The Weeknd "Trilogy" review

Back in March 2011, mysterious R&B singer-songwriter Abel Tesfaye, perhaps better known as The Weeknd, took the world by storm when his unique debut mixtape House Of Ballons surfaced online, with bloggers and music critics, such as Complex magazine, branding it the "Best album of 2011". Another two internationally acclaimed mixtapes later, collaborations with musical greats such as Drake and Wiz Khalifa and a US tour with Florence & The Machine, the Canadian artist is a superstar in his own right, releasing all three mixtapes as a major label debut called Trilogy.

The beautifully crafted album features remastered and perfected versions of all three, previously free to download, nine track mixtapes: House Of Balloons, Thursday and Echoes Of Silence, as well as three brand new soulful tracks titled: Twenty Eight, Valerie and Till Dawn (Here Comes the Sun), these new tracks adding even more structure to the Trilogy narrative. Throughout the album Tesfaye's vocal performance does not disappoint and as a previous fan of The Weeknd, I can only say that he has improved - the remastered versions sounding clearer than ever.

His angelic voice singing sex-fuelled and drug induced lyrics wastes no time bringing you into his dark, painful world but will have you enthralled by the deep, revealing story the Trilogy tells. With a unique mix of R&B, hip hop and indie, Tesfaye creates a whole new, exciting sound that the world has never seen or heard before proving that The Weeknd is undoubtedly a name to look out for. Featuring guest appearances from fellow Canadian Drake on The Zone and Three 6 Mafia founder Juicy J on Same Old Song not to mention sampling Beach House in The Party & The After Party and an impressing version of Michael Jackson's Dirty Diana - Trilogy is worth every penny!

Tracks such as Wicked Games and What You Need show Tesfaye's open vulnerability, whilst the likes of Same Old Song and Montreal show a more certain side to him. The Birds Part 2, The Knowing and Lonely Star will leave you mesmerized by The Weeknd's true musical genius. Some of his most well known tracks such as The Morning, Rolling Stone and Wicked Games also really stand out as incredible pieces of art.

Without a doubt, Trilogy triumphed and is evidently one of the best R&B releases in many years, scooping the title of Pitchfork's "Best new reissue". As an artist himself, Abel has really flourished and progressed, opening many doors for music. The Weeknd's remarkable story telling skills and lyrical ability combined with his smooth, falsetto vocals and exceptional  production confirm that you're going to be seeing a lot more from him for many years to come.

xo.

Celebrate MOBO events

In the lead up to the 17^th Annual MOBO Awards 2012 a week of exciting events held by Liverpool City Council and The MOBO Organisation was held. The fantastic festival consisted of four free events celebrating Britain’s diverse culture.  Industry insiders and experts from across the UK came to the city to showcase and inspire the local community in the lead up to the MOBO extravaganza.

The celebrations begun on Sunday 28^th September at Parr Street Studios were “Celebrate MOBO Industry Academy” was held. The event consisted of three panels of industry experts. Fashionistas such as Streetz Iz Watchin’s Vis and Lifestyle magazine’s Amanda Moss spoke at an I’m a Trendsetter panel before the likes of MOBO Online Editor Natalie Shaw and Jernice Easthope from BBC Vision discussed how to succeed in the industry. Music moguls such as Liverpool based singer/songwriter KOF, BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra’s DJ Seani B, to name just a few, talked about breaking out into the industry. As the day drew to an end there were incredible acoustic performances from Liverpool’s most exciting upcoming talents: BBC Radio 1Xtra Sound of 2012’s KOF, MOBO Unsung 2012 Winner Esco Williams, home-grown talent Chelcee Grimes and The Voice UK’s Jay Norton. The day was both informative and entertaining and was enjoyed by many young people from the City and local by areas.

This was just the start of a whole range of amazing MOBO events as the following day, Monday 29^th September saw Liverpool cinema and art gallery FACT host “Celebrate MOBO Black Cinema”. The event saw the likes of established British actor Ashley Walter’s and Hollyoaks’ writer Maurice Bessman reflect on the growing diversity of the British Film Industry and Black Music scene as well as advising and inspiring the passionate audience. Yet again, this was another great opportunity for all those interested in the industry throughout the region.

Next, on Thursday 1^st November, MOBO, in partnership with the National Museum of Liverpool, presented a debate about Black Music. The event, hosted by Radio Merseyside Host and ex Hollyoaks’ star Phina Oruche, looked at Liverpool’s history of Black Music, the current successes and issues faced and ways forward. The star studded debate panel included Liverpool group The Real Thing’s Eddie Amoo, The Picket’s Phil Hayes, BBC Radio 1Xtra’s DJ Target and Liverpool based artist KOF and it certainly was a heated debate!

Finally the week long festival ended with The 2ube , on Friday 2^nd November, hosted at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. The MOBO themed event saw the best local upcoming urban talent celebrated, as performances from KOF, Jay Alexander, Ady Suleiman and many more went down a storm with the excited crowd.

The Celebrate MOBO festival proved to be an educational, engaging and exciting week, creating opportunity for the local community to come together and celebrate the achievements in British Urban Culture as well as in local Liverpool talent. The events showcased and inspired in the areas of film, music and fashion. A huge thanks to MOBO organisers, Liverpool City Council and all the industry professionals and performers for putting on so many wonderful events. Undoubtedly the week was a huge success and was enjoyed by all!