Cult Radio Fantasy Meets Easy Listening in The Weeknd’s ‘Dawn FM’ | ABS-CBN
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Cult Radio Fantasy Meets Easy Listening in The Weeknd’s ‘Dawn FM’
Cult Radio Fantasy Meets Easy Listening in The Weeknd’s ‘Dawn FM’
MJ Jose
Published Jan 13, 2022 02:45 PM PHT
The first time I listened to Dawn FM in its entirety, I felt like I was floating six-point-five inches—random number, I know—above the leather recliner in my psychiatrist’s office. Somewhere in the distance, Jim Carrey was broadcasting my hypothetical prescription over the radio while telling me to “enjoy another hour of commercial ‘free yourself’ music.”
The first time I listened to Dawn FM in its entirety, I felt like I was floating six-point-five inches—random number, I know—above the leather recliner in my psychiatrist’s office. Somewhere in the distance, Jim Carrey was broadcasting my hypothetical prescription over the radio while telling me to “enjoy another hour of commercial ‘free yourself’ music.”
Sounds bizarre? Of course it does; it’s the Weeknd we’re talking about, after all. Each and every record he churns out is just as much a question as it is an answer, often a thematic, technically-sound exploration of romance, destruction, and melancholia. It’s not always easy to understand what he means, but that’s part of Abel Tesfaye’s appeal as an artist and his Jekyll-Hyde relationship with his musical alter ego. And, as a longtime fan, I’ve personally enjoyed not fully understanding how his music makes me feel.
Sounds bizarre? Of course it does; it’s the Weeknd we’re talking about, after all. Each and every record he churns out is just as much a question as it is an answer, often a thematic, technically-sound exploration of romance, destruction, and melancholia. It’s not always easy to understand what he means, but that’s part of Abel Tesfaye’s appeal as an artist and his Jekyll-Hyde relationship with his musical alter ego. And, as a longtime fan, I’ve personally enjoyed not fully understanding how his music makes me feel.
His last album, After Hours, came to us on the precipice of a pandemic that would drive the world to a standstill. I will never forget how “Blinding Lights”—a heady blend of 80s nostalgia and Neo-futuristic inflections—became the landmark anthem of the year, to me, at least. My Spotify Unwrapped 2020 told me I loved it a little too much; my Spotify Unwrapped 2021—although it slid down a couple of notches—told me I still loved it a little too much.
His last album, After Hours, came to us on the precipice of a pandemic that would drive the world to a standstill. I will never forget how “Blinding Lights”—a heady blend of 80s nostalgia and Neo-futuristic inflections—became the landmark anthem of the year, to me, at least. My Spotify Unwrapped 2020 told me I loved it a little too much; my Spotify Unwrapped 2021—although it slid down a couple of notches—told me I still loved it a little too much.
We all know that ‘after hours’ essentially means a point in time that is late into the night. And, following the logical order of time, dawn comes shortly after.
We all know that ‘after hours’ essentially means a point in time that is late into the night. And, following the logical order of time, dawn comes shortly after.
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Welcome to 2022. Welcome to Dawn FM.
Welcome to 2022. Welcome to Dawn FM.
Tesfaye himself describes his latest musical venture as a state of purgatory. He further expounded on the thematic concept in an interview with Billboard in November 2021, describing the listener as being stuck in traffic, waiting to reach the light at the end of the tunnel. And who better to keep us company while enduring this jam than a mysterious radio host with a soothing voice? Enter actor Jim Carrey, whose prominent role in Dawn FM is by no means an afterthought. The Mask (1994) was the first film he saw in a theater, and Carrey’s performance left a huge impact on the then four-year-old Tesfaye. Now that they're real-life neighbors who share breakfast dates, it’s only right that Carrey takes charge of guiding us through this so-called transitory period.
Tesfaye himself describes his latest musical venture as a state of purgatory. He further expounded on the thematic concept in an interview with Billboard in November 2021, describing the listener as being stuck in traffic, waiting to reach the light at the end of the tunnel. And who better to keep us company while enduring this jam than a mysterious radio host with a soothing voice? Enter actor Jim Carrey, whose prominent role in Dawn FM is by no means an afterthought. The Mask (1994) was the first film he saw in a theater, and Carrey’s performance left a huge impact on the then four-year-old Tesfaye. Now that they're real-life neighbors who share breakfast dates, it’s only right that Carrey takes charge of guiding us through this so-called transitory period.
The 16-track album is carefully, masterfully segmented, with the first half replete with synth-heavy, dance-til-you-drop tracks such as the psychedelic “Take My Breath” and the deceptively upbeat “Gasoline,” both of which express lyrical interest in asphyxiation. Cutting through the noise is “A Tale by Quincy,” a chillingly tender monologue by none other than Quincy Jones, which addresses how a painful upbringing can affect the way our adult selves navigate relationships with others.
The 16-track album is carefully, masterfully segmented, with the first half replete with synth-heavy, dance-til-you-drop tracks such as the psychedelic “Take My Breath” and the deceptively upbeat “Gasoline,” both of which express lyrical interest in asphyxiation. Cutting through the noise is “A Tale by Quincy,” a chillingly tender monologue by none other than Quincy Jones, which addresses how a painful upbringing can affect the way our adult selves navigate relationships with others.
The seventh track, “Out of Time,” a sensual ballad with techo and jazz overtones, serves as the midpoint, made even clearer by Carrey’s gentle warning not to touch that dial. We go into softer, deeper territory, the highlights of which are the non-apology that is “Best Friends” and the catchy “I Heard You’re Married,” which got a few interesting theories going on social media. “Every Angel is Terrifying” is a standout in terms of lyrics, composition, and arrangement. Sticking to both structure and narrative, it goes straight into radio infomercial territory, emerging as a sort of poetic sales pitch for a subscription to “After Life.”
