With a new album under his belt and a UK tour about to kick off, Miles Kane sounds more energised than ever, and Sunlight in the Shadows marks a bold new chapter for the Wirral musician.
Not least because it sees him team up with Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, a collaboration that began almost on a whim and quickly evolved into a creatively transformative partnership.
Ahead of dates across the UK and Europe, we caught up with Miles who told us about stepping outside his comfort zone, embracing collaboration, and why this record feels different to anything he’s done before.
He tells us what to expect from his raw, no-frills live shows at some iconic venues, and how he is standing at a crossroads and relishing the momentum…
NC: Sunlight in the Shadows saw you working with Dan Auerbach from The Black Keys. How did that relationship come about, and how do you feel about the end product and the reception so far?
Miles: “We sort of reached out to him on a bit of a whim, really. On my last album, One Man Band, my cousin James Skelly from The Coral produced it, and the plan was to do this next one together as well. But me and my manager were chatting and saying how much we loved Dan’s stuff – his solo work, The Black Keys, his production, all of it.
“We thought it’d be great just to write with him or see if he’d be up for it, maybe bring stuff back and record it here. In the end, I went over there on my own to meet him and try a session. I was nervous. You’re walking into someone else’s world, you don’t know the vibe, but as soon as I walked in, I felt at home. We just hit it off straight away. On a work level, I’ve probably never felt so respected, and I think he really brought the best out of me, musically and personally. Honestly, it was amazing.”
NC: You’ve been collaborating a lot more recently. Is that about testing boundaries and pushing yourself?
Miles: “Yeah, definitely. Whether it’s me reaching out or the other way around, I’m open to it. If someone inspires me, or I’m a fan of theirs, and there’s a chance to push yourself and raise your game, I’ll always do it. It can be stressful, but I enjoy that. It keeps you moving forward. If we hadn’t reached out to Dan, none of this would’ve happened.
“He wanted to sign me to his label after four hours! That wasn’t the plan at all, but when it’s a natural fit, it just feels seamless. Two minds working together. There’s no ego either. If something’s not good enough, he’ll say it. It’s always about what’s best for the song. That’s what you want in any working relationship.”
NC: You’ve said you can’t wait to take this record out on the road. What excites you most about playing these songs live?
Miles: “Everyone gets excited about playing new songs, I think all artists say that. But this album was recorded live, no click track, no polish. It’s got a real rawness to it, and that’s exactly how I want to present it live. We’ll be a five-piece band, no click tracks, no backing tracks. I want it raw, a bit chaotic. I want to go off on mad jams and take songs to new places. That’s what excites me – pushing myself and the audience. When everything’s live and on the edge, it just takes you to another gear.”
NC: Does that raw approach align perfectly with some of the venues you’ve chosen, like two nights at Crookes Social Club in Sheffield?
Miles: “Yeah, and I’ve never played there before, so that was part of the appeal. It’s a working men’s club vibe, which I love. I’ve seen photos but haven’t actually been in there yet. It’s early on in the tour, so hopefully everyone’s up for it as much as I am. I’m bringing my A-game. I want to rip it up around the UK and Europe and remind people what we’re about.”
NC: You’re kicking things off in Glasgow on the 24th, not a bad place to start a tour?
Miles: “Glasgow’s always been great to me. You hear stories about the crowds, and they’re usually true. Starting there, then heading into Sheffield for the two nights. Those first few shows are crucial. I just want to start with a big bang and carry that energy through the rest of the year.”
NC: You’ve got Villanelle supporting – the next generation of the Gallaghers. How did that come together?
Miles: “I supported his dad (Liam) years ago, and I remember him as a kid, hanging around. You get sent loads of bands from promoters and managers, but I heard some of their stuff and the songs were good. They reminded me a bit of myself at that age. I saw something in him, like hopefully his dad did with me back at the start of my career. It felt like a natural fit for the tour.”
NC: After the UK run, you’re heading out to Europe, how are you feeling ahead of such a huge tour?
Miles: “It’s a massive tour, loads of places, some new ones too. It feels good, like I’m at a crossroads. I don’t know if it’s my age or what, but the hunger feels stronger than ever. For the live shows, the new music. Something feels like it’s building.”
NC: We mentioned Sheffield earlier, you were chosen to play the final show at The Leadmill. That must have meant a lot?
Miles: “A huge honour. That venue’s been good to me for 20-odd years. I’ve played there on pretty much every album cycle. Sheffield’s always had my back, especially through the Rascals days and beyond. It was emotional, but an amazing gig. Now it’s about levelling up with the two nights coming up.”
NC: There was talk of a certain surprise appearance from one of your best mates from Sheffield… Can you ever escape The Last Shadow Puppets reunion rumours?
Miles: “You don’t ever get away from it, and that’s just how it is. I’m best mates with someone who’s in one of the biggest rock bands in the world. Of course people are going to ask. And if Alex ever wants to do it again, my door’s always open.”
NC: Finally, you’ve done a lot to support the Liverpool music scene over the years. What shape do you think your home scene is in right now?
Miles: “There’s always great stuff coming out of Liverpool. There’s a singer-songwriter called Ellis Murphy – I love his voice. He’s got a bit of Dylan, but he can go rock ’n’ roll too. I think he’s my favourite coming through. Then you’ve got Jamie Webster, Red Rum Club, The Coral still flying the flag – great bands, great people. As long as that spirit’s there, the city will always be producing something special.”
Miles Kane’s UK & European tour kicks off this month. Head to Miles Kane | Official Store for more information and tickets.
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