The Weeknd (aka Abel Tesfaye) is VMAN’s latest coverboy, and in the accompanying interview, Tesfaye discusses his album-in-progress. The follow up to 2015’s Beauty Behind The Madness is still untitled, but Tesfaye elaborated on its influences:

There are new inspirations on this album… The production feels aggressive but still sexy. The Smiths, Bad Brains, Talking Heads, Prince, and DeBarge play roles. We wrote it all in Los Angeles. I think it’ll be the best-sounding album I’ve ever done. It’s hard to label the sound because, when I first came out, nobody would label it R&B. I just want to keep pushing the envelope without it feeling forced.

Tesfaye also discusses the importance of the Black Lives Matter movement, rejecting a guest spot alongside Donald Trump on Jimmy Kimmel, substance abuse, and his unusual come-up.