Interview – Samantha Foley speaks to Kristyna Myles

Most artists now days start to make a name for themselves via YouTube and other social networking sites. Kristyna Myles route to being signed by a major record labels was a little different, after being noticed whilst busking. We caught up with Kristyna to talk duet’s, albums, charities and more.

Myles on busking

After graduating from Popular Music and Recording at University I decided the only instantaneous way to continue doing music was to go on the streets in Manchester to busk. I went with my guitarist Ben Williams and we gained lots of contacts and caught the attention on the Manchester Evening News as well as BBC Radio 5 Live who entered us into a National Busking Competition, which we won! Busking was an amazing way to get out there and get some gigs and gain a fan base.

Myles on charities

Centrepoint,, are a fantastic charity who work with young homeless people and give them a hope and a future. They invited me to perform at their sleep out a couple of years ago. 80,000 young adults experience homelessness every year. Centrepoint do an amazing job, housing, counselling and showing support to people who’ve had a rough start in life. They hold and annual sleep out where people raise money and literally sleep outside on the streets of London in masses. I went on a busking tour last year to raise money for them, this year a percentage of my single sales will be going to them.

Tearfund, heard about me through my single release and working with Centrpoint and got in touch to see if I’d like to be their public figure. Tearfund are an amazing Christian charity who are passionate about putting an end to poverty. I recently wrote a song for a campaign, I plan to raise awareness and funds for the amazing work they do. Here’s my song I wrote for them.

Myles on Duet’s

I love Amos Lee’s voice, to duet with him would be incredible. I’m a huge fan of Sam Gray and would love to do a duet with him too.

Myles on her debut album

It’s a collection of my experiences and life lessons. I’m calling it ‘Pinch Me Quick’ because it’s made up of some of those moments in your life where you have to pinch yourself whether it’s because it’s a devastating time or the complete opposite.

Myles on her songs

I love to perform ‘I’m not going back’ because it’s all about not going back to a place in your life that was stopping you from fulfilling your full potential. For me I was in a place where I thought I couldn’t pursue a career in music, I’ve never wanted to pursue anything else. Music has always been my passion and I feel now more than ever it’s what I’m supposed to be doing. Sharing the songs I’ve been given and to hopefully help/inspire/bless people through my gift.

Myles on go to’s

I tend to go to India Arie and play her song ‘I choose’ a lot! It’s a very inspirational song, about going forwards and that the past doesn’t define you. Plus it has an incredible groove!

Myles on church

Being a Christian my faith is embedded in the songs I write. Musically the music we sing at church must influence how I write to some degree but the majority we sing is more rocky. I tend to lean towards soul inspired music.

Myles on Princes Harry and Wills

Meeting HRH Prince William and Prince Harry, was very surreal. They are patrons of Centrepoint, I can’t really remember what I said as I was pretty nervous. I remember Harry being chattier but both were so charming. They know what they’re doing!

Myles on the future

I’ll be releasing my next single soon followed by my album. I’m also on tour with Ben Montague across the UK. Check my dates here on my website

You can find Kristyna Myles here

 

Samantha Foley