Emerging artist Miles Squiers has been navigating the music industry with a combination of resilience, creativity, and determination. He shares the challenges he has faced, his creative process, and the advice he offers to aspiring artists. “Most of the challenges I’ve faced during my musical journey have been within my own creativity,” he shares. “Everyone goes through spells of writer’s block and the prolonged feeling of being uninspired. Those are still hard for me and my fellow artist friends to this day. But I think the hardest thing I’ve faced in my musical journey would have to be working with different managers. I’ve had managers try and steal 80% of my royalties and earnings by changing a contract. I’ve had managers try to take over creative control of projects and push myself and my friends to meet deadlines that they knew weren’t possible. Those times were tough because I didn’t want my reputation in the industry to be ruined, so trying to handle those situations when both the emotions of myself and my peers were high were the toughest.”
When it comes to creating new music, Miles explains his methodical approach. “When it comes to working on a new album or EP, I usually start with a theme. I try to find inspiration from my own life and also the media, film, and music I have been indulging in for the last few months or even a year. Once I find the theme I start with the instrumentation—making beats and instrumentals that match that mood and feel that I’m searching for. I look at making music like making a movie. The scene has to be set before the actor can perform his best work. In music, the instrumental has to set the mood before the vocalist can deliver his best work. After the songs are in demo form, I take a few weeks to work out the order that best fits the story of the album while also keeping the listener engaged and interested. Then comes the mixing and mastering phase that is done by either me or some of my talented friends in Nashville.”
Despite being an emerging artist himself, Miles states that his perspective has given him valuable insights to share with others. “Even though I am an upcoming artist myself, the best advice I would give to another artist is the same advice I’ve been given, which would be to never give up. To never stop trying. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take, so you gotta at least try and take the shot even if your skill level isn’t there. That’s how you learn. Also, not to be afraid to ask for help from your peers. I’ve been lucky enough to get features from my friends who are artists, music videos shot and directed by my talented friends, and concerts organized and promoted by friends who are promoters.” Miles Squiers’ journey illustrates the determination, collaboration, and creative rigor required to succeed in today’s music industry. Through sharing his experiences, he not only highlights the challenges artists face but also provides guidance and encouragement to those striving to make their mark.