Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd, recently reflected on his modest beginnings and how his early experiences shaped his journey to stardom. The Canadian singer-songwriter has become one of the most influential figures in music, but his path to success was far from easy.
Starting his career in 2011, The Weeknd released his debut mixtape House of Balloons, which quickly gained critical acclaim and laid the foundation for his rise in the music industry. He followed up with his first studio album, Kiss Land, which climbed to number two on the charts in 2013, signaling his growing popularity.
In a recent interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Weeknd shared candid insights about his life before fame. At 19, he worked at American Apparel folding clothes, striving for a way out so he could dedicate himself fully to music. “I was just trying to fold clothes,” he said, describing the humble job that preceded his breakthrough.
Keeping his identity under wraps early on, The Weeknd explained how not revealing his face helped him build the confidence necessary for his career. “Nobody knew what I looked like,” he remarked, emphasizing how staying anonymous allowed him to focus on his art without pressure.
A turning point came when his coworkers began playing his music at the store, providing him the validation he needed to pursue music full-time. “That was the moment I realized, ‘This is mine. I’m quitting this job and making this my life,’” he recalled.
Interestingly, his former boss has remained a part of his journey, now working as one of his creative directors and designing typography for his album art.
Currently, The Weeknd is promoting his new film Hurry Up Tomorrow, starring Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan, which is set to release in theaters on May 16.
