London-based neo-psychedelic musician, Miles Valentine, is set to release his debut EP this Friday (February 14). In an interview with MXDWN UK, he delved into the inspirations behind the project, his creative influences, and the advantages of being an independent artist – a growing movement in today’s music industry.
The EP, ‘Valentine’s Day’, is a culmination of his work over the past five years, significantly shaped by the artists move to London in pursuit of his musical ambitions and his experience navigating modern dating culture.
His introspective approach to songwriting is evident in ‘Moon Baby’, the first track on the EP and his debut single, which explores a symbiotic relationship between two individuals, weaving celestial imagery of the moon and the sun.
Valentine described it as encapsulating “the push and pull of being with someone, or wanting to be, bringing your good aspects along with theirs”. Expanding upon the song’s narrative, he reflected “the protagonist of the song is kind of this gothic character who dwells in the night, and kind of sees himself as a batman type person, protecting the other from the dangers that they don’t see, but longing for the light and positivity that they bring into their life” explored over a dark-psych groove foundation and paired with a hint of surf music.
The guitar plays a central role throughout the EP and his love for the instrument traces back to his childhood, where playing Dragonball Z as a kid exposed him to classic rock and 80s songs and sparked his passion.
Reminiscing on this, he shared, “I wouldn’t have heard them and appreciated them otherwise. I guess discovering rock music and being enamoured with getting better at playing the guitar put me on a path where I can’t see myself ever stopping really.”
Beyond his solo work, Valentine is also the lead guitarist of FEZ, a role which has greatly influenced his individual sound.
He acknowledges that playing in a group has “matured [his] ability to write arrangements” as well as aiding him in developing his guitar melodies. Emphasising the benefits of this collaborative experience, he stated that this allows him to gain a more rounded perspective and ensures that “the art doesn’t become much of an echo chamber”.
FEZ itself has evolved over time, initially rooted in psychedelic rock before incorporating elements of jazz, funk, and harder rock. For Valentine, the essence of 60s and 70s psychedelic rock lies in experimenting with new sounds and taking listeners on a journey – a vision that influences his solo work in which he aims to “facilitate that journey through a classical neo-psychedelic” lens.
As an independent artist, Valentine has complete control over the sound, production and distribution of his EP. This decision aligns with an increasingly popular direction for musicians who are stepping away from record labels including six-time Brit-winner RAYE and R&B pioneer Frank Ocean. He describes this approach as “liberating”, allowing him to craft a project that is entirely true to his artistic vision.
The upcoming release of ‘Valentine’s Day’ this Friday marks an exciting new chapter in Miles Valentine’s journey and exemplifies the creative freedom that defines today’s musical landscape. This deeply personal project blends nostalgic influences with modern storytelling, highlighting him as an artist to watch this year.
