Vogue Scandinavia's Music Expert, Doris Daga, rounds up all the facts surrounding The Weeknd's anticipated new release, Dawn FM
To say that 2022 is starting off on a high note is an understatement. The Weeknd announced this week that his new record, Dawn FM, is dropping tomorrow, January 7th. So, let’s get into everything we know so far about this soon-to-be classic.
In cryptic Instagram posts this week, The Weeknd, or Abel Tesfaye, has released two teaser trailers as well as the album art — a portrait of the artist severely aged.
Whether a comment on how long it has felt to make this record, how the music industry is ageing him, or if this is an older alter ego, we are all still in the dark. I am assuming, however, that the secret clues and easter eggs he has been dropping will come to light as the album enters the metaverse.
Described as “a new sonic universe from the mind of The Weeknd,” I am sure we can assume that The Weeknd is pushing the boundaries of music consumption more than ever. The teasers, which look like 1980s Italian slasher films, are soundtracked to heavy 1980s synths, It seems the record sticks within the same sonic vein as the hits from his 2020 album After Hours, such as Blinding Lights and Save Your Tears. Dawn FM’s first single, Take My Breath, was also a homage to grungy 1970s disco that would even make the Queen of Disco, Donna Summer, proud.
With features from Lil Wayne, Tyler, The Creator, Quincy Jones, and OPN, which all exist within Tesfaye's music sphere, the big surprise on the list, however, is none other than actor Jim Carrey. In the second teaser trailer, which also revealed the track-list, you can hear Carrey say, “God knows life is chaos. But he made one thing true, you got to unwind your mind, train your soul to align, and dance till you find that divine boogaloo” — wiser words are few and far between.
Damn FM: Tracklist
What seemed to be an impromptu album release, The Weeknd is once again dropping an album as the world goes into a crisis. As stated in a text message, he posted on Instagram, “Music can heal and that feels more important than another album rollout. Let’s just drop the whole thing and enjoy it with the people.” Clearly, he understands the transformative power that music holds, especially when it is shared with your loved ones on a local or global scale.
There will even be a global early, live broadcast today on Amazon Music for those who are extra eager to share the listening experience with fans across the world.
As we count down the hours until the official drop at midnight, I am extraordinarily thankful for The Weeknd’s spontaneity, for I am sure we are about to experience music history in the making.
Listen to The Weeknd on Spotify: