# Robert Miles

> Swiss-born Italian record producer, composer, musician and DJ (1969–2017)

**Wikidata**: [Q310985](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q310985)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Miles)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/robert-miles

## Summary
Robert Miles was a Swiss-born Italian record producer, composer, musician, and DJ who rose to prominence in the electronic music scene during the 1990s. He is best known for his instrumental hit "Children," which popularized the trance genre and became one of the best-selling singles in dance music history.

## Biography
- Born: November 3, 1969
- Nationality: Italian
- Known for: Creating the instrumental hit "Children" that popularized the trance genre
- Employer(s): Associated with record labels including Deconstruction Records, Bertelsmann Music Group, Arista Records, Narada, and Virgin Records
- Field(s): Electronic dance music, trance production, DJing

## Contributions
Robert Miles's most significant contribution was his creation of the instrumental track "Children" in the 1990s, which became one of the best-selling singles in dance music history and helped popularize the trance genre. His work defined the "dream trance" subgenre and influenced countless electronic music producers worldwide. Throughout his career, Miles released several albums including "Dreamland" (1996) and "23am" (1997), which showcased his distinctive style blending melodic elements with electronic dance music rhythms. He also founded his own record label, Piranha Records, further demonstrating his commitment to pushing boundaries in electronic music production.

## FAQs
**What was Robert Miles's most famous song?**
Robert Miles's most famous song was "Children," an instrumental track released in 1995 that became a worldwide hit and is considered one of the best-selling singles in dance music history.

**How did Robert Miles influence the electronic music scene?**
Miles helped popularize the trance genre with his melodic, atmospheric approach to electronic music, creating the "dream trance" subgenre that influenced countless producers and DJs worldwide.

**What record labels was Robert Miles associated with during his career?**
Throughout his career, Miles was associated with several record labels including Deconstruction Records, Bertelsmann Music Group, Arista Records, Narada, and Virgin Records.

**What awards did Robert Miles receive during his career?**
Robert Miles received the World Music Awards recognition for his contributions to electronic music, specifically for his hit single "Children."

**Where was Robert Miles born and what was his nationality?**
Robert Miles was born in Switzerland to Italian parents, and he held Italian nationality throughout his life.

**When did Robert Miles pass away?**
Robert Miles passed away on May 9, 2017, at the age of 47.

## Why They Matter
Robert Miles fundamentally changed the electronic music landscape by popularizing the trance genre through his melodic, atmospheric approach. His hit "Children" broke barriers by becoming an instrumental chart-topper, proving that electronic music could achieve mainstream success without vocals. Miles's "dream trance" style influenced countless producers and DJs who followed, shaping the direction of electronic dance music for decades. His work demonstrated the artistic and commercial viability of instrumental electronic music, opening doors for artists who prioritize melody and atmosphere over traditional pop structures. Without Miles's innovative approach, the electronic music scene might have developed differently, with less emphasis on melodic elements and more focus on purely rhythmic or industrial approaches to electronic production.

## Notable For
- Creating "Children" (1995), one of the best-selling singles in dance music history
- Pioneering the "dream trance" subgenre in electronic music
- Achieving mainstream success with instrumental electronic music, breaking traditional pop music conventions
- Founding Piranha Records to further explore electronic music boundaries
- Being nominated for and receiving the World Music Awards for his contributions to electronic music
- Charting globally with his debut album "Dreamland" (1996)
- Influencing countless electronic music producers with his melodic approach

## Body

### Early Life and Background
Robert Miles was born Roberto Concina on November 3, 1969, in Switzerland to Italian parents. He held Italian nationality throughout his life. His professional career began under his real name, but he adopted the stage name Robert Miles which became his public identity in the electronic music industry. This name change also included the alias Roberto Milani, which he used at various points in his career. The move to a more international stage name reflected his ambitions in the global electronic music scene.

### Rise in the Electronic Music Scene
Miles emerged during a transformative period in electronic music history in the early 1990s. As electronic dance music gained popularity across Europe, he developed a distinctive style that blended melodic elements with the emerging trance genre. His approach was characterized by atmospheric soundscapes, piano melodies, and hypnotic rhythms that set him apart from other electronic producers of the time.

### Breakthrough with "Children"
Miles's career-defining moment came with the release of "Children" in 1995. This instrumental track featured a melancholic piano melody layered over hypnotic electronic beats, creating a sound that was both danceable and emotionally resonant. The track became an international hit, topping charts in multiple countries and selling millions of copies worldwide. Its success was particularly notable because it achieved mainstream recognition as an instrumental electronic track, breaking conventional wisdom that vocals were necessary for chart success in pop music.

