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A natural storyteller and Fijian and Aboriginal artist based in Melbourne/Naarm, Miles Nautu sits at the intersection of hip-hop and jazz. Dubbing himself the "lovechild of Kendrick Lamar and Miles Davis", his sharp lyricism, effortless confidence and thought-provoking storytelling results in music that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant. Blending jazz-hop drums, gentle piano and rich layers of percussion, Miles' sound reflects a fearless commitment to creative exploration and self-discovery. 

"Hip-hop was a bigger part of my life at some point, but I don't know, I was listening to jazz music when I was out the womb."

That early influence can be heard throughout his music, where jazz's improvisational spirit meets hip-hop's raw honesty. Following the release of his debut project ALLUDE in 2024, Miles has quickly established himself within Australia's R&B and hip-hop scene. His growing profile has earned him spots on a string of festival line-ups, including Laneway Festival 2025, Move My Way Festival 2026, Strawberry Fields and Meredith. He's also brought his immersive live show to the iconic Sydney Opera House for a headline performance alongside PA777IENCE as part of Vivid Sydney in 2026.

Among the standout tracks from his catalogue is 'coals', a song that speaks for itself. Inspired by Kendrick Lamar's landmark album good kid, m.A.A.d city, the track sees Miles explore vulnerability, identity and self-acceptance. There's an undeniable cinematic quality to the song, one that feels equally suited to a Channing Tatum dance solo in Step Up or soundtracking Rocky Balboa's run up the Philadelphia Museum of Art's iconic steps. At its core, however, "coals" is about stripping away the masks we wear and embracing who we truly are. 

"I make jazz and hip-hop music, and it's inspired by the music I listened to growing up. For me, music is kind of a healing process for the things that happen in my life, and I hope that someone can kinda feel the words I say, and gain some insight."

That sense of healing and reflection is central to Miles' songwriting. On ‘the front’, he delivers one of his most exciting performances yet. The track unfolds unexpectedly and almost unsettling at the start, weaving together strings, drums and brass with an understated elegance. It provides the perfect backdrop for Miles' deeply personal lyricism, which draws heavily from his own experiences. He shares:

"The biggest inspiration in my writing style would just be trauma," he laughs. "My trauma. And then putting that into words. My childhood definitely is the reason why the music I make is so introspective, and about myself and my experiences." 

As the track's final lyric erupts into an incredible saxophone solo and cascading drums, it exemplifies Miles' signature style, encouraging audiences to second-guess his next move and leaving them unable to predict where he'll go next. 

Both tracks feature on Miles' forthcoming debut album, Off Color, set to release on 20 November 2026. A bold introduction to an artist unafraid to be vulnerable, the record promises a powerful exploration of identity, growth and resilience. Accompanied by his first national headlining tour, Off Color marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Miles and for Australian music.

Listen to Miles Nautu: