stayc main image

4 Toronto artists make the Polaris Music Prize short list, but Quebec leads the way

July 16, 2025

This July, the Polaris Music Prize jury unveiled its 10-album shortlist for 2025—a list led numerically by Quebec acts but featuring four shining entries from Toronto. For a city whose scene often...

Read more
stayc main image

Fictional Idols vs. Real Charts: K-Pop Demon Hunters’ Unbelievable Spotify Takeover

July 16, 2025

What happens when a fictional K-pop boy band outsells the real ones? In a twist straight out of a dystopian idol fanfic, the animated groups Huntr/x and Saja Boys—created for Netflix’s explosive...

Read more
stayc main image

Conan Gray’s “Vodka Cranberry” Is a Late-Night Cry for Closure—and a Glimpse Into His Most Vulnerable Album Yet

July 16, 2025

Drunk calls. Crying in the dark. Lingering heartbreak. Conan Gray’s new single “Vodka Cranberry” isn’t just a song—it’s a full-blown emotional unraveling, and fans are already bracing themselves...

Read more
stayc main image

Jinu from K-Pop Demon Hunters Is Actually a K-Pop Legend - Meet Andrew Choi

July 15, 2025

Andrew Choi was already a hidden force in real-world K-pop before becoming Jinu, the soulful lead of the animated boy band Saja Boys, a member of the K-Pop Demon Hunters. Choi co-wrote the quiet....

Read more
stayc main image

Justin Bieber Just Dropped the Swaggiest Album of the Year

July 13, 2025

Let’s be honest: when most pop stars go quiet, we assume they’re recharging in Bali, journaling in silk robes. Not Justin Bieber. Nah, he went into full stealth mode, dropped a random “SWAG”...

Read more
stayc main image

KATSEYE Tickets for their concert tour “Beautiful Chaos,” Vanish Faster Than Eyeliner in a Heatwave — Sold Out & Slayed

July 13, 2025

It’s official: KATSEYE didn’t just sell out, they served out. Every single ticket to their upcoming live shows? Gone. Vamoosed. Snatched like a wig in a wind tunnel.The global girl group, part...

Read more
stayc main image

Backstreet’s Back (Again!): Millennium 2.0 Is the Comeback We Didn’t Know We Needed, but Now Can’t Live Without

July 13, 2025

Cue the frosted tips, cargo pants, and emotional harmonies, because the Backstreet Boys just dropped Millennium 2.0, and let’s just say, everybody (yeahhh!) is losing their minds.Yes, that’s right...

Read more
stayc main image

Tyla’s “IS IT” Hits Different—And It’s Definitely It, Baby!

July 13, 2025

Tyla just slid into our summer soundtrack with her new track “IS IT”, and let me tell you, it is everything. No cap. Straight off the jump, you get those booming amapiano kicks and warped vocal...

Read more
stayc main image

Blackpink Reunite With Explosive New Track “Jump” as Deadline World Tour Takes Off

July 13, 2025

The wait is officially over: Blackpink is back—louder, bolder, and more united than ever. On the opening night of their highly anticipated Deadline World Tour, the global K-pop phenomenon debuted...

Read more
stayc main image

Justin Bieber Speaks Out: Anger, Boundaries, and the Struggle Behind the Spotlight

July 13, 2025

Justin Bieber has never been a stranger to the spotlight—but this time, the glare feels more personal. In a series of emotional posts, the global superstar cracked open the curated image fans often...

Read more
stayc main image

Coldplay Made the Universe Feel Small at Toronto’s Most Unexpected Venue

July 13, 2025

When Coldplay’s Chris Martin looked out into the crowd at Toronto’s brand-new Rogers Stadium on July 8 and joked, “This is a very bizarre stadium a million miles from Earth,” we all laughed—but he...

Read more
stayc main image

Velvet Sundown: How an AI-Generated Indie Rock Sensation Took Spotify by Storm

July 13, 2025

When Velvet Sundown burst onto Spotify earlier this summer, few suspected that the band’s four “members” were never flesh and blood. With their ’60s-inspired riffs and dreamy vocal harmonies, the...

Read more

The Weeknd: A Timeless Star who Continues to Shine Bright in the Music Industry

stayc main image

Photo Source: Richard Burbridge

Ever since his emergence onto the music scene, The Weeknd, born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, has proven himself to be an artist of exceptional talent and staying power. His ability to seamlessly navigate musical genres while consistently delivering chart-topping hits has set his status as one of the industry's top artists. From his early days on youtube to the present, The Weeknd has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to making and putting out his music, producing music that resonates with audiences across the globe and ensuring his fame rises through the years.

One of the key factors that sets The OG Starboy apart from his contemporaries is his ability to effortlessly blend different genres into his music. His signature sound is a fusion of R&B, pop, electronic, and even hints of alternative and rock influences. This genre-blurring approach has allowed him to captivate a diverse range of listeners, attracting fans from various musical preferences. By transcending traditional genre boundaries, The Weeknd's music remains fresh, appealing to new generations of listeners while maintaining his original fan base.

The Weeknd's lyrical content also plays a significant role in his enduring fame. He fearlessly experiments with themes that are often unconventional within the pop landscape, exploring subjects like love, lust, desires, indulgence, and inner struggles. His candidness in discussing raw emotions and personal experiences resonates with listeners, who find comfort and relatability in his music. The authenticity of his lyrics allows fans to connect with him on a deeper level, fostering a sense of loyalty that continues to fuel his popularity.

The Weeknd's commitment to innovation is a driving force behind his continued fame. With each album release, he reinvents his sound, incorporating new production techniques and experimenting with musical styles. This willingness to evolve while remaining true to his core identity keeps his music relevant and exciting. Whether he's crafting ethereal ballads or infectious pop anthems, The Weeknd's adaptability ensures that he remains a prominent figure in an ever-changing music landscape

Beyond his studio recordings, The Weeknd's live performances contribute significantly to his lasting fame. His ability to translate his studio sound to the stage, combined with his captivating stage presence, has solidified his reputation as an extraordinary live performer. His halftime show at the Super Bowl and other high-profile performances have showcased his artistry on a global stage, leaving a lasting impact on both fans and critics alike.

The Weeknd's continuous success in the music industry can be attributed to a combination of factors: his genre-defying sound, unfiltered lyrics, willingness to evolve, captivating live performances, and a global reach. His ability to seamlessly and shamelessly express these elements has enabled him to remain a prominent figure in an industry characterised by rapid changes and evolving trends. As he continues to release music that captures the essence of his journey and experiences, The Weeknd proves that his fame is not merely a fleeting moment but a legacy that continues to grow with each passing day,month and year.