Myles Smith "never imagined" being named on Time 100's list of most influential people

He told the BBC: "That one caught me off guard. I never imagined I'd end up in it. It's mad.

"I think I just felt really grateful, you know? To be recognised on that level for doing something I love."

Myles' 2024 single, 'Stargazing', has already been streamed more than one billion times, and he's been amazed by the song's success.

He said: "You always hope people connect with a song, but 'Stargazing' just seemed to take on a life of its own."

Asked why the single has become so popular, Myles replied: "I think it's the honesty in it - everyone's either been through heartbreak or held on to hope when they probably shouldn't have.

"It's simple, but it's real. And I think people felt that."

Myles is determined to achieve sustained success.

The singer has previously been described as an overnight success - but Myles doesn't look at his career in that way.

He recently told The Independent: "I wish it was as magical as an overnight switch, but it didn't feel quick. For me, I'm 15 years in."

Myles isn't motivated by short-term success. Instead, he wants to achieve longevity within the music business.

He shared: "So many decisions that I've made have been because I didn't want it to be one song and done, or one song followed by capitalising with every single opportunity to make money.

"I've made some really bad financial decisions and turned down really great opportunities because I don't want to just disappear overnight."

Myles believes aspiring musicians should always have some kind of fallback career options.

The 'Solo' hitmaker actually likened the life of an aspiring musician to that of an up-and-coming soccer player.

The award-winning star reflected: "You have people playing literally their entire lives and they're great and then at 17, they're dropped because of an injury - and then what happens?

"I know others say differently, but I think going down the education route is so wise before getting into this world because it will save you half the problems that I see a lot of artists get themselves into."