Luton singer-songwriter Myles Smith used his BRIT Awards acceptance speech to call on the government, music venues, and industry executives to take action in supporting British music.
Smith was named the BRITs Rising Star at the ceremony at London’s O2 last night (March 1), joining a prestigious list of past winners that includes Adele, Sam Smith, and The Last Dinner Party. He is also the first Brit Award winner from Luton since Paul young 41 years ago.
Taking to the stage, Smith used his moment in the spotlight to highlight the struggles facing the UK music industry and propose changes to secure its future.
“I was a kid raised by a single mum on free school meals in a state school that only had instruments because of government-backed schemes,” he began. “I grew up in a town that, according to loads of clickbait articles is the worst town, in Luton, but I’m somehow here, a four-time BRIT nominee, a graduate from a Russell Group university and having the biggest hit single of 2024.
“But tonight, whilst I have the attention of the nation, and this award which gives me this really cool speaking power, I want to ask three questions. My first is to the government – if British music is one of the most powerful cultural exports we have, why have we treated it like an afterthought for so many years?
“How many more venues need to close, how many music programs need to be cut before we realise that we can’t just celebrate success, we have to protect the foundations that make it.
“My second is to the biggest venues and arenas around the world – if artists selling out your arenas and your stadiums started in grassroots venues, what are you doing to keep them alive?
“And my third, to the industry, to the execs in the room and to the people behind the scenes – are we building careers or are we just chasing moments? Because moments fade and careers take time. So please stick with artists past their first viral hit, past their first tour, because it really matters to us. Moments, they fade, but careers last forever.”
Smith also performed his hits ‘Stargazing’ and ‘Nice to Meet You’ at the awards bash.
Smith was one of three shortlisted acts for the Rising Star Award, alongside Elmiene and Good Neighbours, with the winner selected by a panel of music journalists, radio and music TV station bosses, songwriters, producers, and live bookers.
His recognition at the BRITs follows another major accolade, as he also placed fourth on the BBC’s Sound Of 2025 list, further cementing his status as one of the UK’s most exciting new artists.
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