Following the Love for Music, Not the Likes

From the outset, Miles makes it clear that his musical journey is about joy, not chasing trends. He shares his philosophy, “You should just make music that you like, not that other people like.” This principle, echoed by his father and reinforced by Elmo, is a consistent theme: real creativity comes from within, not from the pressure to please an audience or collect social media validation.

A Mind-Blowing Musical Origin Story

Elmo and Miles’s dad recount how, at four, Miles could already play complicated chords, pick out melodies by ear, and translate musical knowledge between instruments. His early love was guitar, which he began teaching himself during the pandemic with the help of online lessons and sheer experimentation.

What’s perhaps even more fascinating is Miles’s “self-taught” mindset. He describes picking up DAWs (digital audio workstations), reading chord charts, and learning new plugins in a way that’s reminiscent of how a child picks up a language—by immersion and play, not rote instruction. From GarageBand to Logic Pro, Miles has simply followed his curiosity, figuring things out as he goes.

Beatmaking from Toothbrushes (and Other Creative Surprises)

One of the standout moments in the episode is Elmo’s amazement at Miles’s ability to make a beat out of a toothbrush. For Miles, everyday sounds have musical potential, and he describes the process of turning unexpected noises into complex instrumentals (including transforming the bristles into an 808!). This inventive approach is a recurring part of his songwriting—proof that for Miles, inspiration is everywhere.

Interactions with Musical Heroes

Despite his age, Miles has already crossed paths with some of his biggest inspirations. He counts Zedd, Charlie Puth, Teddi Swims, and Jacob Collier among his favorite artists—some of whom he’s interacted with directly. Notably, Miles has collaborated and messaged with Zedd and even performed on stage with Teddi Swims while still eight years old. These connections aren’t just fleeting: Zedd has sent him synth patches (used by Jacob Collier in Grammy-nominated projects), and Miles is “digital buddies” with Charlie Puth.

Songwriting, Producing, and the Magic of the DAW

Miles’s musical process is refreshingly candid. He admits that not every idea is a winner, regularly cycling through “two or three a day that are horrible,” and occasionally landing on something great. His first-choice instrument is often the DAW itself, where he layers tracks, quantizes beats, and sculpts songs from start to finish. His favorite plugins? Serum 2, Splice sound packs, and all things synth.

When it comes to collaboration, Miles is already demonstrating grown-up wisdom. On producing vocalists, he shares: “Always give them compliments… when they’re happy and feel good, they’ll do better takes.” These insights, especially from a nine-year-old, are a testament to his maturity and genuine enthusiasm for the craft.

Parenting in the Age of Virality

A large portion of the episode is dedicated to Miles’s father, who provides valuable perspectives on raising a prodigy in the public eye. The Bonhams deliberately limit Miles’s exposure to social media metrics—he’s never seen his follower counts or comments, except for select messages from musical role models or family. The goal? Shielding Miles from the distorting effects of internet fame, ensuring he creates music for himself and his own satisfaction.

His father emphasizes a single household rule: “If you’re not having fun, you’re not allowed to do music.” Pressuring Miles is off the table; instead, the focus is on play and discovery. They decline most commercial or record label opportunities, prioritizing Miles’s well-being and a happy, “normal” childhood.

Books, Balance, and Being Nine

Miles’s keen mind isn’t limited to music—he’s an avid reader, plowing through massive book series multiple times, and even dabbles in coding and game making. His curiosity spills into all areas of life, but, as his dad notes, “he’s a nine-year-old… he just plays when he’s feeling it.” The Bonham family’s philosophy exemplifies how prodigious talent and a joyful, healthy childhood can go hand-in-hand.