I enjoy all KINDS of music, but I would not say I’m the hugest modern R&B fan. That being said, for different reasons I really dig The Weeknd and his brand of almost morbid, dark R&B. Something about his production on his first mixtapes have a gloomy vibe about them that gets under my skin in the right way. I know for a fact I like juxtaposition between his to the point and almost unhinged lyrics set against the backdrop of the “I feel nothing but pain” kind of production. The Weeknd is always willing to take chances with his song structures that many in his genre are afraid to do, which keeps his sound ahead of the game. His visuals have a surreal vibe happening in them that draws me in. He even has casted the old school, almost dead-looking Rick Wilder of the L.A. punk band the Mau Maus as the Devil in his videos. I know one song that made me a fan was when I heard the way he flipped “Happy House” by Siouxsie and the Banshees, as well as sampling “Cherry-Coloured Funk” by Cocteau Twins. Ever since I heard Trip Hop in the 90’s, I have been into the sombre beat of this genre, and The Weeknd takes influence from this space and time as well. More than anything, I respect honesty in music, not the genre of music it is, and this is the reason why I feel the way I feel about this dude and his creativity! Am I the only Metalhead or Punk out there that is into The Weeknd? I have a feeling I’m not alone, and if so, enjoy the mammoth video essay taking place below!
