After nearly 16 remarkable years as The Weeknd, Abel Tesfaye is contemplating the possibility of retiring his iconic musical persona following his upcoming projects. This potential transition marks a significant moment in his career, highlighting his evolution as an artist and the personal journey he has undertaken throughout his time in the music industry.

In a candid discussion with Variety, coinciding with the highly anticipated release of his new album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, on January 24, Tesfaye reflects on his musical journey. He recalls a pivotal moment during a performance at California’s SoFi Stadium in September 2022, where he faced a devastating setback. Just four songs into the performance, he was forced to cancel the remainder of the show due to his failing voice, a moment that significantly affected him and his outlook on his career.

Seeking clarity, Tesfaye visited his doctor, who found nothing physically wrong. He expressed to the publication that the issue stemmed from his mental state, indicating a deeper introspection about the pressures and challenges he faces in the music industry. “And that’s when we came to the realization that it was all up here,” he noted, while gesturing towards his head, emphasizing the mental toll that fame and performance can take on an artist.

The myriad of pressures, including his packed schedule and ongoing mental fatigue, has been weighing heavily on Tesfaye as he approaches the release of Hurry Up Tomorrow. The promotional campaign, featuring billboards hinting at a possible end to his journey as an artist, and social media posts suggesting this is the final ‘chapter’ of his narrative, have prompted questions. Variety pressed Tesfaye to elaborate on his frequent mentions of “closing this chapter.” He candidly responds, “I would say my existence as The Weeknd,” offering insight into his evolving relationship with his artistic persona.

“I’m in a headspace that I have little desire to return to,” he elaborates. “You create a persona, but then you also contend with the competition. It transforms into a relentless rat race: more accolades, more success, more shows, more albums, more awards, and more No. 1 hits. The cycle appears never-ending unless you choose to put a stop to it.” This reflection reveals the intense pressure artists face in the pursuit of success and recognition in the music landscape.

“Part of me contemplated that perhaps losing my voice was a sign that it was time to move on; I had shared everything I needed to share. It’s important not to overstay your welcome — you can conclude things now and embrace a fulfilling life,” Tesfaye reflects on his canceled show from 2022. “With the upcoming release, ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow,’ it feels like the right moment to tie it all together. If not now, when is the right time to step back, especially when you’re at your peak? Once you fully understand my essence, it’s time to take a different direction.”

While Tesfaye indicates that the end of his journey as The Weeknd may signal a transition for fans, he assures them that his musical endeavors will continue.

“I don’t think I can stop creating music,” he asserts. “However, every new project must feel like a challenge. At this moment, being The Weeknd has reached a point of mastery for me. No one will interpret or embody The Weeknd better than I do, and I’ve achieved everything I set out to do as this persona. I’m genuinely excited about the upcoming film, as it presents a new challenge that I’m eager to face.”

“Yet, I’m curious about what lies beyond,” he adds thoughtfully. “I want to explore what tomorrow holds for me.”

Tesfaye is set to launch his sixth studio album as The Weeknd, Hurry Up Tomorrow, on January 24. Following this, on May 16, his film of the same name will debut through Lionsgate. Directed by Trey Edward Shults, known for acclaimed films like Waves and It Comes At Night, this film will mark Tesfaye’s feature film debut and serves as an artistic extension of the forthcoming album.