Indigenous art poet and indie rap artist from Portland, Maine, Myles Bullen prides himself on using his creativity to craft meaningful music and poems advocating for social justice, mental health, and coping with depression and anxiety. Having toured throughout 40 States across the USA and various venues and colleges in Europe, Myles Bullen has devoted himself to performing and teaching creative writing workshops in schools, recovery centers, and prisons. As this promising artist shows no sign of letting up, Myles Bullen keeps his foot on the gas as he teams up with the talented Emily Bodley to bring you the sweet and wistful sounds of "Sweetdreams."
Allowing your thoughts to reflect on the profound moments life indulges us in, Myles Bullen and Emily Bodley are a captivating duo in their performance of "Sweetdreams." The delicate instrumentation flutters through your headphones with the harmonious sound of Emily Bodley, swiftly pulling you into the composition. Accompanying the elements with the eloquent expressions that Myles Bullen offers his listeners, there is a diverse ambiance transmitted through the vocalization of his performance as the collaborative effort from both artists weld together in a larger than life performance.
Creating a sincere embrace and a sense of belonging in the striking lyrics that Myles Bullen conveys, he reminds listeners that they will be fine in the end. Sometimes that gentle reminder can go a long way when it feels like the weight of your shoulders weighs you down. Shining a light of the earnest motives behind every move that Myles Bullen makes, the vulnerability behind his words remain a centerpiece through a minimalistic arrangement that capture the essence of his intentions that he carries forth with him as a creative and an individual in "Sweetdreams."
Congratulations on the release of “Sweetdreams,” featuring Emily Bodley. The two of you have a striking dynamic in this collaboration! How did this creative journey of "Sweetdreams" start for you both? What was it like working with one another?
Emily and I were mutual fans of each other so we decided to get together and see what would happen! Making music with Emily was natural and easy, she’s so incredibly in touch with her voice and has a great ear. I look forward to making more art with her.
Where did the inspiration come from when writing “Sweetdreams?"
This song was created the week before my grandfather died. I had been visiting him at the hospital multiple times a week, feeling like it might be the last time, every time. Emily and I had made arrangements to hang out right after my last visit with him. We sat across from each other in her kitchen, passing a ukulele back and forth, singing about whatever was on our minds. Luckily we recorded our improv. sessions on a cellphone and this song was born.
How did you get your start as a creative? Did you start with poetry or music first?
My stepdad got me into rap music at age 7, which was heavily influential. I would make silly songs with my cousins throughout my childhood. Recording on cassette tapes and floppy disks haha. I got into poetry and writing songs around 15.
What is the main theme and message that you would like your listeners to take away from the music you create?
If you’re listening, I want you to know you are not alone.
I hope you learn and try new things constantly.
I hope you find something that makes you feel fulfilled, and healthy
and then do that thing until you die.
Leave your hometown. Leave your state. Leave your country. See the world.
Speak out about things that are important to you.
The government/corporations don’t care if you live or not.
Surround yourself with good people.
Drink some water.
What has been your biggest source of inspiration while creating new music this year?
This feels weird to say but, grieving. I lost my father, grandfather, and a few peers this year.
After giving myself some time to process, I was able to communicate those complicated feelings in a way that offered me (some) relief. Knowing that life is so temporary, and we have no idea how long anyone has on this planet, inspires me. Also, my supporters have been so great this year, and I am working the hardest I ever have on creating valuable, timeless art for them.