On a sunny Friday evening, the New York City Starbucks Reserve Roastery filled with music as tourists milled outside, visiting Chelsea Market next door. On stage, a backdrop bore the name of the night: Myles Smith. For one night only, a lucky few won access to an intimate performance from the UK-based singer and songwriter. Fans used just one Marriott Bonvoy point to win access to the activation, an event crafted specifically with accessibility in mind. The show followed the June release of his debut album, My Mess, My Heart, My Life, which includes his two viral hits, “Stargazing” and “Nice To Meet You.”

Smith partnered with Marriott Bonvoy and Starbucks to give fans a special night, but noted that the collaboration was a “no-brainer.” “My life is spent on the road touring. I start my days with Starbucks then nine times out of ten I fall asleep in a Marriott Bonvoy,” says Smith. The event created a more intimate gathering, dramatically different from the sold-out stadiums Smith has been performing in while on tour. “You get to see every emotion on everyone’s face,” Smith says.

The event opened with drinks and hors d’oeuvres as a playlist curated by Smith played over the speakers. His presence was felt in the smaller details, too: he chose the recipe for the secret-menu drink and even designed the complimentary merch.

Between songs, Smith kept things casual, mostly cracking jokes with the crowd. “I’m a little better at singing than talking,” he admitted. But when the conversation turned to his fans, he became more earnest. Asked about the interactions that have stayed with him, Smith spoke about people who have told him his music helped them through difficult periods with their mental health. “I’m just a soundtrack for really strong people,” he said, his voice filling with emotion.

That sense of connection was really the point of the night. For a few hours, fans could step out of the bustle of New York and simply spend time with an artist whose music means something to them. “Take a moment, take a breath, pause,” Smith encouraged. It is advice he gets from his mother, too. “[She says] live in the moment, I live in the future too often, that’s why I have screaming anxiety. She always brings me back to where I am.”