The Weeknd Discusses His Desire to Move Past the Nickname: “I’ve Triumphed Over All the Challenges Associated with It”

The Weeknd’s Retirement Plans

The Weeknd mentioned his desire to retire his nickname once he overcomes “every challenge in this character.”

Upcoming Album Release

The artist, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, has been releasing music under The Weeknd’s brand since 2011 and is currently gearing up for the release of his sixth studio album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, set to launch on January 24, 2025. This record will complete his ‘Blinding Lights’ album trilogy, following 2020’s ‘After Hours’ and ‘Dawn FM.’

However, he expressed his intention to shed the image once the album is out later this month.

In a recent interview with the magazine Diversity, Tesfaye elaborated on the teasers for his upcoming album shared on social media, which read: “The Weeknd / The end is near / 8 beautiful chapters in the story.” When asked which chapter he was referring to, Tesfaye replied, “I would say I exist as the Weeknd.”

“This is a headspace that I need to get into and that I no longer have the desire to go to,” he continued. “I feel like it has a lot to do with it. You have a personality, but there is competition with it all. It becomes a rat race: more accolades, more success, more concerts, more albums, more awards, and more number ones. It will never end until you end it.”

He also recalled his 2022 performance at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, where he had to cancel midway through the show, losing his voice during “Can’t Feel My Face.”

“Part of me was actually thinking, ‘You’ve lost your voice because you’re done; you said what you had to say. Don’t stay late at the party – you can end it now and live a happy life.’ You know? Put a bow on it: “Hurry up tomorrow”? Now we are here,” he stated. “When is the right time to leave, if not at the peak of your career? Once you understand who I am, then it’s time to turn around.”

However, he clarified that he is not quitting music entirely, stating, “But everything should feel like a challenge. And for me now, the Weeknd, whatever it is, has already been mastered. No one will make the Weeknd better than me, and I won’t make him better than he is now. I think I’ve overcome all the challenges in this character and that’s why I’m really excited about this film because I love the challenge.”

The film will act as a sequel to the album and will star The Weeknd, Jenna Ortega, and Barry Keoghan. It is anticipated to be released in May.

The musician has shared teasers for the album, including his earlier collaboration with Playboi Carti, “Timeless,” co-produced by Pharrell, and another new single titled “Dancing In The Flames,” released back in September. He has also hinted at various unreleased tracks, such as “Wake Me Up,” “Take Me Back To LA,” and “Open Hearts.”

Tesfaye revealed the album cover on his social media, featuring a simple close-up shot of his face, a shift from the facial prosthetics used during the After Hours era. “Hurry Up Tomorrow” is available for pre-order here. The album can be purchased in exclusive vinyl, box sets, and signed CDs.