The Weeknd is entering a new era.
The XO crooner has officially announced The Idol Vol. 1 as his next project. He took to social media to share a video of himself in the studio with Mike Dean working on a cinematic track.
“THE IDOL VOL. 1 coming soon,” he teased on Twitter.
THE IDOL VOL. 1 💿 coming soon (double fantasy & jealous guy just a taste) pic.twitter.com/1dPY0bMntO
— Abel Tesfaye (@theweeknd) April 12, 2023
While he didn’t elaborate, it appears that the multi-part album will be a companion to his upcoming HBO series, which he co-created with “Euphoria’s” Sam Levinson.
Earlier this week, he previewed two new songs on Instagram Live, including “Double Fantasy,” a collaboration with Future. “Jealous Guy,” the other song, features Mike Dean on saxophone and samples John Lennon’s song of the same name. On Instagram, he also posted a series of photos of the late Beatles.
The Weeknd previewed new music on IG Live 👀
(@therealmikedean on the sax too 🎷)pic.twitter.com/lJbF5cqfhq
— Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) April 11, 2023
The Weeknd just previewed a new song featuring Future with production from Mike Dean 🔥https://t.co/HCAQK5bQhi
— Kurrco (@Kurrco) April 11, 2023
It’s unclear where The Weeknd’s The Idol Vol. 1 will fit into his discography. Following the January release of Dawn FM, he informed fans that they were “experiencing a new trilogy.”
i wonder… did you know you’re experiencing a new trilogy? pic.twitter.com/G5TfjvJVyM
— Abel Tesfaye (@theweeknd) January 10, 2022
“The Idol” premiere date has yet to be announced by The Weeknd. The series was approved in November 2021, but it has been marred by controversy and delays.
While he works on new music, Abel will hit the road again this summer for the European leg of his “After Hours Till Dawn Tour,” which begins in June. If you’re attending Coachella, he’ll be performing during Metro Boomin’s set on Friday.
