an interesting genre of music with so many different genres within it. It opened my eyes I think. The melodies that they use sort of changed my thought of melody.. Maybe because I knew I was writing for a young audience who are into pop melodies and just listened to the house and dance music that was going at the time, but it was a very fun experience but I’m not sure whether it has affected my own music that much, maybe a little bit, yeah.”

It can be daunting for an artist to release music to the public especially as a singer songwriter, (as it’s just you there is no band or other band members to share the load with).With the success of previous tracks Graham feels pressure with this new release

“Yeah absolutely. I always knew that with the likes of Don Diablo they have huge fan bases so there is less worrying about how well the track is going to do initially. You are just kind of putting yourself out there and because I’ve been doing the dance records I’ve come away from my own material quite a bit. But I do feel the pressure, I’m terrified, I’ll be honest with you I am nervous because it’s the most personal record that I’ve put out.Even like back with ‘I Can’t Love You Again’ and other songs I would have released and written back then, my writing would come from stories I might have heard of other relationships and put them into a fictional narrative, but this time around it’s definitely more personal.”

‘Don’t Change’ has a retro soul vibe and sleek presence, the funky groove in the track is extremely infectious

“It’s just something that came up in the studio. I started the song in Dublin with a guy called Greg Malocca who I worked with for many years now and we just got the groove together and we thought yeah lets do something a bit different and we got this Niall Rogers type of guitar line that we really liked and I had the rhythm guitar over it and then the melodies start coming and it just stemmed from that really. Lyrically it’s a bit more close to the bone but I wasn’t even thinking of the lyrics starting off, it just all comes out in melody initally.You don’t really know what you’re writing about until it’s done but it wasn’t a conscious decision, it just kind of came about.” 

One stand out aspect about ‘Don’t Change’ is how Graham puts an upbeat and colourful perspective on the melancholic theme of a break up. It gives the track the ability to cheer up a possible saddened listener?

“Thats nice. That’s lovely to hear. It’s my one goal as a songwriter you know, because that’s what I get from music. If I listen to a song and it lifts me or inspires me or makes me want to dance or if you have that hair standing on the back of your neck – it’s those moments within songs that I’d aspire to have as a songwriter.So it’s great hearing that. This song in the chorus is basically saying don’t change who you are. Obviously the verses are about heartbreak and relationships and they are toing and froing between that but as it gets to the chorus it’s like look, whatever happened happened and I hope that you don’t change and that I don’t change in the process of the turmoil that comes with it, It’s that kind of positive feel. There is one lyric at the start of the song, “kept the colours of the moment” it means you can focus on the bad stuff in a heart break or in a relationship but you can also focus on the colourful things and I think that helps.It helped me through a breakup situation and I hope it helps other people.

When writing songs sometimes the initial idea an artist has in their head can be difficult to achieve in the recording process. Graham tries to keep things simple when approaching the producer etc with his ideas to get them just how he imagines them 

“ It can be difficult, yeah. That’s probably the first thing that comes to mind when you have this vision in your head and nobody else knows what it is. The producer doesn’t know what it is, if your writing with someone else they don’t know what it is, so you have to get your point across.I think the best way of doing that is just strip everything right down to just sitting at the piano or with your guitar or whatever and just have the root notes. You might have a bass line or a guitar lick or just some chords and just be honest with the melody and with your idea. The production can go around full 360 with whatever way you want to produce it.But it can be difficult to get your imagery or idea across.”

‘Don’t Change’ was recorded in London with producer Paul Herman (Emeli Sandé, Dido, Corinne Bailey Rae) someone Graham has alway been a fan of and someone who shares his love for soul music

“ I’ve always been a big fan of Pauls.I know he did the Dido record and co writes but what really drew me to him as a producer was his work with Corinne Bailey Rae. It had that more soulful side and then I discovered the Dido music as well.I’ve always been a fan and I actually met him about 5 years ago. He was over doing an IMRO talk and I was heading to London the week after so he invited me down to the studio and very kindly gave me some good advice and I went on my journey and funny enough 9 years later I ended up working with him. Fortunately, since I’ve been working with peermusic London he was introduced to my music again in the form of a few demos and he said he wanted to work with me. He has definitely brought something to the table. In his work that he has done he focuses a lot on backing vocals and harmonies and he is really good at that. In the studio he was really pushing me to get a performance out of me.We were on the same page from the start because we both have a lot of soul music influences so I think those influences have become part of the EP as a whole.”

