Myles Bullen, an artist hailing from Portland, Maine, stands out as a unique and compelling voice in contemporary music. Operating under his given name and occasionally as beatboxpoet, Bullen has cultivated a distinctive artistic identity by seamlessly weaving together disparate genres, including rap, emo, electronic art pop, folk, punk, and spoken word. His deeply personal and vulnerable approach to lyricism, coupled with this stylistic fluidity, establishes him as a powerful storyteller whose art serves as a crucial outlet for self-expression and communication. Bullen’s belief in art as a tool for connection resonates deeply with audiences, making him a significant figure in the underground music scene, as documented on his press page.
Beginnings and Influences
Myles Bullen's artistic journey began with writing poems and stories, viewing music as the ideal platform to convey these narratives. This foundational approach to art as storytelling became his self-described "superpower," enabling him to articulate difficult experiences and connect with others on a profound level. A pivotal influence in his youth was Eyedea (Micheal Larsen of Eyedea & Abilities), whom Bullen met at 18. Eyedea’s insights into authentic artistic expression and his down-to-earth demeanor profoundly impacted Bullen, inspiring him to embrace unflinching honesty in his work. The tragic loss of Eyedea to addiction further deepened Bullen's focus on themes of recovery and grief within his own writing.
Other early inspirations for his lyrical style included the Minneapolis hip-hop group Atmosphere and the poet Saul Williams. In more recent years, Bullen has drawn inspiration from collaborators and friends such as Jesse the Tree and Ceschi Ramos, appreciating their contributions to hip-hop and poetic expression while also maintaining an affinity for folk music and dance-oriented sounds.
Emo
Folk
Folk Punk
Hip-Hop
Indie Rock
Poetry
Punk
Rap
Soft Rap
Spoken Word
Photo of musician Myles Bullen in front of a backyard backgroundbostonhassle.com
Musical Style and Lyrical Themes
Myles Bullen's musical style is characterized by its remarkable fluidity. He effortlessly shifts between "sing-songy poetry" and hard-hitting rap verses, often accompanied by a slightly out-of-tune ukulele, showcasing a versatility that is both unique and engaging. His sound has been described as a bridge between rap and introversion, filling a space traditionally less occupied within the genre. Bullen's albums are rich with themes of meditation, mental health, introspection, and therapeutic language, often interwoven with critiques of capitalism and anxieties about the climate crisis. This thoughtful lyrical approach demonstrates an artist who connects personal struggles with broader societal issues, as explored in a review of his work.
Whether crafting an anarchist, ukulele-driven ditty about the apocalypse, a soft lofi-folk tune, or a screaming dream-pop anthem about survival, Bullen consistently infuses his music with tenderness, playfulness, and a profound sense of honesty. His self-deprecating lyrics are often present but never define him; instead, they serve to reveal all facets of his identity, creating work that is at once discomforting and nurturing.
Career and Notable Works
Myles Bullen's official discography chronicles a journey of self-discovery and a commitment to exploring challenging subjects with an open heart, demonstrating continuous artistic growth and thematic depth.
Healing Hurts and Mourning Travels (2020–2022)
In 2020, Bullen released Healing Hurts, a significant statement that delved into themes of grief, trauma, and personal healing. The album explored the pain of loss and the search for meaning, created as a means of survival during a period of intense personal struggle. It featured collaborations with artists like Wussuppaul, Peter Herman, Emily Bodley, Sam Spadafore, and Emma Ivy, who helped shape its intricate musical tapestry.
He followed this with Mourning Travels in 2022, released via Fake Four Inc. The album served as a direct continuation of the themes introduced in Healing Hurts, described by Bullen as a "continued travelog entry on grief." It further navigated mental health, friendship, and tenderness through a lens that is both painful and playful. Mourning Travels showcased Bullen's significant musical evolution, with him writing and performing most of the material himself while also featuring a diverse array of guests including billy woods, Jesse the Tree, Sarah Violette, Tark, Hannah Harleen, and Emma Ivy. The album was praised for translating the complexities of recovery into inventive instrumental and lyrical choices.
Recent and Upcoming Work (2024–2026)
Bullen's 2024 LP, timetokill, also released through Fake Four Inc., further cemented his reputation as a versatile artist. Critics noted its unique blend of rap, emo, and electronic art pop and its capacity to evoke deep emotional engagement, solidifying his position among established underground talents. The following year, 2025, saw the release of two more albums: Liminal Spaces and Masking, further illustrating his continuous exploration of diverse sounds and themes.
The 2026 album Afterlife represents another profound exploration of existence. Bullen describes its ethos as centering on survival, anti-capitalism, abolitionism, self-care, and rehabilitation. While not religious, he draws inspiration from spiritual teachers, viewing "afterlife" not as a physical post-death existence but as a perpetual series of new beginnings within life itself. He clarifies his view that rebirth is not an event that occurs after one dies, but rather something that happens continuously during one's existence, emphasizing gratitude and connection. The album aims to offer playfulness as a defense against conformity and as protection against hatred, underscoring humanity's capacity to endure grief and build lasting relationships.
Live Performances and Collaborations
A Myles Bullen live show is an immersive and often communal experience. Audiences can expect a high-energy performance that blends heartfelt poetry, hip-hop flows, and folk punk sounds, often featuring his ukulele. Emotions run high, from excitement to sadness, fostering an environment where vulnerability is encouraged and connection is key. He has shared stages with a diverse range of artists and has an extensive tour history.
Throughout his career, Bullen has collaborated with numerous artists, including:
A member of the folk group Peter, Paul and Mary, who reportedly invited Bullen to perform after discovering his videos.
Ceschi Ramos, whom Bullen considers one of the most inspiring performers in his genre.
billy woods, an artist Bullen admires for his songwriting and performance skills.
Spose, the Maine rapper with whom he has opened for and collaborated.
Joshua from The Irrational Library, with whom Bullen toured in the Netherlands.
Frequent album collaborators such as Jesse the Tree, Sarah Violette, Tark, Hannah Harleen, and Emma Ivy.
Community Engagement and Philosophy
Beyond his musical output, Myles Bullen is a dedicated teaching artist focused on social impact. He developed and piloted a program called "Survivor Stories" by working with the University of Maine and the Maine State Prison. This initiative teaches music writing and performance to incarcerated individuals, serving as an "act of harm reduction" by helping them recognize the inherent value of their lives. A version of this program was also adapted for wardens. With support from organizations like Music to Life, Bullen secured multi-year funding and collaborators for this impactful endeavor, which is detailed in articles about the program.
Bullen firmly believes that art provides a unique platform for telling the truth and fostering vulnerability. He posits that sharing personal, even seemingly un-relatable, stories can inspire others to open up and find common ground. His philosophy underscores the importance of self-love, compassion, and the belief in humanity's capacity for positive change. He emphasizes the idea that people must be present and supportive for one another in the current moment, a message that permeates both his art and his activism.
