Writers on Track features Preston Pablo, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer with Warner Chappell Music Publishing. A JUNO Award-winning artist and one of Canada’s most streamed pop acts, he takes a confident step forward with his single, “Cause I Do,” and follows it up with the release of “Selfish,” offering a first glimpse of the sound and creative direction he’ll continue to explore throughout 2026.
What’s your favorite part of the songwriting process?
My favourite part of the songwriting process is the beginning, the idea stage. That’s when the chords are still being figured out and everyone is sharing ideas about where the song could go and how different parts might sound. I love creating melodies, so those early stages are always the most exciting for me. It’s when I can try a range of different melodies and really lock in the feeling behind the song. There’s something special about that moment when everything is still open and you’re discovering the direction of the song in real time.
What’s your biggest session highlight so far?
I recently went to the Philippines for the first time and got to spend time writing and creating with Filipino artists, which was also a first for me. Being there surrounded by Filipino creatives and hearing people speaking, singing, and rapping in Tagalog felt incredibly special. I felt very comfortable and connected to my culture, and it just felt natural being in those sessions. It’s an experience I’m very grateful for and one that meant a lot to me both creatively and personally.
How much do current market and track trends impact your creative process
I think trends only impact my creative process if I’m genuinely interested in them. If there’s a new sound that I really love, I’ll experiment with it and see how I can interpret it in my own way. It happens a lot where a song I’m listening to becomes a reference point or an influence on the music I’m making. I do think it’s important to stay aware of what people are gravitating toward, but paying too much attention to trends can also be harmful to the creative process. For me, it’s about finding a balance and being influenced for the right reasons.
Listen to Presto Pablo on Amazon Music, Apple Music, and Spotify. Visit his website at prestonpablo.com.
