Myles Smith – Powerstation, 15 May 2025: Review & Photo Gallery

Paul Marshall and Photos by Jennifer De Koning

16th May 2025

Myles Smith brings British Soul and TikTok dreams to a sold-out Auckland show.

On a crisp Auckland evening, the Powerstation’s iconic façade was dwarfed by a snaking queue of fans stretching down the block. A Gen Z pilgrimage for Britain’s poster boy of heartfelt Soul-Pop, Myles Smith.

Tonight’s show was sold out, and it felt like the internet had spilled into real life. Ring lights flashed, content was being created in real-time, and anyone not in attendance probably knew it already thanks to a tidal wave of Instagram Stories, TikTok’s, and Snapchats. This was more than a concert — it was clout currency.

But before Smith stepped out to swoon the faithful, local support Will Swinton took the stage with a minimalist three-piece setup. Just drums, guitar, and his own heavily processed vocals.

Swinton, a former full-timer at Auckland’s Jump trampoline park (yes, really), has clearly bounced into something much bigger.

His opening track Hold You Again hit hard, his voice already in fourth gear, swimming in reverb and delay effects that gave the set a moody, futuristic edge.

Fucking hell, there’s lots of you! he said with a grin, clearly impressed with the turnout. I saw Myles’ show in L.A. You’re in for a treat. It was one of many moments where Swinton’s humility and humour landed with charm.

Drummer Harry Ingram was the secret weapon. His work behind the Ludwig kit was razor-sharp, peppered with silky fills and elegant rolls that gave the set an almost jazz-influenced fluidity.

Still, the absence of a bass or keys player left the sound a little hollow at times, particularly during the slower tracks, where the low end begged for more depth.

We’ve got one slow song for you, and then we’ll bring it back up, Swinton warned and he delivered on the promise.

While the ballad Wasted You hinted at emotional range, it was the up-tempo grooves that really got the early crowd moving.

Fun fact. Recently US superstar Kelly Clarkson covered Swinton’s song Flames, and based on tonight’s performance, it’s easy to hear why.

Swinton is a name to keep tabs on. A bedroom Pop craftsman turning into a stage-ready performer with global appeal.

Cue a quick changeover, and Owl City’s Fireflies filled the room like a millennial hymn — a surprisingly emotional palate cleanser before the main event.

Myles Smith emerged, guitar slung low and smile even lower-key, the crowd erupted with the kind of Pop-star hysteria you’d expect from someone with a viral presence and actual song-writing chops

His blend of earnest acoustic storytelling and digital-era polish is tailor-made for a crowd raised on Ed Sheeran, Ben Howard, and the algorithm.

Tracks like Solo and Stargazing (the ones your daughters already know word-for-word) were delivered with emotional precision.

Smith’s voice climbing above the crowd’s screams and harmonies. At times, he seemed genuinely touched by the reception, pausing to soak in the sea of faces singing back every lyric like scripture.

During fan favourite River, he led the crowd in a rousing call-and-response that morphed into a full-blown gospel moment.

On Nice to Meet You, the absence of a live fiddle — swapped out for a backing track — raised a few eyebrows among the more musically purist crowd. But really, who’s hiring an extra musician for one song? Most fans were too busy belting out every word at full volume to even notice.

And in this live setting, Smith proved he’s more than just an online phenomenon. His voice, tender yet resolute, carried a gravitas that transcended the polished production of his recorded work. Backed by a tight band, the performance was equal parts intimate and anthemic.

And then came the night’s most pure moment. A young fan in the front row, visibly trembling, extended his hand toward the stage.

Myles, mid-song, reached down and shook it. Just a second of connection, but the guy stood frozen in awe, his whole year made. True fandom, no filter required.

Smith’s band deserves their own round of applause. The drummer and keyboardist delivered tight harmonies that lifted every chorus higher, while the bassist anchored the set with understated groove.

In one playful moment, Myles turned from the mic and accidentally shoulder-bumped the bassist, both breaking into grins. A quiet nod to the chemistry and joy this tour clearly holds.

Then came the final song of the night. Stargazing, Smith’s biggest hit to date. The crowd erupted, a sea of raised phones glowing like stars, capturing every beat, every word.

As the opening chords soared, a surprise twist. Swinton emerged from the wings, stepping up beside Smith to deliver a duet that felt both rehearsed and raw. Their voices intertwined effortlessly, Two artists, one anthem.

If there isn’t a future collaboration brewing, there damn well should be.

This was the closing show of an exhausting 18-month tour, and the band wasn’t about to bow out quietly. As the final notes rang out, Smith paused, soaking in the roar of the crowd before shouting… To be here tonight with you guys is just fucking incredible, man. Thank you!

Just when it seemed over, Smith launched himself off the stage and into the heart of the audience. Chaos turned electric as the band kicked into Stargazing once more. Fans screamed, phones flew, and strangers hugged the frontman like a long-lost friend.

In an age of viral moments, this one was already halfway to legend. An unforgettable, unrepeatable finale to a truly phenomenal show.

Myles Smith waved a final goodbye, and in his wake, he left a room of believers. Starry-eyed, phone-wielding, and already plotting how to say, I saw him before he blew up!

Paul Marshall