Miles Sarma is a singer songwriter from Byron Bay Northern NSW Australia, performing a mixture of rock roots/ blues based rock songs that speak of life’s journeys, loves lost and found.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Miles about the latest release, adapting during a pandemic, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and how do You describe your style of music?
Hi I’m Miles Sarma from Byron Bay in Australia, a seaside town the mostly easterly point in Australia with a big lighthouse to warn ships of this so they don’t run into it. It is also a world class surfing break drawing people from all over the world for some fun in the sun and to enjoy good times with music and friends. When I’m not making music by night, I’m trying to catch a wave or two during the day.
How did you get here? As in, what inspired or motivated you to take on this journey through music and the music biz?
Music is just something I do, it’s part of who I am growing up around family of musicians and friends hanging out learning instruments when younger. I remember competing with friends when teenagers who could play the most guitar riffs, do you know this one? I especially enjoy the process of making music from scratch songwriting and seeing the results in recordings and touring shows.
How does your latest project compare/contrast with your previous release(s)? Were you setting out to accomplish anything specific, follow a specific theme, or explore different styles of creation?
I have previously released albums and single recordings on tight budgets usually from home studio recording setups or low budget professional recording studios utilizing digital recording. This current release ‘Old Time lover’ is different and significant that it has been recorded at Lucky boy Analogue Recording Studio in Byron Bay using previous century technology of Analogue Studio 2” magnetic tape with analogue mixing desk. Using this old technology provides a rich deep warmth to the sound, which unfortunately digital has difficulty recreating. The new album release soon to be released 14th March 2022 ‘Ride the Waves’ has all been recorded using analogue tape and equipment providing a rich deep warmth to the music.
Name the biggest challenge you faced as a creative during these unprecedented? How did you adapt? How have you kept the creative fires burning during all this?
I have used the previous year and a half of world issues related to COVID to write and record a album. It took longer than expected due to lockdown restriction issues such as travel restrictions to the studio. When COVID struck beginning of 2021 a band that I had formed and was successfully getting gigs locally folded due to all music shows being cancelled. Therefore a solo album of material for recording was undertaken using local musicians for backing arrangements and recorded at local Lucky Boy Analogue recording Studios through 2021.
What was the last song you listened to?
The last song I listened to was ‘Give in to My Love’- by Australian singer songwriter artist Paul Kelly. Paul Kelly is a personal inspiration as a songwriter and performer.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? 8-tracks? Cassettes? CDs? MP3s? Streaming platforms?
Well considering this track ‘Old Time Lover’ was recorded on 2” Anologue tape it would have to be vinyl. The romance is lost somewhat these days where getting a album was cherished to see the artwork and read the cover lyrics, then to pop the record on and hope to not scratch it accidentally. Definitely prefer the musical experience of vinyl but the convenience of streaming is good for the modern hectic life. Having the worlds music at the fingertips is pretty cool.
Where is the best place to connect with you and follow your journey?
I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off?
This single song ‘Old Time lover’ is part of a album launch of Ride the Waves on 14th March. Add Miles Sarma to favorites on Spotify and available on all streaming and download services.
