Miguel Dias is an alternative RnB artist based in Portugal. As a well-seasoned traveler, his expeditions abroad sewed the seeds for his eclectic taste in music, and have cultivated a broad and colorful palette of tones that mark the core of his sound. It’s a blend of styles, influenced and inspired by everything from classical to hip hop, jazz, bossa nova and even pop. Above all, his music serves as a personal journal; an outlet for which he uses to open the pathways to discussion, surrounding topics of the modern day condition — everything from love to politics and more. Miguel, while a young up-and-comer, is no stranger to music. Having studied classical guitar from a young age, he has since developed a strong ear and sense for what works and what doesn’t. Check out the exclusive Interview below:
1. Your roots can often shape your journey. Can you share a story or moment from your early life that had a significant impact on your path into music?
MIGUEL DIAS: Since I was a kid, I was surrounded by music. My father enrolled me in a school to study classical guitar. However, it wasn’t until I was on an Erasmus exchange in Prague that I realized I truly wanted to be a professional musician. I was constantly playing guitar and writing songs, and everyone kept asking why I was studying International Relations if my passion was clearly music.
2. Did your musical journey begin with formal training, or was it more of a personal exploration? How has that shaped your unique approach to your craft?
MIGUEL DIAS: It was a mix of both. I started with formal training, and I haven’t stopped taking classes for various instruments. The learning process is endless—there’s always someone who can teach you something new. However, when it comes to music production, I’m self-taught. I learned by observing others, watching countless online tutorials, and reading books. I believe there’s no secret to production—it just takes time for ideas to mature. You need to listen to a lot of different music and understand how it’s made and why it works so well. I’ve realized that some people don’t appreciate why a song is great simply because they don’t like the genre. I always say, there are songs we may not enjoy personally, but if you listen closely, you’ll understand what makes them special.
3. Who were some of the most influential figures in your early musical life, and how did they inspire your sound? Also, what’s the story behind choosing the name ‘Artist’?
MIGUEL DIAS: Growing up, I didn’t have much exposure to “pop” music because I was studying classical music. But then I started discovering bands and artists that interested me more than classical music (with all due respect). I remember listening to a lot of Eminem, Nirvana, Guns N’ Roses, and System of a Down. These artists were a turning point for me as a kid. My artist name was a bit of a dilemma though. Some of my friends used to call me ‘Kex,’ but I didn’t feel connected to that name. Eventually, people from other countries started saying, “I like how your name sounds, Miguel Dias. Just use your name,” and it stuck.
4. What do you believe sets your music apart? How would you describe your sound to someone discovering you for the first time, and what emotions or experiences do you hope to evoke in your listeners?
MIGUEL DIAS: I can’t claim there’s something particularly special that sets my music apart. I would say I love hip-hop drums, jazz progressions, vintage synths, and soulful vocals. I don’t try to replicate anything—I create from what I feel. Recently, I’ve been getting messages from people who say they love my music, listen to it on repeat, and find it inspiring. Honestly, it’s a weird feeling because I’m not famous, and these are my songs. It makes me happy, but I don’t always know how to react—I’m usually a bit shocked, but in a good way.
5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as R&B?
MIGUEL DIAS: My process has been a bit turbulent. Initially, I wanted to form a rock band and play guitar. Then I started writing songs and lyrics, but I didn’t want to sing. So I began taking singing lessons out of necessity rather than desire. Eventually, I realized rock wasn’t my true calling, and I started playing genres like Bossa Nova, Samba, and Jazz Fusion. When I started listening to soul singers, it completely changed my vision for my sound. I think I’m still in the process of finding my true sound because I try to make each song different. I don’t like being labeled under a single genre.
6. Music often transcends entertainment. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?
MIGUEL DIAS:
That’s a tricky question because I studied politics, and I understand the political power of music. If we look at history, there are many songs that had a massive cultural and political impact. But honestly, I find it difficult to intentionally create music with that kind of impact. It requires a combination of many factors. I make music to express myself and open up my inner world. If I were to write about something like war, it would be because I deeply feel it, not because I want to pretend I do.
7. Do you feel the rewards of your musical career match the energy and passion you invest in it, or are there different kinds of fulfillment you’re still seeking?
MIGUEL DIAS: To be honest, I don’t feel like I’ve fully reaped the rewards of my efforts in music yet—it feels like things are just starting for me. But for me, music is more than a reward—it’s a lifestyle, food for the soul. The music business can be ruthless, especially financially. Nowadays, you have to be more than just a musician. You need to know about marketing, video, photography—I even had to redo my website myself.
8. Can you walk us through your creative process? From the first spark of an idea to the finished track, what’s the most essential part of your process, and how do collaboration or external influences shape your work?
MIGUEL DIAS: There’s no set formula for me. I might start with a beat, sing something in the car, and then craft it at home. Sometimes, a random phrase will inspire me. But usually, I like to start with the instrumentals—they give me feelings and ideas that I want to explore further.
9. What’s been the most challenging hurdle in either your personal life or music career, and how has it shaped you as an artist?
MIGUEL DIAS: The hardest part was when people told me I wasn’t good at music. It’s tough to build confidence and pull yourself out of that hole. But luckily, every time someone gave me a negative comment, I felt this hunger to improve and surpass their expectations.
10. On the flip side, what moment or achievement in your career so far has made you feel the proudest, and why? And let’s talk about your latest release and future plans.
MIGUEL DIAS: Right now, is probably the moment I feel the proudest. I wrote and produced an entire album by myself, and it was a long journey—lots of reworks, money, and countless hours spent trying to achieve the sound I wanted. It was really hard work. Finishing it gave me an immense feeling of pride and accomplishment. Now comes the boring part—marketing the songs. I’d much rather just perform, but as an independent artist, I have to do it all. For the future, I hope to collaborate with bigger and better producers to take my music to the next level.
11. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?
MIGUEL DIAS: I always say the secret is to find the people who enjoy your music. I can’t please everyone, and I don’t try to. I do what I love, and all my content reflects who I am and what I like. I can’t make music or be the person others expect me to be. For example, when I sing in a high pitch, some people used to make fun of it, but honestly, I don’t even care—I joke about it myself.
12. Creative work in a studio or home environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?
MIGUEL DIAS: That’s a really good question. I love being in the studio, but I prefer crafting ideas at home. However, there’s a special kind of pressure in the studio that pushes you to come up with new ideas quickly, and the environment can inspire things that home just can’t. On the other hand, I perform at least twice a week, and I absolutely love it. Engaging with the audience is the most exciting part of making music for me. Seeing how people resonate with your performance and music—it’s a crazy and addictive feeling. For me, it’s the best part of being a musician.
13. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?
MIGUEL DIAS: To be honest, I think everyone should be free to interpret the songs in their own way. That’s the beauty of art. I love listening to songs and connecting them to my own life—that’s a magical feeling. That said, all of my songs do have a story and meaning related to my life. If anyone wants to know the meaning behind a song, they’re always welcome to send me a DM on Instagram—I’d be more than happy to share.
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