Interview: Miles to Smiles
Image Courtesy: Miles Levine
I’ve attended small venues, well-known venues, and some of the largest festivals in the country. I’ve been a promoter, I’ve met some of the artists, I’ve seen behind the scenes, and I’ve studied the software that creates this fascinating thing that we call music. As a college student, being a part of the nightlife culture in this world has shifted my music appreciation, and the people I surround myself with. I wanted to dive deeper into the mind of the artists that went from having a simple dream to creating the entire atmosphere and experience for college nightlife- specifically at my school, Florida State University. I had the exciting chance to interview an up-and-coming, humble DJ, Miles Levine. He has kick-started his career at Potbelly’s in Tallahassee and goes by the name of Smiles.
Tell me a little bit more about your role at school and who Miles Levine is.
A: My name is Miles Levine, but you can call me “Smiles.” I am a junior at FSU and I am at school to receive my bachelor’s in marketing! Music has always been a passion of mine; it has always been therapeutic for me. I always have headphones in because they keep me focused and moving forward both musically and in life. I am a self-taught DJ who enjoys the music as well as the impact that the music has on people.
When did you figure out that music was a passion that you wanted to explore further?
A: That passion for exploring music further really began during my freshmen year in college. The music that speaks to me the most is house music- I’m addicted to the way it feeds me energy. I dropped my first House mix during my freshmen year in the spring. It wasn’t my best mix, but I’m very grateful for the support I received from it.
Got to start somewhere! I think it’s awesome that you started messing around with mixing, and now you’re at the MainStage at a popular bar. How did you start your journey with performing on stages, like getting your first gig and moving up to the MainStage at pots?
A: My first real “gig” was right before the covid pandemic happened. It was at The Painted Lady, which, if you don’t already know, is on the side of Potbelly’s. I promoted that event with everything in me, and we ended up packing that place out. That night really changed the way I saw events and brought people together through music- it really lit a fire under me. During the pandemic, I would practice for hours on the board daily because I was obsessed with it- I was obsessed with what I could create for myself. After the pandemic, my goal was to start DJing for money, so I would drive to Gainesville to DJ at some of the smaller bars and fraternities. At the same time, I was consistently promoting House Hats Collective which is a record label that hosts events around the country to help push the House scene. They are a collective of like-minded individuals who help each other out and create opportunities for each other. In doing this I learned more and more the importance of giving the energy that you want to receive. After jumping on the red coach every other weekend of my sophomore year fall semester to grow my brand, I finally got my first shot at Potbelly’s in the spring of my sophomore year. After a few semesters of consistently putting in the time and effort for the companies that even gave me the smallest chances, I played my first opening DJ set for The Sponges on June 26th, 2021. In the following months I would open for Sacha Robotti on September 29th, Hippie Sabotage on November 16th, Claude Vonstroke on November 31st, and Cloonee on January 1st, 2022.
Image Courtesy: Miles Levine
It’s refreshing to hear how much work and time you have devoted to music. How do you plan to make your sets stand out from the rest and gift people the same appreciation for music that you have?
A: These past few months have changed my life for the better, allowing me to see the impact I’m aiming to accomplish through my music. I’ve always strived to be the most positive person in the room, one that expresses gratitude for life and everything that comes with it. At the end of the day, it’s that very appreciation for life, positivity, and joy that I aim to use as separation in this industry. In creating a sense of energy that is both inviting and inspiring, who I am at my core can properly be seen through my music.
Your humbleness already inspires people more than you think. What advice would you have told yourself before you knew you would become successful with DJing?
A: I would say, stay consistent.
Image Courtesy: Miles Levine
So, what’s in store for the future of Smiles?
A: These next few weeks I’ll be opening up for James Hype and Lost Kings in Bimini for Spring Break and on the 8th of March, I’ll be hosting my first ever event at Potbelly’s called High House. I couldn’t be more ecstatic to see the fruits of my labor and share it with everyone that’s supported me through the years.
Strike Out,
Writer: Racquel Gluckstern
Editor: Breanna Tang
Tallahassee