Exposed Vocals Interviews Miles High
For over ten years, the project now named “Miles High” has been transforming from simple beats into the dynamic music that music producer Brian Schroeder is proud to present to you today. Formerly going by the names M•L•P and Monkey Withgun, he is a self taught producer. His music began to emerge in the EDM / Trap scene in 2015, after a series of Internet uploads. Having a deep love for most genres of music, and his sound being influenced by them all, 90s hip hop is what initially inspired Schroeder to begin producing. His unique style of blending hip hop and dance style beats with 808s, unique samples, and synthesizers is one of a kind. Definitely keep your eyes and ears out for Miles High, as we are expecting big things in the future!! To listen.. https://soundcloud.com/
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Miles High: I grew up in Medford Lakes, NJ. It’s a really small town in the South Jersey pine barrens. Growing up there was great, we had a lot of freedom as kids to do as we wished. One of the things I got into at a fairly young age was 90s hip hop. I have always connected with beats. That’s what initially made me want to produce music. I’ve been inspired by so many different artists, though, when I first got music software I was listening to a lot of stuff like Amon Tobin and Bonobo.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Miles High: My name is something I put a lot of time into thinking about. For whatever reason, I felt like I had to have a cool name. I went by a couple others before landing on Miles High, M•L•P and Monkey Withgun. My inspiration behind it actually came from an episode of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, they were talking about the mile high club, and it just came to me. Really, I just liked the way it sounds, I think its pretty catchy.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Miles High: I strongly believe in online music sharing. I wouldn’t be typing this if it weren’t for free online music sharing platforms. I absolutely give my music away for free, and I hope to continue to do so. I always admired artists that gave a free one away occasionally. If fans were supporting me as an artist, I would strive to give back as much as I possibly could.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Miles High: My advice would be to spend 1/3 of your time making awesome music, and 2/3 of your time promoting that music. There are some incredible ways to market music for free online. If you just sit around and wait for it to happen, chances are, it won’t. At the end of the day, though, it’s got to be good. I spent many years working on the sound of my tracks before I started releasing them.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Miles High: Well since I enjoy making music, this comes fairly easy for me. Usually I just mess around with various sounds and samples.. Tweaking them, trying out various riffs and melodies, and when something starts to sound good to me.. I go from there. Then sometimes, I start by laying the drums and 808, and build it that way. I’m still figuring out my style, and most likely always will be working on making it sound better. My inspiration comes in many forms, though. When I really started to figure out how to use the software, it was exciting for me. Just being able to focus on music on a daily basis inspires me.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Miles High: https://soundcloud.com/
My soundcloud right now is my only website. I’m so thankful for that company, their platform is amazing. I’m working on getting an official website. I’ll also have a track on Beatport.com soon thanks to Jon Little and Soniquarium Musika. Stayed tuned, things are starting to really come together.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Miles High: I would build a legit studio, get all the hardware I currently want, and work on my music. That’s every artists dream, right? Time off and money for equipment and supplies? Honestly, I can’t even shake a stick a half a mill right now.. I have been scraping by for a minute or two, so I’m having trouble imagining what that would even be like! A studio for sure, though.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Miles High: Soundcloud’s “add to group” option is great for promoting. Also, just word of mouth. I still promote on a daily basis. I also think it’s important to remain humble, but have confidence in your music. If you don’t, I would recommend working on it until you do.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Miles High: More vocal samples. It’s so important in music nowadays, and one of the things I believe will take my tracks to the next level. Currently, most of the sampling I do is of various sounds and instruments. Also, lately, I’ve been working on putting together a live set. I really want to start doing shows. I love live music, and performing an innovative set of my music live is an ultimate dream. It’s a lot of work though, especially because I don’t have all the equipment I ultimately need yet. So, that’s what’s in the works for me, just trying to refine my sound. I would love to collaborate with some other artists, too.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Miles High: Probably cooking in a kitchen. Besides a musician, I’ve also been a chef for a long time. I actually owned a small fine dinging restaurant with another chef friend of mine, but I sold it in 2014 to pursue my music professionally. It’s still open.. One Fish, Two Fish Restaurant in Wildwood, NJ.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Miles High: Balance. It takes practice. Lucky for me, I don’t have nearly as many responsibilities as some other people do. I have a good amount of free time, which is something I have taught myself to balance.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Miles High: Well, this is just the beginning! The sound I’ve been working on is unique and fresh. But, definitely look forward to great music. Hopefully some live shows down the line. I’m not even sure what’s in store yet.. However, things are certainly starting to come together. Anyway.. See y’all soon! Thanks for reading.