Singer-songwriter and musician Louie Miles has recently released a new EP, titled Wander. I had the great pleasure of being able to listen to Wander and review it, and I wanted to find out more about Louie. Read on below to see how we got on!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released an EP titled Wander, which we reviewed. What can you tell us about the EP?
The songs on Wander were recorded mostly throughout the spring of 2021. The songs weren’t created with each other in mind – it was only after recording that I decided upon them being part of an EP. The songs were created during a period of reflection for me and were inspired by childhood. I recorded them all in my room mostly, using my own instruments and some borrowed from friends/house mates. This Rain Is A Passing Note was the last song recorded, with most of the parts being tracked over 2-3 days and a few over dubs later – this song was probably the most fun to record as I had no idea how it would turn out and it was fun to go quite crazy with the overdubs.
How has the reception been so far, and where can Wander be purchased?
I’ve had some very kind words shared to me about the EP – to even have somebody give their time to listen to it all is a wonderful compliment. I’ll have it up on Bandcamp at some point and I hope to get cassettes done in the future if I can fund that.
Do you plan to release any singles from the EP in the near future?
I’ve written and recorded quite a few songs this year, almost an album worth, but I’m still taking time to consider the best option for these songs, I’m hoping to get them all recorded again in a studio and have that out next year. I’m just trying to focus on the enjoyment of it really, developing my sound and ability and I’ll see where that leads.
What is the composition process like for you?
The composition process has slightly evolved over the years. When I was younger, songs would be written and recorded in the same day, with little bits added later. For the songs on Wander, the chords and lyrics begin either on guitar or piano. Breeze and This Rain Is A Passing Note Began with guitar, Show The World and Wander began on piano. It begins with a musical idea and feeling inspired by something – a feeling, a thought, a person. These ideas may exist for a few days, weeks, months or sometimes years, but once I find something I’m excited to record, it’s usually recorded a few days. It starts with a guide track, then drums, bass, guitar etc, before all the other elements follow. I’m pretty meticulous with recording, but I like to get it recorded as quickly as possible, as it’s usually more fun that way.
Your music has elements of the psychedelic pop movement, sounding very unique. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
During the recording of Wander, there was a Roy Orbison album, In Dreams, that I had on repeat, and that directly influenced the sound of what I was making. There are influences like The Beatles, The Beach Boys and more contemporary Radiohead, who have always been there growing up. Their influence will always be there, if not by sound, then by their ethic of creating and innovating. More recently, anything by Elliott Smith and Broadcast finds itself on repeat, and inevitably their influence on my music will be present.
You’re based in Liverpool. What is the music scene like in your part of the world?
The music scene, in my experience, is great in Liverpool. I play in quite a few projects, whose music I all love. There’s a good diversity of music being made and some very talented artists to be inspired by.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
No tour dates lined up for my project at the moment, I’m wanting to take a bit of time to write, refine and consider the set until the new year, then I do want to get playing much more.
Any last words for the fans?
Thanks for reading!