Naarm-based Aboriginal and Fijian producer and rapper Miles Nautu first introduced his jazz-meets-hip-hop sound on his 2024 debut EP ALLUDE. The record found its way onto editorial playlists and radio rotations around the world, including support from Triple J, KEXP and topping the North American Community & College (NACC) radio charts. Entirely self-produced, ALLUDE showcased Miles’s jazz-hop drums, boom-bap swing, driving basslines and a laid-back, incisive flow.
Following a wave of unstoppable momentum, Nautu has now delivered his most definitive body of work yet in his new EP, the front. A complete multi-sensory experience, the EP's striking visual identity is tied together by stunning artwork hand-painted by Māori artist noa hāmana, who responded to each track in real time in his Naarm studio.
the front positions Miles Nautu as one of the most vital storytellers in the country's underground movement. Across the EP, Miles deconstructs the different facades we present to the world - examining insecurity, jealousy, grief and the pressures of a growing audience with sharp self-examination and his signature laid-back, confident flow. With tracked instrumentation and co-production from ARIA-winner Nikodimos, the EP moves seamlessly from smooth neo-soul to hard-hitting jazz-rap, capturing an artist stepping completely into his prime.
Miles has since become known for his commanding and dynamic live sets; together with a tight jazz band, he creates experiences that feel like a movement created in real time. Together with a tight jazz band, Natau creates experiences that feel like a movement created in real time. The show has won multiple awards, and seen Miles perform at the Sydney Opera House, and festivals including VIVID, Promiseland, Laneway, PANAMA, Meadow and more.
Ahead of a run of upcoming festival shows at High Ground in Naarm on July 18 and Move My Way on October 3 and 4, Nautu and his band stop by PBS for a special Studio 5 Live performance on Stone Love. Tune in from 5pm on Friday July 10 for this exclusive performance in celebration of NAIDOC Week.
Studio 5 Live is made possible by Carlton Audio Visual and is supported by the Australian Government through Music Australia and Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body.
