Hear The Weeknd Debut Brand New Music At SXSW
The Weeknd performed brand new, never-before-heard material last night during a performance at the South By Southwest music festival in Austin, Texas. The new song, which is being referred to as "Mood Music," dropped mid-set during the R&B singer's appearance at one of the numerous showcases put on by YouTube at this year's week-long mega-blitz of music.
The number currently known as "Mood Music" is a return to form for The Weeknd, who enjoyed massive pop success with his 50 Shades of Grey single "Earned It," but in doing so deviated from his dark and bass-heavy sound. With clinking hi hats and a deep, menacing synth bass, the song fits right in with the drugged-out sexiness of his House of Balloons-era material. It's difficult to tell what the song's final recorded form will sound like, given the brevity of the two available clips, but for the moment early signs point to excellent new work from the Canadian crooner. The Weeknd will also headline at this year's 8th Annual Roots Picnic in Philadelphia. Perhaps we'll get another foretaste of "Mood Music" out on Festival Pier this spring? Stay tunes for more on The Weeknd's new dealings and listen to the live clips below.