From Luton to the World: Myles Smith’s Rise to Music Stardom

A year ago, Myles Smith stood on the BBC Introducing stage at BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend in his home town of Luton. He played his new song, Stargazing. He did not know how big the song would become or how much his music career would grow.

Myles is 26 years old. Since then, he won the Rising Star Brit Award. He made the best-selling British song of 2024. He toured the world. He even made the Time 100 list of most important people.

Now, he is back on the Big Weekend main stage in Liverpool this Saturday. After that, he will play at Glastonbury, Wembley, and join Ed Sheeran on tour this summer.

"It's wild," Myles told the BBC. "Playing the main stage at Big Weekend is huge for me. It's a real pinch-me moment.

"I'm trying to enjoy it all and take it in."

In June, Myles will play with stars like Mariah Carey and Will Smith at the Capital Summer Ball at Wembley Stadium. In July, he will join Ed Sheeran for a homecoming show at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich.

"Ed has been a big influence on me as I grew up. Sharing a stage with him, especially in a place important to him, is an honor."

Myles said it felt "surreal" to play in his home county last May.

"I remember walking on that stage and thinking, is this real?

"Playing Big Weekend at home, in front of people who have supported me from the start, felt like everything came full circle.

"It was a very emotional day. I will never forget it."

His song Stargazing became the sound of the summer. It was streamed over one billion times. Even former US President Barack Obama added it to his playlist.

"You hope people connect with a song, but Stargazing took on a life of its own," Myles said.

What makes the song special?

"I think it is honest. Everyone has been through heartbreak or held on to hope when they should not.

"The song is simple but real. People felt that."

In April 2025, Myles was surprised to be on Time 100’s list of most influential people. He was listed with Serena Williams, Mark Zuckerberg, and Snoop Dogg.

"That shocked me. I never thought I would be on that list. It is crazy.

"I just feel very grateful to be recognized for doing what I love."

Myles says his life changed "a lot" in the past year.

"Eighteen months ago, I was still figuring things out.

"Now I tour, release music that reaches people worldwide, and meet heroes.

"But I am still me. I stay grounded with the same values. I have the same people around me."

That helps Myles stay steady while in the spotlight.

"I stay close to my family, team, and friends. They keep me balanced.

"I write a lot. Even if not for songs, writing helps me.

"When I can, I go home. Being in Luton resets me."

Myles remembers some moments that helped make him a musician.

"A music teacher believed in me. My mum pushed me to keep going, even when I doubted.

"I played small open mics and local shows when I could. They were not fancy, but I learned a lot.

"Luton is home. It made me who I am."

What advice would he give young musicians in Luton?

"Don’t wait for permission. If you love music, do it.

"Write songs, upload them, play gigs – even if small.

"Keep going when no one seems to listen. Someone will hear you.

"I am proof you don’t need to come from a big city or fancy school to make it.

"You just have to be honest and keep trying."

Myles released a new EP called A Minute, A Moment this weekend. He says, "I am excited about more music and touring."

"But really, I look forward to connecting with more people. That has always been the best part.

"And maybe, if I am lucky, I’ll have time to breathe and enjoy it all."