After almost 16 years spent as The Weeknd, Abel Tesfaye is contemplating retiring his well-known musical alias following his upcoming projects. Tesfaye recently opened up about his musical journey in a cover story with Variety, coinciding with the release of his new album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, on Jan. 24. Reflecting on a challenging show at California’s SoFi Stadium in Sept. 2022, where he had to cancel due to vocal issues, Tesfaye realized that his struggles were more mental than physical.
The Journey to “Hurry Up Tomorrow”
As Tesfaye delves into the creation of his latest album, he reveals the mental and physical toll that led to its development. Teased with billboards hinting at closure and social media posts signaling the end of a chapter, he explained to Variety that this signifies the end of his persona as The Weeknd.
Feeling exhausted by the constant pressure for success and recognition, Tesfaye expressed a desire to move on from his current persona. Reflecting on his canceled 2022 show, he acknowledged that perhaps it was a sign to move on and explore new challenges.
The Future of The Weeknd
While Tesfaye contemplates the end of The Weeknd as fans know it, he reassures that his music career will continue in a different form. He emphasizes the need for new challenges and growth, indicating that he has mastered his current persona and is ready for what lies ahead.
Looking ahead, Tesfaye is set to release his sixth studio album, “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” on Jan. 24, followed by a film of the same name on May 16. Directed by Trey Edward Shults, the film will mark Tesfaye’s debut as a feature star and serve as an extension of his upcoming album.
The Road Ahead
As Tesfaye prepares to bid farewell to The Weeknd, he looks forward to the next chapter in his musical journey. While the future may be uncertain, he is excited to see what lies beyond and embrace new challenges with open arms.
FAQs
Q: Will The Weeknd’s retirement mean the end of his music career?
A: No, Tesfaye plans to continue making music in a new form beyond The Weeknd persona.
Q: What inspired Tesfaye to consider retiring The Weeknd?
A: A combination of factors, including mental exhaustion and a desire for new challenges, led to his decision.
Q: How will Tesfaye’s upcoming projects differ from his previous work as The Weeknd?
A: Tesfaye aims to explore new avenues and push himself creatively in ways that go beyond his current persona.
Credit: www.billboard.com
