Should you be in search of a new sound to fill your Monday afternoon, R&B artist 12AM has the perfect tune for you. Dropping “Showgirls”, the artist also known as Matthew Dubois serves up electric energy and surging production on a track not only impressive in sound but also in its list of collaborators. With the likes of Tyla Yaweh and Pressa joining the artist on the track, it becomes clear that the latest drop is one brimming with talent.

When discussing how the track came to be, the artist explained, “I was kicking it with Tyla so much and I played him the music I was working on. When he heard the hook on “Showgirls” he instantly hopped on it. There were a ton of people over, and everyone was going crazy over it. Then a year later, I was in the studio with Pressa. It was the same story, he heard the song and instantly hopped on it too.”

Upon the release of “Showgirls” and its accompanying music video, the R&B artist sat down with Wonderland to discuss how his home town of Toronto informed his sound and honouring his mother through his work. Head below to enjoy our interview with 12AM…

Hey, thanks for speaking to us! How has this past year been for you?
Man, the past couple of years! It’s been like a Black Mirror episode, I don’t even know what to say other than absolute trash, but the past couple of weeks have been incredible. I signed with Sony Music and just put out my new track, “Showgirls” ft. Tyla Yaweh & Pressa, and it’s going crazy right now. So, I’ve never been happier.

The pandemic was tough on a lot of artists, how was your creativity affected during that period of time?
I just made so much music that never came out, so actually, it was great because now we finally get to release it.

How did you first get into music and what sparked the interest?
Ever since I was a kid, I always wanted to do this. I remember writing my first song when I was about six. I grew up listening to hip-hop such as Eminem, 50 Cent and Dr. Dre. My mum got me into Motown, Steve Wonder, Jackson 5 etc. I loved that too, so that’s where the R&B side of me comes from. Then when my mum passed, I kind of just went for it – I moved to LA and really put all my effort into this shit. She always wanted me to pursue my dreams, so I felt like I finally could once she was gone.

Tell us a bit more about where you are from? Did your hometown inspire you?
Toronto has one of the most unique sounds in the entire world. It birthed dark, moody hip-hop & R&B. It definitely helped shape my sound and take it to a new place by merging it with rock and pop.

Recently you moved from Canada to LA, how did this impact your sound?
LA made my career in music, but Toronto made my sound. The people and connections you make in LA are huge, but the sound will always be from Toronto. I brought that vibe into every session I had with producers here in LA, and I think that’s what makes it special.

You’ve just dropped your new single “Showgirls”, talk us through the process of this track?
I was kicking it with Tyla so much and I played him the music I was working on. When he heard the hook on “Showgirls” he instantly hopped on it. There were a ton of people over, and everyone was going crazy over it. Then a year later, I was in the studio with Pressa. It was the same story, he heard the song and instantly hopped on it too

What do you hope fans take away from your music?
The world has been so crazy lately, I just want to bring happiness to people in this insane time.

What would you say inspires you?
Usually, when I go out inspiration hits randomly. All my music is from my experiences, so whenever I have writer’s block it means I just gotta go live life for a bit.

What are you most excited about? What’s next?
I am excited to get back on the road to play shows for my fans and, of course, releasing new music out into the world!