An Interview With Miles From Kinshasa

Photo by Elena Cremona

South London based singer/songwriter Miles From Kinshasa has been non-stop blessing our eardrums with his effortless concoction of nostalgic eighties synth-pop, experimental R&B and Congolese rumba beats. Consistently releasing music since 2016 and racking up a huge number of streams along the way Miles has more than proven his pop writing acumen to the masses. Born in The Democratic Republic of the Congo and spending some time growing up in the Parisian Suburbs, Miles is an artist with true substance who's music transcends the fast dying pop trends of today, revealing a wide range of influences that have created his individual and personality infused sound. Miles released his first album LIMBO in 2017 with LA Based Label Quality Time Recordings and with a new secretive album in the pipeline, is definitely to keep an eye on. I briefly spoke with Miles ahead of the release of his two new self produced tracks No Fair, No Way and Pretend which dropped today. The tracks boast lush tropical synths and danceable rhythms, providing a truly summery vibe just in time for the nice weather.

You were born in The Democratic Republic of the Congo as-well as spending some time living in the Parisian Suburbs, how has where you lived inspired the music you create and affected your worldview as an artist?

MFK: I feel like very organically it’s made me blend loads of different genres and sounds in my art because I experienced a few different cultures during my childhood. I’m a sucker for nostalgia so I guess i’m always going back to places in my childhood and just bringing it to life again in the music.

What is the one thing you want people to take away from your music and why?

MFK: Honesty because there’s not a lot of it in music right now let alone the world.

Your music and attitude are both very individualistic, you significantly standout from your peers (especially with the heavy eighties influence), is commercial appeal something thats widely important to you or do you focus more on making music you want to listen to?

MFK: I love the eighties, I feel like it’s one my favourites reference points in art in general wether that be across film or design. On the other hand I also love great pop, when pop is really good you just can’t deny it, so ultimately it’s about what I like but if it connects enough to cross over I’m not going to say no. It’s always going to sound like Miles from Kinshasa though.

What’s one song or album that you wish you had written and why?

MFK: Cocteau Twins - Heaven or Las Vegas (Album), cause I don’t know what the fuck they’re saying but it sound so beautiful.

Who would be your dream collaboration?

MFK: Yukimi Nagano from Little Dragon. She was made to sing all over Miles from Kinshasa production.

If you could change one thing about the music industry what would it be?

MFK: I wouldn’t just truly know your worth and you should be fine.

Finally, what can we expect to see next from you, anything you can reveal about the album?

MFK: Alexa play Maybe by Miles from Kinshasa...