The Weeknd's Next Album Is Inspired by COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter Movement

The ‘After Hours’ artist had to refocus his energy on a new album following the cancellation of his tour.

Music
15.0K 13 Comments

The Weeknd‘s latest studio album After Hours has been out for less than a year, but Abel Tesfaye is already working on his upcoming project.

In a recent interview, the XO Records head briefly touched on how the cancellation of his planned tour and the sociopolitical environment made him refocus his efforts on the After Hours followup. “I have been more inspired and creative during the pandemic than I might normally be while on the road…The pandemic, the Black Lives Matter movement and the tensions of the election have mostly created a sense of gratitude for what I have and closeness with the people near me,” he said.

The Weeknd also took a look back at his career in the industry, “My natural singing voice was inspired and shaped by Ethiopian music. The older I got, I was exposed to more music, and my voice became a chameleon going into different characters with each album. By following my own path and breaking industry norms, it seems to be influencing others.” He added, “I was laser focused back then and I’m laser focused right now. This has been the story of my 20s. I feel like I spent the last 10 years creating a sound and most of my career, I’ve either been running away from it or duplicating it. After Hours was the perfect piece of art for me to show my tenure in the industry.”

Elsewhere in music, J. Cole teased his plans for The Fall Off era and hinted at his retirement.

Read Full Article

What to Read Next

Watch The Weeknd's Third Teaser for His Upcoming Album
Music

Watch The Weeknd's Third Teaser for His Upcoming Album

The video features a new song.

Is The Weeknd Hinting at His Final Album?
Music

Is The Weeknd Hinting at His Final Album?

The XO Records head posted a cryptic Instagram Story that read “the end is near.”

The Weeknd Drops Teaser of Third "Chapter" in Album Trilogy
Music

The Weeknd Drops Teaser of Third "Chapter" in Album Trilogy

Sharing a visual that sees him as a young boy.


The Weeknd Announces New Album ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’
Music

The Weeknd Announces New Album ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’

The final installment in his ‘After Hours’ trilogy.

Kendrick Lamar to Headline 2021 Roskilde Festival
Music

Kendrick Lamar to Headline 2021 Roskilde Festival

Lineup featuring Tyler, The Creator, FKA Twigs, Anderson.Paak, Thom York and many more.

Google Tests New Feature That Lets You Search TikTok and Instagram Videos
Tech & Gadgets

Google Tests New Feature That Lets You Search TikTok and Instagram Videos

A carousel function called “Short Videos.”

GmanModz Has Created the World's Smallest Portable Nintendo 64
Gaming

GmanModz Has Created the World's Smallest Portable Nintendo 64

Not much bigger than an N64 Game Pak.

Lil Durk Is "Coming Clean" in New Visual
Music

Lil Durk Is "Coming Clean" in New Visual

Taken from his latest full-length, ‘The Voice.’

Take a First Look at Nike's Upcoming React Infinity Run 2 and ZoomX Invincible Run
Footwear

Take a First Look at Nike's Upcoming React Infinity Run 2 and ZoomX Invincible Run

Improved cushioning, comfort and support.


AMC Needs $750 Million USD in Cash to Survive Through 2021
Entertainment 

AMC Needs $750 Million USD in Cash to Survive Through 2021

The company is forced to sell another 50 million shares.

A New JJJJound x PORTER Collab Is on the Way
Fashion

A New JJJJound x PORTER Collab Is on the Way

Kicking off 2021 with a new collab.

Milwaukee Bucks Set NBA Record for the Most 3-Pointers Made in a Game
Sports

Milwaukee Bucks Set NBA Record for the Most 3-Pointers Made in a Game

Coming off their worst 3-point effort in over a year.

Nite Ize Offers an LED Alternative To Chemical-Filled Glow Sticks
Tech & Gadgets

Nite Ize Offers an LED Alternative To Chemical-Filled Glow Sticks

Adding a disco mode for nighttime festivities.

YG Entertainment Announces BLACKPINK's Lisa and Rosé Solo Debuts
Music

YG Entertainment Announces BLACKPINK's Lisa and Rosé Solo Debuts

The K-pop supergroup looks to continue its dominance next year.

More ▾