Interview: Introducing 18-year-old indie-pop singer-songwriter Miles Temp

Miles Temp, the 18-year-old indie-pop singer-songwriter rapidly rising through the ranks of the North West music scene, releases his fifth single, ‘Before You’, through Ripe Records.

Following the success of his previous single ‘Heartbeat’, described as “a minimalist masterpiece” by Boot Magazine, ‘Before You’ cements Temp’s reputation as a gifted lyricist. The track explores the emotional aftermath of a life-changing encounter, delivered with cinematic textures and lo-fi undertones.

Since his debut in 2021, Miles Temp has quickly become one of Liverpool’s most exciting up-and-coming artists. He draws inspiration from artists such as Clairo, Phoebe Bridgers, and Conan Gray, blending indie-pop with heartfelt, soul-searching lyrics. He describes his sound as a way to “touch the soul” and help others navigate their own emotions. Miles first felt the pull toward music at Sound City 2021, where watching The Snuts at the Arts Club Theatre left a lasting impression.

From his debut single at age 15 to selling out shows and supporting acts like Alex Spencer and Ellis Murphy, Miles Temp has steadily made his mark. His performance at Sound City 2024 earned rave reviews, with the crowd at The Jacaranda Basement reaching capacity. This year, Miles Temp is set to play Sound City 2025 and support Ellis Murphy at the Philharmonic Music Room on June 6th.

How does it feel, at just 18, to already be called one of Liverpool’s most promising talents?

I feel honoured to be able to create music in this city and to be noticed in this huge pool of talented, up and coming musicians. I am so grateful to be in a city where music is all around and it’s ingrained into the culture. I have loved every single opportunity I have been offered and have learnt so much along the journey. The music community in Liverpool is so intertwined and has been so supportive of me. I’ve really enjoyed finding my place within it and it’s given me the opportunity to find my own style and voice. I have met so many amazing people and played so many memorable gigs at such an early stage, I can’t wait to continue my journey in Liverpool and beyond.

Please tell us more about your musical journey so far.

I’ve always loved my music and the creative arts since I began singing from the age of 6. I decided to pick up the guitar during the 3rd national lockdown, after my musical awakening watching The Snuts at the Arts Club Theatre back in 2021 that inspired me to make my own music and I fell in love with songwriting alongside my guitar. From then, I’ve been writing since I was 14 with my first release of ‘The End?’ and continuously onwards with my most recent single ‘Before You’ gaining support from radio stations such as BBC Introducing, RadioX, SVARA, The Florrie etc over the years. With my support from Dave Monks over the years, after playing Radio 1s open mic in celebration of their big weekend in Liverpool at The Jacaranda, I was invited to play at the Big Weekend 2025 on the BBC Introducing Stage on Friday 23rd May. This has been a massive milestone for me personally as playing a part of the BBC has always been a dream of mine especially in my home city. I can’t wait for what’s in store!!

As a new artist from Liverpool, would you say it’s easier or harder to break into the music scene?

I believe as an up and coming musician in Liverpool there are loads of pros alongside cons when it comes to breaking through in this city. I believe this city is extremely saturated when it comes to the music scene however that comes only with so much advice and networking within this city. I believe that showing your face and being there in the room is the best way to introduce yourself into the music industry as your reputation alongside your music takes you a long way. Showing up for yourself in this difficult industry through all opportunities handed to you is the only way to shine through.

What were your emotions when you found out you’d be playing at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend alongside some of the biggest names in the industry?

One of the first things I said was ‘omg i’m playing the same festival as Sam Fender!!’ with tears in my eyes because of how happy I was. It came at such a surprise and it was like a dream come true to be recognised for my music through my live sound at the open mic and constant commitment over the past few years. If anyone knows me they know I absolutely LOVE Sam Fender, as a personal favourite but as a songwriting inspiration of my own. To play on the same stage and day of Crawlers is a full circle moment for my 14 year old self as well as absolutely huge names such as The Wombats, Lola Young, Tom Odell etc that I hope to see live across the weekend. I am still in disbelief that this is happening and I don’t think I will till the day.

Is there anyone you’re especially excited to meet at the event?

Over the weekend, I absolutely can’t wait to meet the team at the BBC and everyone that is a part of the making of the Big Weekend. Meeting other brilliant musicians and connecting with everyone across the industry is so important to me while trying to take as many polaroids as possible. I just want to talk to everyone I can!! When it comes to dream people I would like to meet it would have to be Sam Fender… like that would be an insane (and delusional ahahah) dream.

Who would be your dream collaboration in the future?

I would absolutely love to collaborate with Clario in the future as she is such a huge inspiration to my music and I would love to write or sing a song alongside her.

You’ve just released your new single “Before You.” What can fans expect next—another single, maybe an EP or album?

Over the few months, fans can expect to see an acoustic version of ‘Before You’ being released sometime after my Ellis Murphy support at the Philharmonic Music Room as well as a brand new single releasing this autumn!! When it comes to future independent development of my music, I would loveeeeee to be able to release merchandise for up and coming gigs as well as online availability for fans to purchase 🙂

Where do you see yourself in five years, musically and personally?

I see myself continuing to show up for myself within my music and personal life. I want to be able to live off my music and build an uplifting and loving team around me while keeping true to myself and life goals. I would love to grow on my socials and gain fans from all over the world and start touring and eventually touring internationally, which would be a dream come true.


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