Preston Pablo is a JUNO Award-winning Canadian pop artist, songwriter and producer from Timmins, Ontario. He first broke through with his quadruple-platinum single “Flowers Need Rain,” which reached #1 at Canadian Adult/Pop radio. In 2023, Preston won the JUNO Award for Breakthrough Artist of the Year. With hundreds of millions of global streams, he continues to establish himself as one of Canada’s rising pop artists. His latest chapter sees him continuing to develop his sound and artistry, with his new single, “Anything,” out on 2nd October.
Congrats on the release of your new single, “Anything.” I’m looking forward to listening to it. How would you describe it to someone who hasn’t heard it before?
I’d say it’s definitely a punchy song, from the production to the lyrics and the overall vibe. It’s got a Jon Bellion-coded drum groove and feels nostalgic in the right way. It’s a fun song, the lyrics are super playful, and I really enjoyed making it.
I love your song “Don’t Wanna Know,” especially the infectious beat — it actually reminded me a little of a Troye Sivan track. What was the creative process behind the song, and what did you want to capture with it?
The creative process on this song was really easy. Not in a “didn’t take much effort” kind of way, but in the sense that everything that day in the studio was very free-flowing. The two friends I made it with, Zack Zoya and Soran, are both super talented and have such open minds. There was no pressure; we were all just having fun.
We just led with what felt right and all piggybacked off each other’s ideas. It was one of those songs that just kind of wrote itself. Not all days in the studio are like that for me, but these are the kinds of sessions that always result in my best music.
3. You’ve got a really interesting range to your music, from the dance-driven energy of “Dance Alone” to your more R&B-influenced tracks. Do you go into a song knowing what kind of sound you want to create, or do you prefer to let the song take you somewhere unexpected?
It depends. Sometimes I go into sessions with a clear intention or sound that I want to go for, and other times I have nothing. It all depends on the way I’m feeling that day, what I’ve been listening to and what message I’m trying to convey at that time.
The more I write, the more I prioritise one thing: as long as I fully love what I’m creating, the rest will fall into place later.
I read that you grew up listening to The 1975 — they’re one of my favourite artists too. What is it about their music that you connect with, and are there elements of their artistry that you’d love to bring into your own work?
I think they’re a great example of a band that has been extremely successful in its own unique and creative way. You can tell they’re intentional, edgy and very creative, and that they always want to push their boundaries.
It seems to me like they’ve always just done things the way they see as best for their art. That’s very inspiring to me. They protect their art and their vision, and it’s gotten them very far. I connect heavily with that.
Also, the music is always just quality. It always feels fresh but still classic; it’s always interesting sonically and visually as well. There’s lots to sink your teeth into.
I was listening to “Dive” from your Almost Always EP, as well as “You Got Me,” and both really stood out to me. Were there particular experiences or emotions behind those songs that shaped the way they came together?
For sure. I was falling in love at the time that both of those songs were written. Being in that state might be peak for writing, in my opinion — either that or going through the opposite.
My emotions were particularly high during that time, and I had so many thoughts and feelings to put into my music. It was almost necessary for me to write those songs to really understand how I felt.
I know your brother is also an artist and has been a big inspiration to you. Do you remember the first time you two really bonded over music — maybe a particular song, artist or moment that you shared?
It has to be Drake. I remember him showing me songs like “Forever” with Eminem and Lil Wayne, or “Best I Ever Had,” and we were both so infatuated with them.
I think it was the first time I had ever heard a rapper sing. That melodic style of rap was so cool to me. Those were good times.
You have Filipino and Ukrainian heritage, and I wondered whether that ever finds its way into your music. Do you think your own background influences the way you create, or are you also inspired by other cultures and people’s experiences?
It’s definitely starting to play a bigger part in my music these days. I went to the Philippines for the first time last year to be part of a writing camp in Manila, and it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.
I was so close to my culture and my roots. I got to learn about the different genres that exist there and was put onto some amazing music and artists. I was in the room writing with very talented artists who sang in Tagalog and even got coached through singing some myself.
Since then, I’ve been listening to a lot more Filipino music and have developed a deeper love and fascination for my culture.
I also love your feature on “Admirin’ You” by Karan Aujla and Ikky. How did that collaboration come about? And was working on a South Asian track something that pushed you outside of your usual creative space?
That collaboration came through my good friend Ikky. He had been working with Karan for a bit at that point and sent me an early demo of “Admirin’ You.” He wanted me to jump on it, and I was super excited.
The song itself was already fire, but just based on the fact that it was something Ikky wanted me to be a part of, I was sold. I know Ikky works with not only talented artists but good people, so for me it was an easy yes.
It was definitely a challenge and something I had never done at that time, but it turned out to be one of my favourite experiences as an artist. It introduced me to the world of Punjabi music and how powerful it is.
The way that song became larger than life was something I never thought I’d experience. I truly believe Karan is one of the biggest and best artists of our generation, and to even have a small connection to that is wild to me. I will forever be grateful for that opportunity.
I know you grew up in Timmins. Are there any songs — either your own or by another artist — that instantly take you back home or bring back a particular memory?
Honestly, anything from The Weeknd’s Starboy album always takes me back to Timmins. It came out during the winter while I was in, like, Grade 10 or 11, and every time I hear a song from that album, I’m transported back to those times.
It was one of the soundtracks to some of my best memories in life, really.
You’ve just performed at Supercrawl, Hamilton’s Arts & Music Festival. What was that experience like, and was there a particular moment from the show that you’ll take away with you?
It was a great show. The crowd was so nice and had such good energy. I honestly think it was my best show of the summer.
There was one young girl who had a sign inviting me to her birthday, which I thought was the cutest thing ever. I got to meet her and her parents before the show, and they were all very lovely. That was a really nice moment from the show.
Finally, when people listen to your music, what do you hope they feel or take away from it?
I hope they feel whatever they need to. I want my music to be part of the soundtrack to someone’s life. I want my songs to be a vessel, a way to transport them through all the little moments in life.
