Myles Smith at Hammersmith Apollo
Even if the name “Myles Smith” doesn’t sound familiar, chances are his hits (namely Stargazing) will. It’s easy-listening for the unacquainted, but it’s already a soundtrack for another generation who know every word to every song, many of whom have filled a sold-out Eventim Apollo for the artist’s biggest headline gig to date.
The past 18 months have featured a meteoric rise through TikTok virality, including 12 weeks in the UK top ten chart. However, the Rising Star BRIT award-winner is keen to remind his audience that these accolades are just one side of his work, and live concerts like this are the opportunity to get to know the real Myles Smith better. It’s pretty apt for someone with a single called Nice to Meet You, and this is a two-way commitment, with the singer pausing mid-song for an unwell fan, as well as choosing the name for another’s baby.
This is a big night for the Luton-born singer, who upgraded a London show in February to this larger venue. In fact, it’s such a prominent milestone that it later becomes a family affair with his mum in the audience. He takes to the stage energetically with a four-piece band, launching into a boppy Wait For You with an acoustic guitar. It’s an instant hit with the fans, who belt out almost every line in unison from here on out.
Every track is an anthemic crowd-pleaser, but there’s also a window of introspection behind some catchy melodies. The self-aware songwriter acknowledges deeper pain that isn’t always evident before an acoustic solo of 3am, a track written about feeling anger and sadness towards his absent father. In the face of recent topical discussions regarding toxic masculinity, the artist uses the stage to share his own struggles, encouraging the audience to literally shine a light on mental health awareness through their phones during Little by Little. Such depth is taken up a notch when his older brother is welcomed onto stage for a moving spoken word poetry section about fatherhood; it’s an emotional moment that they have never attempted before, which makes the evening feel even more special.
Throwing everything at what feels like a homecoming concert, there’s a surprise appearance from Bastille’s lead singer Dan Smith, who performs a timeless rendition of Pompeii with vocals and drum beats that go effortlessly with the other “Smith”. By the time they reach the encore of My Home and Stargazing, the latter is so popular it is repeated as part of the tour’s signature finale, with the singer performing from within the crowd itself. What a way to unashamedly lean into the track’s success, whilst simultaneously staying humble.
It’s a perfect confetti-filled night for those who have supported the artist’s ascent. The energy is strong and the musical formula brings joy, though the vocals are so true-to-record that it’s almost a shame that there are backing track vocals featured at times. Nonetheless, the venues will undoubtedly keep getting bigger; it’s a promising milestone from a bright star who’s just getting started.
Bev Lung
Photos: Miguel de Melo
For further information and future events visit Myles Smith’s website here.
Watch the video for the single Nice to Meet You here:
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