The Weeknd Opens Up on Sobriety, Future Family Aspirations, and His Highly Anticipated New Album

In a revealing new interview with GQ, Grammy-winning artist The Weeknd, born Abel Tesfaye, 31, has candidly discussed his journey towards sobriety, his surprising desire to start a family, and the evolution of his illustrious career. The “Blinding Lights” hitmaker, known for his often dark and hedonistic lyrical themes, shared a deeply personal reflection on his past struggles with hard drugs, acknowledging their role as a “crutch” in his life.

“Drugs were a crutch. It was me thinking that I needed it. And not doing the work to figure out how not to need it,” Abel Tesfaye confessed to the magazine. This statement marks a significant moment for the artist, who has often alluded to drug use in his music, most notably in his chart-topping hit “Can’t Feel My Face.” His journey towards a healthier lifestyle is now firmly underway, driven by a newfound clarity and a vision for his future.

Tesfaye elaborated on his current state, describing himself as “California Sober,” a term popularized by artists like Demi Lovato. For The Weeknd, this means he still partakes in cannabis and occasional drinks, but has completely abstained from “other” harder drugs. He clarifies his relationship with alcohol, stating, “Occasionally I’m not a heavy drinker, as much as I used to be. The romance of drinking isn’t there.” This shift indicates a conscious detachment from old habits, signifying a profound internal change rather than just a superficial one.

The past few years have been a period of deep introspection and transformation for Tesfaye. He expressed immense gratitude for his ability to overcome these challenges, a feat he recognizes is not easy for everyone. “I’ve spent the last few years realizing that and thanking God that I don’t need it. Because for a lot of people, it’s hard to shake it. But I knew I didn’t want it,” he affirmed. This powerful declaration underscores his determination and the internal strength he harnessed to break free from dependencies, paving the way for a healthier and more purposeful existence.

Beyond his personal sobriety, one of the most striking revelations from the interview was The Weeknd’s desire to start a family. Despite his previous public persona suggesting a focus solely on his career, Tesfaye admitted, “And I eventually want a family. I know I say I don’t, but I know I do. I want children.” This admission surprised many, as it offers a glimpse into a more domestic and nurturing side of the artist, contrasting sharply with his enigmatic and often brooding stage persona.

When pressed by interviewer Mark Anthony Green about the apparent contradiction—saying he doesn’t want children while genuinely desiring them—the “Save Your Tears” singer pondered the question thoughtfully. He explained, “I guess I say it because I like the trajectory of my career. But also, I feel like having children would influence me and inspire me more.” This sentiment suggests that rather than seeing parenthood as a distraction, Tesfaye views it as a potential catalyst for even greater artistic and personal growth, believing it could enrich his creative output in profound ways.

Green then brought up a particularly poignant lyric from The Weeknd’s feature on the “Hawái” remix with Maluma: “I’d rather go half on a baby / ’Cause at least I know that it’s not temporary / And at least we’ll share something that’s real.” Tesfaye’s reaction to the lyric, calling it “Toxic!” with a laugh, yet immediately defending its raw honesty, was telling. “Did I lie, though? Doesn’t get more real than that. You know?” he quipped. This exchange highlights his artistic ability to encapsulate complex human emotions and desires, even those considered “toxic” by societal standards, into relatable and impactful lyrics, reflecting a yearning for deep, lasting connection.

The conversation also touched upon the potentially awkward task of explaining some of his more sexually explicit lyrics to his future children. Unfazed, The Weeknd stated he’s “prepared” for that conversation when the time comes. He sees his art as an extension of his identity, an integral part of “who Daddy was,” emphasizing that his artistic expression is distinct from his role as a parent. This perspective allows him to maintain artistic integrity while embracing the responsibilities of fatherhood, showing a mature understanding of the multifaceted nature of his public and private life.

While discussing his future family, The Weeknd did not hint at any specific romantic partners. However, his personal life recently made headlines when he was linked to actress Angelina Jolie. Romance rumors circulated after the two were spotted together for a dinner date in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 30. Reports indicated that Angelina Jolie, 46, and Abel Tesfaye were seen exiting Giorgio Baldi, a renowned celebrity hotspot, around the same time that evening. Despite the buzz, subsequent weeks have yielded no further indications of a romantic connection, suggesting their meeting was likely nothing more than a casual meal or a professional encounter, perhaps related to Tesfaye’s burgeoning acting career.

Beyond his personal revelations, The Weeknd also provided exciting updates on his music career. He is currently gearing up for the release of his new album, which serves as the highly anticipated follow-up to his critically acclaimed 2020 record, After Hours. Tesfaye expressed profound excitement for this project, telling Mark Anthony Green, “It’s the album I’ve always wanted to make.” The interviewer, having heard snippets of the new material, raved about its quality, noting that “everything else sounded soft. Or didn’t groove enough. Or felt too happy. Or too sad,” in comparison to The Weeknd’s forthcoming work.

The new album is reportedly a sonic tapestry, described as “Quincy Jones meets Giorgio Moroder meets the best-night-of-your-f-cking-life party records.” This unique blend of influences suggests a sophisticated yet exhilarating soundscape. Tesfaye, however, clarified that despite these retro-leaning inspirations, the album is not simply a “retro disco record.” Instead, Green characterized it as “Drenched-suit, grinding-on-the-girl/boy-of-your-dreams party records,” humorously concluding that it’s essentially “baby-making music.” This description hints at a collection of tracks designed to evoke intense emotions and create an immersive, vibrant atmosphere for listeners, possibly reflecting the artist’s own evolving perspective on life and love.

Despite the immense anticipation for his new music, fans should not expect the album to be submitted for Grammy consideration. The Weeknd firmly reiterated his commitment to boycotting the awards, a stance he adopted after his groundbreaking album After Hours was famously snubbed for nominations in 2021. “I have no interest,” he stated unequivocally, making it clear that his focus lies elsewhere.

For The Weeknd, success is not defined by external accolades or institutional approval, particularly from the Recording Academy. He shared his personal metric for triumph with GQ: “What makes any of my albums a successful album, especially this one, is me putting it out and getting excited to make the next one.” This introspective view emphasizes internal validation and creative momentum as the ultimate indicators of success. “So the excitement to make the next project means that this one was successful to me. I want to do this forever,” he added, expressing a deep and enduring passion for his craft.

Looking ahead, Abel Tesfaye sees a future where music remains central, even as he explores other creative avenues. “And even if I start getting into different mediums and different types of expressions, music will be right there. I’m not going to step away from it,” he declared. This powerful statement solidifies his commitment to his primary art form while hinting at potential ventures into film, television, or other creative endeavors, all of which will undoubtedly be infused with his unique artistic vision. The Weeknd’s journey from struggle to sobriety, his embrace of family aspirations, and his unyielding dedication to his art paint a compelling portrait of an artist evolving both personally and professionally.