Graham has a velvety soulful  tone to his vocals however at the start he wasn’t particularly happy with how his voice sounded

“I think melodies come naturally to me because I’ve been listening to soul music from a young age. The only singing lessons I’ve ever had was from a famous jazz singer Honor Heffernan, that was way back maybe 15 years ago. I was singing a little bit not like myself before that.I think everybody is starting to kind of sing the music that they like.Whether it be Ed Sheeran or whatever. You know people who are just starting and in their teens they just sing like who they listen to. I didn’t have a deep voice, I had a mid tone, a kind of high register and I didn’t like that about my vocal. I wanted to be a more low tone soul singer. She brought that out of me a bit and I began to use my natural tone and natural voice.I didn’t like it at first but it wasn’t until I put out some music and I was getting some good feedback and that, so it seems to be going ok. I was in no way confident at all to start.I had a lot of confidence in the song writing.I knew I could tell a story, write a lyric and I was pretty good rhythmically with lyrics and making them flow and I got a lot of fun out of that. I had a lot of belief in myself as a songwriter but as a singer that’s another thing and as an artist and putting yourself out there.It was a bit more personal. It’s not something that I really wanted to do from the start.I was just looking for publishing or whatever but it was when the publishing companies, record companies and just general audience gave positive feedback about my voice that I started to pursue a career as an artist.”

The connection an artist gets at a live show is incomparable and for Graham it is an important experience. So to achieve this everyone has to adapt with the current lockdown times.

“I love the connection with people and live is the best way to play the music and experience the music.Even if you listen to records of live performances they are the ones that really get you.I do miss the live connection, obviously with the lockdown and everything. I have been doing some personal gigs on zoom and instagram live for fans that have connected with me and are in their homes in Germany, Scotland and America from back a few years ago and have stuck with me. I just go on and play a few songs and whatever. It’s been a bit of fun actually.I did one with Hot Press last friday. It’s amazing how quickly the industry has adapted. Everyone is on live stream now.The internet where I am isn’t that great. Actually just before lockdown I went to get new broadband. The one I had wasn’t great but I’m still waiting on it so I’m just using the hotspot on the phone at the moment.” 

Graham’s advice to budding young artists displays both the dreamer perspective and reality of the occupation as uses his experience in the industry so far to conjure some wise words

“Get ready for a really hard road.Believe in yourself. I know it sounds very cheesy but I think be as true to yourself as possible and try to connect with your audience. There are so many different genres of music and music is like food. You either like salt and pepper or you don’t, you know?. It’s important to channel into the right audience.Which is not easy to do but if you can manage to do that from the start hopefully you can build a fan base.Just be true to your music and don’t try to be anyone else.”

Miles Graham is gearing up to release his EP in the coming months with tracks that “are all very different”.

“ Choosing the songs for the EP was very hard.I have written so many songs but to get them all on an EP and to give people an idea of myself as an artist. There is one, kind of R&B soul tune, the melodies are quite R&B and then there is a ballad where I’ve got some lovely strings orchestrated by Sally Herbert in the UK who has won an award for orchestrating strings for the Plan B record The Defamation of Strickland Banks and shes amazing.I’m very lucky to have her talent on the record .There is another track called ‘All The Right Things’ which is the title track of the EP. I’m really excited about that track.It tells a story of my musical journey.It’s kind of funky and upbeat but it’s very different to anything else that’s out there at the moment I think.It will be interesting to see what people think of it.”

Sounds like Graham has something special planned for his upcoming EP. I can’t wait to check it out. 

You can follow Miles Graham on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/MilesGrahammusic/

Stream his recent single ‘Don’t Change’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie Soul, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Miles Graham ‘Don’t Change’

Miles Graham has just released his brand new single ‘Don’t Change’. The Irish singer-songwriter Miles Graham has been establishing his reputation, first hitting BBC Radio 2’s playlist with ‘I Can’t Love You Again’ and then with high profile Billboard Dance hits with Don Diablo and L’Tric. During that time, Graham has focused upon honing his music, the first release of which comes with his brand new single ‘Don’t Change’.

‘Don’t Change’ struts with a funky retro soul sheen while Graham spreads infectious pop over his charming and sleek musicianship. The catchy backing vocals coo between a jaunty guitar stride and twinkling keys while the shuffling beat and danceable bass groove wiggles its way into your mind. The foot tapping rhythm and clean production makes this sparkling pop number crisp while the indie soul elements smother the track in panache and chic gloss. With Graham’s smooth velvety vocals caressing the creamy melody this vibrant ditty oozes with sweet encouragements and uplifting vibrancy through a classic timeless soundscape.

About the track Graham said  “Breakup can be dark or colourful depending on your perspective. The choice is always yours , ‘Don’t Change’ I hope is a colourful moment captured within all the turmoil” explains Graham.”

Stream ‘Don’t Change’ below 


Author : Danu