The Weeknd has used music to “hide” his vulnerabilities. The acclaimed artist’s confession comes as he explores new creative territory through film, allowing fans a glimpse into his personal journey of growth and self-discovery.
“Before we shot the film, I went through whatever healing I had to go through. And then I needed to shed that skin, and I wanted to do it in a way that felt more visual,” the 35-year-old singer stars alongside Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan in ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’, the Trey Edward Shults-directed psychological thriller film, and he’s likened shooting the movie to a “therapy session”. The project marks a significant artistic departure for the musician, whose work has typically been expressed through his distinctive sound and music videos.
The Weeknd – whose real name is Abel Tesfaye – told the Guardian newspaper: “If it wasn’t for [Trey], I would have kept it in the vault – I’ve kept a lot of albums in the vault. But it felt right to tell it.” This revelation suggests the artist has numerous unreleased projects that fans may never hear, highlighting his meticulous approach to his artistic output.
The chart-topping singer felt he was able to show his vulnerable side while working with Trey, explaining that he faced his “child self” during the shoot. This profound experience appears to have been transformative for the artist, who has generally maintained a mysterious public persona throughout his career.
“Men have this forcefield – it’s like we want to come off as invincible, and vulnerability is something you run away from. I was able to be vulnerable in my music, but I was able to hide behind music,” the Weeknd – who has previously dated the likes of Bella Hadid and Selena Gomez – explained. This candid admission provides insight into the complex relationship between his personal experiences and his artistic expression.
“For me to trust someone like Trey to allow myself to be vulnerable, that was new for me. It felt like a therapy session for all of us. I was able to face my child self. We go through so much that we don’t even remember as children, we just suppress everything. If you don’t deal with it, it comes out.” His reflections on childhood trauma and suppressed emotions reveal a deeper dimension to the artist behind many chart-topping hits.
Earlier this month, The Weeknd admitted to “brainstorming” the end of his stage name. The potential retirement of his famous moniker suggests a significant personal and professional evolution for the artist, who may be seeking to redefine his identity and creative direction.
The ‘Blinding Lights’ hitmaker has previously spoken about the desire to get rid of his persona and suggested that ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ would be his last project under the moniker – but he isn’t quite ready to drop it yet because of his career commitments. This transitional period appears to be a delicate balancing act between fulfilling existing professional obligations and embracing personal transformation.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, he said: “We’re brainstorming it right now. I feel like we don’t have any definite answers, but I haven’t dropped it yet because I’m on tour, so I’ve still gotta get out there and see the fans.” His consideration for his audience demonstrates the strong connection he maintains with his fanbase despite his evolving artistic identity.
The artist’s journey from mysterious R&B newcomer to global superstar and now emerging actor represents one of the most fascinating evolutions in contemporary entertainment. His willingness to explore vulnerability through different artistic mediums reveals an artist committed to authentic expression beyond commercial success.
‘Hurry Up Tomorrow‘ appears to be serving as both an artistic venture and a personal milestone, allowing him to process emotions and experiences in ways his music alone could not facilitate. The psychological thriller format provides a fitting backdrop for exploring the darker aspects of human experience that have long characterized his musical output.
As he continues to balance his established musical career with new creative endeavors, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how this period of self-reflection shapes his future projects and potentially the emergence of Abel Tesfaye as an artist distinct from his famous alter ego.
