But then you listen back sober and you’re like: ‘This is trash.’” He has been sober for the past three years, after a conversation with his manager about his overuse of painkillers. “He said, ‘You’re doing too much.’ And I said: ‘I don’t think I could survive any other way.’ And he said: ‘I think you can.’” Tesfaye has never relapsed, but he doesn’t think he could make the music he used to when he was using. “It’s like the song is the painkiller now.”
He is working on new music, but he is not sure if it will be under the Weeknd name. “I want to explore different characters and maybe even different genres,” he says. “I’ve been in this for so long. I want to challenge myself and do things I haven’t done before.”
As for the future of the Weeknd, he is open to the idea of it ending. “I think every artist should have the opportunity to reinvent themselves, to try new things,” he says. “I don’t want to be doing the same thing forever. That’s not interesting to me. I want to grow, I want to evolve, I want to surprise people.”
But for now, he is focused on the release of Hurry Up Tomorrow and the next phase of his career. “I’m excited for people to see this film and to see a different side of me,” he says. “I think it’s going to surprise a lot of people. And that’s what I want. I want to keep surprising people.”
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This excerpt provides insight into the struggles and successes of The Weeknd’s career, highlighting his journey from underground mixtapes to mainstream success. It also delves into his personal experiences with heartbreak and the pressures of constantly seeking to surpass his previous achievements. The discussion of his foray into film-making and the challenges faced during the production of The Idol adds another layer to his story, showcasing the complexities of navigating multiple creative pursuits. Overall, the piece captures The Weeknd’s candid reflections on his career trajectory and the realities of the entertainment industry. ”
In this interview, The Weeknd reflects on his past projects, including the film “Idol” and his latest album “Hurry Up Tomorrow.” He discusses the importance of following his instincts and the impact of going against them. He opens up about his experiences with abandonment and the healing process he went through before shooting the film.
The Weeknd also hints at the possibility of winding up his music project as The Weeknd and exploring new avenues in his life, including reconnecting with his heritage and potentially his father. He acknowledges the importance of having a father figure in childhood and the impact it can have on a person’s life.
Overall, the interview provides insight into The Weeknd’s personal journey, his struggles with vulnerability and abandonment, and his aspirations for the future. “And sleep – we take it for granted. I didn’t realise how necessary sleep was in my life.” There’s a sighing, romantic tone to his voice, so different to the jaded Weeknd. “Sleep is such a sweet thing, isn’t it?”
Hurry Up Tomorrow is in cinemas now. The Weeknd plays Ford Field, Detroit, on 24 and 25 May, then tours North America