The seventh track, “Out of Time,” a sensual ballad with techo and jazz overtones, serves as the midpoint, made even clearer by Carrey’s gentle warning not to touch that dial. We go into softer, deeper territory, the highlights of which are the non-apology that is “Best Friends” and the catchy “I Heard You’re Married,” which got a few interesting theories going on social media. “Every Angel is Terrifying” is a standout in terms of lyrics, composition, and arrangement. Sticking to both structure and narrative, it goes straight into radio infomercial territory, emerging as a sort of poetic sales pitch for a subscription to “After Life.”
It’s interesting to note that this may be the most vulnerable side we’ve seen to The Weeknd, whose biggest hits have always been bold, fearless, and sensual—not that any of these qualities disappear in Dawn FM, because they are very much present. This record has Tesfaye experimenting with concepts and arrangements, but it also plays to his core artistic strengths, which is not a bad thing at all.
It’s interesting to note that this may be the most vulnerable side we’ve seen to The Weeknd, whose biggest hits have always been bold, fearless, and sensual—not that any of these qualities disappear in Dawn FM, because they are very much present. This record has Tesfaye experimenting with concepts and arrangements, but it also plays to his core artistic strengths, which is not a bad thing at all.
It may be early to call, but seasoned critics and ear worm-hungry audiophiles alike are touting Dawn FM as a solid contender for album of the year across the boards—if it isn’t already.
It may be early to call, but seasoned critics and ear worm-hungry audiophiles alike are touting Dawn FM as a solid contender for album of the year across the boards—if it isn’t already.
Listen to the entire Dawn FM album below:
Listen to the entire Dawn FM album below:
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People
JMFyang Fans Set Sail on a Wave of Thrills with Regine Velasquez’s ‘Wherever You Are’ MV
JMFyang Fans Set Sail on a Wave of Thrills with Regine Velasquez’s ‘Wherever You Are’ MV
Princes del Corro
Published Jan 18, 2025 08:00 AM PHT
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Updated Jan 18, 2025 09:30 AM PHT
The trending tandem of Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11, JMFyang (JM Ibarra and Sofia "Fyang" Smith), has officially made waves as they star in the music video for Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez’s timeless hit, "Wherever You Are."
The trending tandem of Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11, JMFyang (JM Ibarra and Sofia "Fyang" Smith), has officially made waves as they star in the music video for Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez’s timeless hit, "Wherever You Are."
The MV has fans buzzing with excitement, reigniting the magic that first sparked during their stint in PBB: Gen 1. It showcases the undeniable chemistry between these two rising stars, capturing stolen glances and electrifying moments that have left fans breathless.
The MV has fans buzzing with excitement, reigniting the magic that first sparked during their stint in PBB: Gen 1. It showcases the undeniable chemistry between these two rising stars, capturing stolen glances and electrifying moments that have left fans breathless.
Regine’s soulful voice sets the perfect backdrop for this romantic spectacle, amplifying the emotions. Since its release last January 15, as of publishing time, the MV now has more than 3 million views and is the #1 Trending for music on YouTube.
Regine’s soulful voice sets the perfect backdrop for this romantic spectacle, amplifying the emotions. Since its release last January 15, as of publishing time, the MV now has more than 3 million views and is the #1 Trending for music on YouTube.
Over on YouTube, the comment section has transformed into a love letter to JMFyang, with fans flooding it with heartfelt congratulations and giddy reactions. The comment section shows just how much the duo’s first on-screen collaboration resonated. Even with no lines, fans noticed their huge potential in acting, highlighting how expressive their eyes are.
Over on YouTube, the comment section has transformed into a love letter to JMFyang, with fans flooding it with heartfelt congratulations and giddy reactions. The comment section shows just how much the duo’s first on-screen collaboration resonated. Even with no lines, fans noticed their huge potential in acting, highlighting how expressive their eyes are.
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Here are some positive comments from netizens and fans:
The fandom began shipping the pair during their unforgettable moments in the PBB house and is now clamoring for more. Many eagerly call for future projects, hoping to see JMFyang take their sizzling chemistry to new heights whether in teleseryes, films, or more music videos.
The fandom began shipping the pair during their unforgettable moments in the PBB house and is now clamoring for more. Many eagerly call for future projects, hoping to see JMFyang take their sizzling chemistry to new heights whether in teleseryes, films, or more music videos.
Their behind-the-scene moments were even more loaded with kilig. Proof: A candid video, shared by JM's stylist, Mark Ranque, where Fyang was in the swimming pool and JM was at the poolside feeding her.
Their behind-the-scene moments were even more loaded with kilig. Proof: A candid video, shared by JM's stylist, Mark Ranque, where Fyang was in the swimming pool and JM was at the poolside feeding her.
With their debut in this iconic MV, JMFyang isn’t just riding the wave of success—they’re creating one.
With their debut in this iconic MV, JMFyang isn’t just riding the wave of success—they’re creating one.
The question on everyone’s mind is: what’s next for the new pairing that’s capturing hearts? Fans are ready to sail wherever their journey leads.
The question on everyone’s mind is: what’s next for the new pairing that’s capturing hearts? Fans are ready to sail wherever their journey leads.
Lead photo from @_iamsofiasmith
Lead photo from @_iamsofiasmith
Read More:
People
Celebrities
JM Ibarra
Fyang Smith
Sofia Smith
Regine Velasquez-Alcasid
Wherever You Are
Music Video
Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11
PBB: Gen 11
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