Introduction
The story of Abel Makkonen Tesfaye — better known as The Weeknd — is a story of talent, determination, and a name that is now synonymous with innovative R&B. He is now an established megastar, even taking on roles outside of music, recently making an appearance in the HBO’s The Idol as Tedros. How he got his stage name, however, has been the subject of much speculation. Did copyright issues play a significant role in the missing 'e'? Let’s take a look at: “The Weeknd.”
A Weekend That Changed Everything
The young Abel Tesfaye was filled with ambition and a burning passion for music. This passion was so profound that at 17, he even dropped out of high school to pursue music full time. This particular weekend was the inception of a journey that would lead to the birth of a music legend, and it was a weekend that he would never forget.
As The Weeknd shared in a 2011 interview, since his decision to drop out was made "on a weekend," he adopted this as his stage name, but dropped the 'e' to differentiate himself. While this all seems rather straightforward, like any good tale, there's more to this story than meets the eye.
An Unconventional Spelling: Dodging Copyright Infringement?
Now, for the juicy part: why did The Weeknd drop the 'e' from his stage name? The official story is that he did so to distinguish himself. But could there be more to it? Is there a chance the spelling change was meant to avoid a potential clash with copyright laws?
At first glance, it may seem strange to consider 'weekend' as a term subject to copyright. After all, it's a common term. However, the waters of copyright law can be murky, especially in the entertainment industry. A fundamental rule is that copyright laws don't always cover common words or phrases. This can be particularly true in some countries, which might make it difficult to establish a unique brand or trademark around such a common word like 'weekend.'
Theories have floated around suggesting that there was an existing Canadian band named 'The Weekend.' If true, this could have potentially complicated matters for our budding superstar. As much as we'd love to see a Weekend-Weeknd musical face-off, in reality, such a clash could lead to a plethora of legal issues and brand confusion.
To avoid potential legal hassles and differentiate his brand, the theory goes, Abel chose to drop the 'e.' By doing this, he not only sidestepped any potential copyright issues but also created a unique and unforgettable stage name that reflects his distinctive style. This twist in spelling also could have helped him to establish a stronger trademark for himself, turning a common word into a brand.
While this theory might seem intriguing and even plausible, it remains speculation. The Weeknd himself has never confirmed it. In fact, he's rather enjoyed the mystery surrounding it, as any good pop culture icon would. Regardless, this tantalizing twist to his name tale only adds to the allure of The Weeknd and his illustrious career.
The Power of the Name: The Weeknd
Regardless of the truth behind the missing 'e,' there's no denying that The Weeknd's choice of name has worked in his favor. The unconventional spelling captures the innovative essence of his music and persona, making it an unforgettable moniker in the music industry.
Since that weekend of rebellion and resolution, The Weeknd has become an international sensation, defying norms and pushing the boundaries of modern R&B. His unique sound, character, and yes, even his name, continue to fascinate fans and critics alike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether the dropped 'e' was a simple bid to stand out or an intelligent move to avoid copyright issues, it's evident that The Weeknd's choice has made an indelible mark on the world of music. Much like the man behind the name, it invites curiosity, commands attention, and leaves a lasting impression.
Dr. Jeffrey Lupker - Co-founder, Staccato
International Speaker & Published Author on Deep Learning & Music.
Dr. Lupker has published peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters and has given lectures internationally in the fields of deep learning, machine learning and music. Beyond Staccato and his own research, Dr. Lupker is an active performer on guitar and keyboards and has played across Canada and USA with award winning artists.