Release Radar: Luc Miles - Just A Memory

For Italian producer Luc Miles, the release of Just A Memory on Cadenza is more than just another EP, it’s the fulfilment of a dream that began back in 2007, when he first heard Luciano play at Il Muretto. Inspired by that moment, Luc has spent years shaping a sound that blends Latin rhythms, melodic warmth and personal storytelling. Just A Memory reflects both joyful and challenging chapters of his life, a collection that captures those experiences in full colour.

Congratulations on your Cadenza release, Just A Memory! How does it feel to have your music out on the label?

Well, what can I say? I’m very happy and enthusiastic about this release on Cadenza. You need to know the story behind all this: in the spring of 2007, I heard a live DJ set from Luciano for the first time at Il Muretto in Jesolo. He impressed me so much that he has since become my idol. I consider him an iconic figure who's inspired me a lot in my productions. Cadenza has been a point of reference for me, Luciano's label has always been a goal to achieve. A dream to realise. So you can understand how proud and grateful I am for having released my EP on Cadenza.

Growing up, your taste shifted from R&B and Hip-Hop into the world of electronic music. What were your earliest experiences with dance music and what sparked that change in direction?

I've always been a huge basketball fan; I've always played it and I still do. As you can imagine, R&B and hip-hop music are part of the culture of this sport. As a kid, I liked dressing up as a rapper and listening to rap music. Growing up, I started throwing my first parties with my closest friends. We'd take turns DJing, and from there, I realized how much more fun it was to mix dance tracks rather than R&B or hip-hop. In the 2000s, Italian disco dance was booming and was a branch of music that conveyed positivity and optimism. I was struck by how electronic sounds, often without vocals, could stick in your mind and still convey emotions. For me, electronic music, especially melodic music, has the ability to create those vibrations that move you, and when you experience positive feelings, they create unforgettable memories.

You started to produce music at a young age. How has your creative approach evolved over the years?

When I was a child, my grandmother gave me a Casio player piano with built-in presets for Christmas. For years, I enjoyed playing with those electronic sounds. At around 18 I began to delve into the fabulous world of producing. At the time, minimal and micro-house were popular in the top clubs in my area, so my first creations were influenced by this movement. I composed fairly linear, straightforward, and sometimes even a little deep tracks. Loop after loop, without a clear soul. When I discovered Luciano, a whole new world opened up to me. In my opinion, amidst all the dark and sometimes “monotonous” music circulating in the electronic scene at the time, he managed to bring lightness and joy. For me, it was a revolution. From that moment on, I began introducing many more Latin and tribal sounds into my compositions, trying to create a warmer, more cheerful, and lively sound. In my musical evolution, I tried to blend Latin rhythm with ambient melody, making each song a spiritual journey, ranging from moments of excitement to moments of meditation, striving to convey unforgettable emotions.

What does your current studio setup look like?

I've always believed that music should be created from the heart, rather than by instruments. Lately, I've been trying to bring out the electric guitar sound in my productions; in fact, I have a couple of guitars, amplifiers, and pedals. To round out my studio, I also have a couple of keyboards for creating synths, a couple of drum machines, and a hardware MIDI controller. My go-to software is Ableton Live.

When did you first discover the Cadenza label and how did the opportunity come about to release on the label?

Continuing the story I told earlier about how I discovered Luciano, let's say I discovered Cadenza almost at the same time. From that spring of 2007, I began following the label through all its subsequent releases, right up to today. I remember that my first download was Luciano & Thomas Melchior's 'In The Sprit' EP, specifically the track 'Father', so mysterious and captivating! I got the opportunity to release on Cadenza almost by chance about a year ago, when I noticed a link on social media where you could share demos. From there, I got in touch and then everything began.

Was there a particular vision or feeling you wanted to capture with Just A Memory?

I chose to title this EP 'Just A Memory' precisely because it's the track with the deepest story. All the sounds that make up this song describe the feelings I've had about myself over the past few years. I started producing it in 2018 during a very difficult time in my life, and that's why it begins with a rough, shrill guitar riff, almost evoking a thud, a sudden disorientation. That's how I felt at the time, a little lost and dizzy. Shortly after, however, a synth line kicks in that moved me from the first moment I heard it. I got it right on the first try and I've never changed it since. It's a sweet, hopeful sound that represents the months following that difficult period. The track then goes through ups and downs, which have indeed been a part of my life ever since. The sound opens up more and more, like a flower blooming in spring after overcoming the cold of winter. The grand finale almost growls, with a series of orchestral violins commanding the melody. It took me a couple of years to finish this song, and as it evolved, I finally managed to look back with the knowledge that I've overcome a difficult time in my life and the hope of a better future.

What does each track from the EP mean to you? Do you have a favourite?

'Just A Memory' - Definitely my favourite track on the EP. It represents what for me is just a memory, but which also was the impetus to have a more beautiful life. I like the idea that this song, with its sweetness, can bring a beautiful message of hope to all listeners, especially in such a difficult historical moment we are living through. In my opinion, it’s the most moving.

‘Waikiki Foolery Cabaret’ - Fuerteventura is a place I love dearly and Waikiki is actually a beach club in Corralejo! Many years ago, I went to a party there and I had so much fun that I decided to write a slightly "crazy" track to relive that evening of jokes and funny scenes. And so 'Waikiki Foolery Cabaret' was born. 

‘La Marisma’ - The inspiration also comes from Fuertaventura, inspired by a restaurant located on the northwest coast of the island, in El Cotillo. There, I experienced beautiful moments of lightheartedness, admiring evocative sunsets over the sea. The happy children's vocals and the final synth perfectly capture the essence of those carefree moments.

‘Endless Sunlight’ - Last year, I took a vacation with my girlfriend to Norway. It was August, and being in a Northern European country, the sun shone for most of the day. This allowed us to visit some of the most beautiful places that land has to offer. Once I returned home, I laid the foundation for the track, trying to capture all the feelings of freedom and grandeur I felt while looking at those breathtaking views.

‘This Sweet Love’ - An ode to joy. It's my favourite song by James Yuill. It's the track I spent the most time producing, trying to take care of every little detail to capture the essence of the message it conveys: love. I worked hard to find extremely sweet and harmonious sounds to pair with a powerful Latin sound.

What does life look like when you’re not in studio mode? How do you stay inspired outside of making music?

Music is a part of my life every day. I'm always looking for new artists and tracks to discover. My listening ranges across many genres, not just electronic music. I go from Pink Floyd to Tame Impala, from Italian music to cumbia. I love admiring those who create truly well-crafted songs. But it's not just music! As I mentioned before, I'm also a competitive basketball player. It's always been my favorite sport, and I follow it even when I'm not playing. In my free time, I'm a huge motorsports enthusiast, specifically motorcycles, quads, and nitro RC cars. I enjoy engaging in unique and unusual activities, and this also allows me to find exceptional inspiration that I can then bring into the studio.

What’s next from Luc Miles? Are there any projects or productions you’re currently working on that you can share?

I still have some tracks waiting to be developed and other projects that have been on hold that I'd like to pick up and finish. I have some collaboration requests that I'm trying to fulfill, and I'm definitely looking forward to a busy winter in the studio. In the meantime, I'm enjoying this magical moment and then I'll get back to work as soon as possible!

Check out Just A Memory which is available on Beatport or Bandcamp now.