Preston Pablo - Selfish (Single) + 10 Questions

Canadian pop standout Preston Pablo returns with “Selfish,” a sleek, bass driven single that signals a confident new chapter. Released via EMI Records, 31 East and Universal Canada. The track pairs his smooth vocals with a stripped back, intentional production where every detail hits with precision.

At its core, “Selfish” is all about confidence and desire. It captures that ‘main character energy’ mindset, where instinct takes over and focus locks in on what you want. The result is a moody, self assured record that feels effortless but is carefully crafted beneath the surface.

The song is produced by Keith “Ten4” Sorrells, known for work with John Legend and Demi Lovato, alongside Oscar Linnander, whose credits include Kehlani and Jessie Murph.

Following earlier 2026 release “Cause I Do,” the track marks Preston’s first run of new music since his 2024 EP Anywhere But Here, which featured viral hit “Dance Alone.” Building on the success of “Flowers Need Rain,” which earned him a JUNO Award for Breakthrough Artist of the Year, “Selfish” sets the tone for what’s next with clarity and intent.

Preston Pablo sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So, tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when it started, but I know I was young. I’d have to give a lot of credit to my parents, who have always been music lovers. I was fortunate to have grown up in a home that always had different types of music playing. Music was always encouraged. I have these clear memories of the radio on while my mom was cooking or cleaning or listening to country while driving around Timmins in my dad's truck. They’d always be singing or dancing along.

I remember feeling so happy in those moments, present. As a kid music made me feel things I didn’t fully understand yet, but I knew it was special. I’ve always just loved to feel, and I think that’s why I naturally gravitated toward music. The way stories are told through emotion, wordplay, melodies, it’s one of the only things that’s ever moved me in such a big way. When I was young, it quickly became this way to feel, to connect. I saw how it brought my family together and how it created these moments you don’t forget. Looking back, I think that’s where it all started for me.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

Artists who have influenced me early on and still somewhat to this day would be Justin Bieber, Drake, The Weeknd, Partynextdoor, Majid Jordan. I spent so much of my early years as an artist listening to these guys and watching them and being obsessed with their own careers. I find I'm becoming influenced by different people and different sounds a lot more these days. I think as you grow and change as a person and artist, your influences do too. I’d love to work with all the artists I named in the future.

3. What projects do you have coming up, and can you give us any info on them?

I have 2 projects I’m currently working on: they’re basically done. Just finishing touches. What I can say about the new music I have coming is that it’s all stuff I love, which was the most important rule when I was writing it. I didn’t want to choose a single song that I didn’t enjoy listening to. I stepped outside of my comfort zone in a lot of ways. I wrote with new people, in new places, tried things I wouldn’t normally try, pushed my typical sound a bit to see what would happen, and landed on a bunch of songs that I really believe in. This new music is essentially just my evolution as an artist. It’s very much me, which I feel like people still haven’t fully heard, which is why these projects are exciting to me. I’m excited to put stuff out, there’s going to be lots of music coming out this year.

4. How would you describe your sound?

Pop for sure, hints of R&B. It’s clean and polished but still room for real emotion and grit when there needs to be. Nostalgic feel but modern sounds. Still a work in progress for sure, but I do think I’m the most “me” sounding I’ve ever been right now.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

Would probably have to be my hometown show in Timmins. It was my first ever show at home and we sold it out and did it in the arena that I always dreamt of playing at. It really was a dream homecoming show for me. There was something so special about playing to so many friends and family members, and to all the people that made me who I am. I felt so proud to be on that stage playing my music to everyone, representing my home. I really am so grateful to have all the love and support that I have from my city. It’s still hard to explain but I just felt so excited and happy to share that moment with such important people in such an important place. I got to bring my whole family on stage at one point and share that moment with them, I got to hang out with all my friends and people I haven’t seen in years after the show, it was the coolest thing ever.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Do it for the right reasons. Do it because you love it so much that you should do it. Do it for you before anyone else. Don’t do it without the right people around you. I get that it’s a job and there’s always gonna be parts of it that you hate or that suck but it’s not a normal job also. Some days are going to be terrible; you’re probably going to want to quit or give up all the time but it’s only your love for the art that will keep you going. Great music always wins and trust your intuition. That's the kind of stuff I would want to hear if I was starting from scratch. Honestly, I still must remind myself of these things all the time.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

Mack Keane is one that my homie put me onto the other day!!!

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

Swag - Justin Bieber, The Kid Laroi’s new album Before I Forget is really fire, also this time of year every year I start listening to Majid Jordan’s self-titled album a lot.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

I love to be outside, I’ve been fishing a decent amount recently with my brother and our friends, I’ve been really getting into running, I love going to the movies, I’ve also recently started building up my action figure collection again. I’m a huge Marvel and DC fan and I’ve collected action figures since I was a kid, but recently I’ve spent a good amount of time online tracking down some cool figures and expanding my collection.

10. Name three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Water, studio snacks, and good lighting. Vibe is everything in the studio, don’t sleep on proper lighting.