If you ask my mother what goes on after midnight, she would say “nothing good.” But if you ask LA-by-way-of-Toronto artist 12AM, he would have something a little different to say. When the clock strikes midnight, “life is usually the most real,” says 12AM. Whether that’s “super happy, energetic, depressed and alone, or with somebody getting down,” emotions and situations are arguably enhanced after hours.
12AM makes music that embodies and compliments this seemingly separate world, where only the night owls are out roaming. His latest release and major label debut (Sony Canada), After Midnight, elevates this dark, nocturnal sound. The five-track EP represents 12AM’s hardships and hustle during his transition moving from Canada to Los Angeles. Additionally, the EP features Motown rapper The Hxliday on “Voices,” Toronto-based Jutes on “Ski Mask,” and Baltimore rapper Pyrex on “Lights.”
STREAM After Midnight by 12AM
12AM’s rocky upbringing contributes to his honest and real approach when writing music. Having bottled up his emotions from a young age, he found that he could channel these negative experiences into writing. 12AM’s raw and vulnerable approach has amassed him over 26 million streams, with hundreds of thousands of fans connecting with his music daily.
In addition to his recent release, 12AM has also been writing consistently for other artists. On top of his frequent work with Elijah Woods and Omer Fedi (Kid Laroi “Without You, ”24kGoldn & Iann Dior “Mood,” and Lil Nas X “Montero”), he has toured with Internet Money, Iann Dior, Jez Dior, 24kGoldn, Jutes, Trevor Daniel, and Souly Had.
With a sound that proves to connect with listeners worldwide – and more music on the way – 12AM is on a clear path to the top. Respect My Region had the opportunity to ask the budding artist some questions about After Midnight, what helps him open up, his major label debut, moving to Los Angeles, and more. Continue reading for the full interview.
12AM x Respect My Region Exclusive Interview
RMR: Tell us a little about your roots. How do you feel growing up in Toronto has affected your sound and career?
12AM: 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.
RMR: How has LA been treating you?
12AM: It has its ups and downs… It’s made me a shit ton of money just by being here and networking. I could never do that if I didn’t leave Canada. However, it gets lonely even when you’re surrounded by people, grinding nonstop… and it’s always about work here. It gets toxic when you’ve been here for a while.
RMR: Let’s talk a little about your latest project After Midnight. This is undeniably a very vulnerable project. What helps you open up?
12AM: I use music as a form of therapy so I just wanted to take it to the next level and really tell people my story. I only scratched the surface on this project and for my next releases I’ll be even more open and honest.
RMR: What are you hoping listeners take away from this EP?
12AM: Just to be excited about the future… finally I can release music constantly and I have so much more prepared and ready to go!
RMR: What helps you bring these emotions and ideas into fruition? Especially when going through a lot of stuff in life.
12AM: The fans! Especially listeners that tell me my music has helped them through depression or addiction. It makes me want to keep going and keep helping people.
RMR: Where do new ideas typically come to you the most?
12AM: 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.
RMR: How does it feel to have your major label debut with Sony Music Entertainment Canada?
12AM: It’s a dream come true…. I’ve always wanted to be with Sony specifically, and even in the short time of being here they’re making my dreams come true. I was independent for my entire career and I was happy with where I was at but to have a full team of amazing people helps so much. A lot of artists say to stay away from major labels but Sony really makes it easy on me. They believe in my vision and let me guide the ship.
RMR: Tell us about the first time you made music- what led up to that point?
12AM: I remember being in the 2nd grade and I took a USB mic that looked like a straw then I played a beat on the speakers and rapped over it. I didn’t know a thing about making music. I was so young but I just loved rap so much.
RMR: What’s next?
12AM: We’re gearing up for the album. It’s done now and we’re shooting some new music videos then going on tour.
RMR: Lastly, if you could be reincarnated into any animal, what would it be and why?
12AM: A bear. They’re my favorite animals. Something about them… you don’t really wanna fuck with a bear, but they are so cute.
Connect with 12AM
Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube
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