Toronto based singer 12AM has been building up a strong fanbase recently and the release of his debut EP ‘Afterparty’ has gained him lots more exposure.
Here we speak exclusively to the rising star about his musical inspirations, future plans, and much more.
Who were your musical inspirations growing up?
I had two sides of inspiration. One was Motown music: listening to Michael Jackson & Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. They all came from my mom since those were her favourites. Then it goes into the early 2000s hip-hop: Eminem, 50, Nelly, G-Unit, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, the list goes on but that was the era! I miss that type of rap haha.
When did you first discover your love for music?
Real young, like as early as I can remember. Anything to do with being on a stage, I wanted to do. My whole family has been around music in someway from my dad to my mom to my grandma who was an opera singer. It just runs in the family.
When did you decide to pursue music as a career?
I mean, I’ve always wanted to make that my full time job, it’s just coming from not a lot of money it’s hard to put your full time into something because you gotta eat, right? haha. I definitely made the decision though second year of Uni (2015). I dropped out, flew to LA, met up with Jez and he told me this is gonna be your life now.
What is the inspiration behind your new EP ‘Afterparty?
The struggle of living on your own for the first time in a big city. Especially Toronto. Worrying about money, paying bills, partying, relationships, the fashion. Everything just came out in the EP. Toronto’s got this signature sound and it really comes from the vibe of the city. You really gotta live here to feel it, but it’s crazy.
If you could collaborate with anyone who would you choose?
My top 5 would be: Kanye West, Party Next Door, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, and Poo Bear. Those guys are my favourites right now because they’re out there writing and producing hits.
Can fans expect a tour from you this year?
We got something lined up which I’m really stoked about. Can’t give any full details, but it’s something crazy!
How does it feel to have had such a great response to your debut release?
I’m the type to always want more. I’m really trying to teach myself to appreciate the now and take it all in. I have people saying “man you’re killing it!,” and in my eyes I’m nowhere near where I wanna be. But just seeing the reception has been amazing. Everyday, I’m getting new fans from all around the world telling me I’m their favourite artist. It’s mind blowing.
How would you describe your sound?
Music you play after 12AM — party music, moody music, happy music, sad music. It’s honestly just that midnight sound.
What is your dream venue to perform at?
Madison Square Garden. Ever since I watched “Fade To Black” by Jay-Z, that’s always been my goal: to sell out Madison Square Garden.
What do you hope to achieve in the next ten years?
Honestly I wanna be doing stadium tours, like really selling out the biggest spots in the world. I feel like you gotta have that mentality in this business to never want to settle. I definitely see myself in that position though, I think it’s just gonna take time.
12AM’s debut EP ‘Afterparty‘ is out now!
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