The Weeknd remembers seeing Avatar for the primary time in 2009 — he was 19 and feeling blue. Watching the movie was like a ray of sunshine.
“That was in all probability the darkest time of my life,” the Canadian singer tells The Hollywood Reporter. “I used to be homeless, just about. I had dropped out of faculty. I didn’t know if I used to be going to succeed as a musician. I didn’t know if I used to be going to have the ability to stay to see tomorrow. And I keep in mind I someway received to see the movie in theaters. I don’t know the way I received in. It was such an escape from my actual life that the movie is tattooed in my mind.”
Two years after Avatar‘s launch, The Weeknd marked a significant breakthrough together with his critically acclaimed different R&B mixtape, Home of Balloons. That was adopted by a major-label deal, numerous No. 1 hits on the pop charts, streaming milestones, awards galore, roaring excursions and extra.
So, it’s no shock that he was on the prime of James Cameron’s checklist when the filmmaker wished a theme tune for the follow-up to his epic science fiction movie. The Weeknd, with the assistance of composer Simon Franglen and digital home trio Swedish Home Mafia, crafted “Nothing Is Misplaced (You Give Me Power)” for Avatar: The Means of Water. It has been shortlisted for finest authentic tune on the 2023 Academy Awards.
“They advised me they’d one identify on the checklist to do the tune and it was me,” The Weeknd says. “It feels kismet and it’s a full-circle second for me to be part of one thing like this, as a result of it’s such an essential movie for me.”
13 years after Avatar, you might have now created the theme for this enormous sequel. How does it really feel?
It’s a present. It’s a blessing. Jim [James Cameron] and [producer] Jon [Landau] and Simon [Franglen] — they actually made me really feel like I used to be the one one that would do that tune. And it was an indication. Once they reached out, I used to be on tour. I noticed the movie in July. Jon and I had been in New York on the identical time, and he invited me to a non-public screening the place he introduced me to the entire universe for Avatar and for the following few movies, and I used to be blown away. And by the best way, the presentation was impeccable. I couldn’t consider what I used to be taking a look at. And when he confirmed me The Means of Water, I couldn’t consider what I used to be watching. James Cameron is actually somebody we want proper now to provide us the final word cinematic expertise. By the tip of the movie, I used to be so impressed that the tune was just about writing itself.
Inform me extra about creating “Nothing Is Misplaced.”
I used to be honored, however I used to be nervous. It’s such an enormous alternative and the movie is so huge that naturally I used to be nervous. I knew I used to be going to be working with some particular collaborators as a result of I used to be going to be working with individuals who had imaginative and prescient and knew precisely what they wished. And people are the forms of artists I at all times wish to work with. As a result of it doesn’t matter what, they received’t cease and we received’t cease till the tune is totally good. And that’s what ended up occurring. And now we’ve got this tune. It’s a labor of affection.
What was it like working so carefully with James Cameron?
Working with somebody like James Cameron, who has such a singular imaginative and prescient, I can carry as a lot as I can from what I really like about music, however I’ve to hit particular themes of the movie. He’s a genius, and I simply felt honored that I received to collaborate with him. The perfect half about writing the tune was getting notes from James and ensuring that each one the lyrics and the tones match the themes of the movie. I believe I rewrote the tune possibly six occasions to verify it was good.
Courtesy of twentieth Century Studios
Was making this new tune totally different in comparison with your inventive course of behind “Earned It” from Fifty Shades of Gray, which was Oscar-nominated?
Oh yeah, completely. The tune within the movie for Fifty Shades of Gray is simply so attractive and sexual. Engaged on this tune was enjoyable as properly, however that felt slightly bit extra enjoyable and free, whereas this one felt slightly bit extra scientific. I couldn’t veer away from what [Cameron wanted]. As a result of the tune is so linked with the movie, I needed to ensure that it didn’t really feel like we simply plopped in a pop tune on the finish of the credit. I couldn’t be as imprecise as “Earned It.”
“Nothing Is Misplaced” simply got here out, and it’s been shortlisted for the Oscars. How does it really feel?
I really feel honored to be a part of that checklist. Any type of recognition for it seems like a blessing.
What would it not imply to be Oscar-nominated once more for this tune?
It’d be nice. However I’m simply glad that I received to be a part of such a historic movie.
How do you are feeling about awards exhibits on the whole? Do the Oscars really feel totally different in comparison with the Grammys?
Yeah, they positively really feel totally different for positive.
You didn’t submit your personal music for the 2022 Grammys, however you received an award on your work on Kanye West’s “Hurricane.” Do you might have any ideas on profitable with out actually getting into into the competitors?
Once more, I’m simply grateful. Any type of recognition, I’m grateful for it. I’m simply glad to be within the dialog.
What did you be taught from working with Simon Franglen?
He was doing the rating for the movie and I truly realized so much as a result of I’m scoring proper now for my very own present (The Idol on HBO). I received to be taught so much from him and it was thrilling to work with him.
There’s a variety of anticipation for this new present. Is there something about it you could possibly inform us?
Not but. Quickly sufficient, although.
Has it been superior to flex one other inventive facet of your self by means of TV manufacturing and performing?
Completely. It’s only a new muscle that I didn’t know that I had that I wish to positively work out. It’s been enjoyable.
Have you ever been engaged on music?
I’ve positively been impressed. I’ve been within the studio.
Interview edited for size and readability.
A model of this story first appeared in a Jan. stand-alone subject of The Hollywood Reporter journal. To obtain the journal, click on right here to subscribe.