### Record Label Associations
Throughout his career, Robert Miles was associated with several prominent record labels:
- Deconstruction Records: A British record label that released some of his early work
- Bertelsmann Music Group: An American record label that distributed his music internationally
- Arista Records: An American record label that played a significant role in his career
- Narada: A US record label that worked with Miles on various projects
- Virgin Records: A British record label known for its eclectic roster, including electronic artists

These label relationships helped Miles distribute his music globally and reach audiences across different markets and regions.

### Musical Style and Influence
Miles's musical style, often referred to as "dream trance," characterized his work and influenced the broader electronic music landscape. His approach combined:
- Atmospheric sound design
- Melodic piano elements
- Hypnotic trance rhythms
- Emotional depth through instrumental expression

This style created a new subgenre within electronic music that prioritized melody and atmosphere over the purely rhythmic focus of much contemporary electronic dance music. Miles's work demonstrated the artistic viability of instrumental electronic music and inspired countless producers who followed in his footsteps.

### Albums and Discography
Beyond his hit single, Miles released several influential albums that showcased his musical development:
- "Dreamland" (1996): His debut album that featured the hit "Children" and established his signature sound
- "23am" (1997): A follow-up album that continued his exploration of melodic electronic music
- "Organik" (2001): An album that demonstrated his evolution as an electronic producer
- "Thirteen" (2004): A later work that further refined his musical approach

Each album represented Miles's growth as an artist and his continued commitment to pushing boundaries in electronic music production.

### Entrepreneurial Ventures
In addition to his work as a musician, Robert Miles founded Piranha Records, a record label that allowed him further artistic control and a platform for exploring new directions in electronic music. This entrepreneurial venture demonstrated his commitment to the industry and his desire to contribute to electronic music beyond his own recordings.

### Awards and Recognition
Miles's contributions to electronic music were recognized through various awards, most notably:
- World Music Awards: Recognition for his outstanding contribution to the global music industry
- Chart success: Multiple top-charting singles and albums across international markets
- Critical acclaim: Praise from music critics for his innovative approach to electronic music production

### Later Career and Legacy
After the commercial success of his early work, Miles continued to evolve as an artist, exploring new directions in electronic music while maintaining his signature melodic approach. His influence extended beyond his own recordings to shape the broader electronic music landscape. Many producers cite Miles as an influence, and his "dream trance" style can be heard in countless electronic music releases that followed.

Tragically, Robert Miles passed away on May 9, 2017, at the age of 47. His legacy endures through his recorded work, which continues to be appreciated by electronic music enthusiasts worldwide. His contribution to popularizing the trance genre and demonstrating the artistic potential of instrumental electronic music remains significant in the history of electronic dance music.

### Digital Presence and Identifiers
Robert Miles maintained a digital presence throughout his career, with various online identifiers that help document his work:
- ISNI: 000000009954696X
- VIAF ID: n2003078547
- MusicBrainz IDs: mn0000006232, mn0000292050
- Various social media handles and online profiles that helped connect him with fans

### International Impact
While Italian by nationality, Miles's music achieved international success, particularly in European markets where electronic dance music had strong cultural significance. His ability to create music that resonated across cultural boundaries demonstrated the universal appeal of his melodic approach to electronic music.

### Genre Innovation
Miles's work contributed to the development of the trance genre, particularly through the creation of the "dream trance" subgenre. This style emphasized melodic elements and atmospheric qualities that distinguished it from other trance variants and helped expand the genre's appeal to broader audiences.

## References

1. [The encyclopedia of popular music. 1998](https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofpo05lark/page/3666/mode/2up)
2. [Legendary Trance Artist Robert Miles Passes Away At 47. 2017](https://edmidentity.com/2017/05/09/robert-miles-passes-away/)
3. Integrated Authority File
4. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2116706/bio?ref_=nm_ql_1)
5. BnF authorities
6. Czech National Authority Database
7. [Source](https://www.brits.co.uk/history/the-brits-1997/)
8. [Robert Miles wins International Newcomer presented by Gary Barlow and Louise.. 2012](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATYbL0kovcQ)
9. [Billboard. 1997](https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_IQ8EAAAAMBAJ/page/n77/mode/2up?q=robert+miles)
10. [Daily Graphic: Issue 1,4448. 1997](https://www.google.com/books/edition/Daily_Graphic/20d40QAZVfYC?hl=uk&gbpv=1&dq=%22World%E2%80%99s+Best-Selling+Male+Newcomer%22&pg=PA9&printsec=frontcover)
11. International Standard Name Identifier
12. MusicBrainz
13. Virtual International Authority File
14. [Source](http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-39869009)
15. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
16. Carnegie Hall linked open data
17. YouTube API