The Weeknd Talks Fame, Mental Health, and New Music

The Weeknd is Billboard Brazil’s tenth-edition cover star. In the exclusive interview, the singer sat down to discuss fan love and mental health struggles.

Last Saturday, The Weeknd performed in São Paulo. With a sold out stadium of over 70,000 fans in attendance, the singer put on an electrifying performance. Teasing new songs while performing fan favorites, such as “Hardest to Love,” his new era is approaching faster than we think.

Prior to his performance, The Weeknd revealed his exclusive interview was available with Billboard Brazil. Throughout the interview, the singer talks about coping with anxiety as well as his love for his Brazilian fans as he prepares to take the stage.

“I can speak for all artists when I say that it is difficult to put into words the love and energy that the Brazilian people express when you are on stage.” The Weeknd stated. 

“You feel the music so deeply. São Paulo and Rio reminded me that the frequencies we radiate as musicians are important. They remind me why I wanted to make music: to connect. I’ll spend the rest of my life knowing that,” he added.

For his new era, The Weeknd symbolizes and projects the concept of “rebirth.” His newest album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, rumored to be released later this year or early next year, will be the final album in his latest trilogy. After the global success of his “After Hours Til Dawn Tour,” the singer has grossed over $500 million in ticket sales. This new project is sure to generate even more traction than any of his previous albums/eras. 

When it comes to mental health, The Weeknd has expressed being an advocate in mental health, as he has his own struggles. He has made the status of his mental health publicly known in several of his songs, such as “I Was Never There” from his 2018 album My Dear Melancholy,. “What makes a grown man want to cry?/ What makes him want to take his own life?” he sings on the track. 

“I think about giving up every day. But I also find purpose every day,” says the singer, unafraid to open up and show his vulnerability. “My relationship with God is stronger than ever. I find comfort in His presence when I need it most. I talk to Him constantly. It’s been a long journey, but I’m here,” the artist stated. 

The singer had a more honest approach on how he takes care of his mind, even admitting he had a panic attack before the interview. “It’s funny you should mention this [mental health]. I just had a panic attack right before this interview. My anxiety is a constant battle, and I feel like it never goes away. I’m learning to control it, but I’ve already realized that it’s part of my life. I can’t escape it.”

Now, as The Weeknd tries to maintain a level of control with his mental health, he also discusses how fame plays a role. Fame has been the subject of both visual and musical work from the artist, especially in his 2020 album After Hours. While he highlights the glitz and glamor of being famous, he also highlights the darker side of being prevalent in the industry.

Common themes of sex, drugs, and secrets encapsulate his music, all masked with ‘80s pop synth tunes that entrance the listener. That narrative is vastly different from his own personal life, where the singer tends to stray away from being in the public eye. 

“I stay away from people as much as possible. I try to have as much privacy in my life as possible. I never give off [that] ‘famous’ energy. I think trying to be famous is a talent in itself. I haven’t mastered that talent… And I don’t intend to,” he stated. 

Check out the rest of the interview and exclusive content by clicking here. To purchase a copy of the tenth edition magazine, click here.