🚀 The Humble Architect
Before the world knew the name 12Gage, unknowingly people were already moving to his sound. The off-kilter percussion & bass presence in his new aged style has granted him collaborations as producer behind the viral likenesses of Tia Corrine, Jay Arre, PhazeGod, Smileyface & ChezXO.
Having barely asked for anything at all amidst his journey, the Full Sail graduate’s credit and accolades have begun to ensue on their own merit.
In fact, most fans didn’t know his name until it started showing up everywhere — in liner notes, whispered in comment threads, and tagged by grateful artists in cryptic late-night posts:
“couldn’t have done this without @pg12gage”
Now, in the span of 4 short years, 12Gage has gone from a quiet beat maker in a dim Winston-Salem basement to one of the most sought-after Southern producers emerging into the music industry.
“I never wanted to be in front of the camera. I just wanted the world to feel something they couldn’t name.”
— 12Gage
🧠 Rise of a Reluctant Genius
Born Gage France, the 28-year-old producer grew up on a diet of Alchemist drums, lo-fi SoundCloud beats, and his mothers signature Spaghetti Italiano. Currently studying Computer Science at Dallas College, he still manages to upload 10+ instrumentals monthly to a Dropbox folder simply titled “whatever inspired that particular vibe.”
Attesting to his passion and work ethic is his 9 collective years of musical development, not leaving his destiny to be determined by going viral on TikTok, he embodies the mantra grind to thrive.
One day, underground R&B/Hip Hop artist Tia Corine stumbled upon his work through a mutual friend and DM’d him. Three weeks later, “Cabbage” was born — a money motivating hip hop jam that became an integral part to his total of over 50k streams. “His beats feel like you’re remembering something you never lived,” says Jay Arre. “It’s nostalgic, but from the future.”
🔊 What Makes a 12Gage Beat?
Identifiable by signature tags, there are no overdone effects in his cook up. A 12Gage production is defined by its restraint — space, texture, and a cinematic sense of emotion.
808s breathe, not boom.
Vocals are mixed like confessions.
Hi-hats swing just slightly off-grid, like a memory trying to stay intact.
His sound mixes the boom bap with ambient electronica, orchestras and trap elements.
“If you don’t feel something in the first 10-15 seconds,” 12 says, “it’s not ready.”
🧩 The Enigma Behind the Boards
12 is recently coming into welcoming interviews, events, appearances, live performances, all without even having a press release. This write-up is his first. And he almost said no.
“I’m not trying to be famous,” he shrugs. “I’m trying to be useful. Music is utility. Emotion is utility. My job is to make artists sound like themselves — but sharper.”
Still, his reclusiveness has only fueled the fascination.
His minimalist Instagram (@pg12Gage) posts only exude his true character, accomplishments and jokester nature.
🎼 What’s Next for 12Gage?
He’s already been in sessions with names like Tia Corrine, OG Spliff, Jay Arre, and Volz. Word is he’s also producing majority of Kay Laron’s upcoming album, an early 20’s rapper that calls himself “a melodic voice for the gritty”.
12’s work is being recognized by a slew of multi-faceted well renowned producers and already dissected by YouTube channel analyzers. In a world where producers compete for clout and sonic dominance, 12 stands apart by competing less — and meaning more. His name might not be plastered across your screen, but listen closely, and you’ll hear him everywhere: in the margins, in the echoes, in the space between the noise.
📀 Producer’s Picks: #12OnThatThang Productions
Jay Arre x Smileyface – “Cloud 81” (Produced by 12Gage)
Kay Lauron – “Rank” (Produced by 12Gage)
Chez XO – “Overdose” (Produced by 12Gage)
Tia Corrine – “Batman” (Produced by 12Gage)
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