Sunset Strip
A neon-soaked artery of fame and isolation in the City's night.
Sunset Strip serves as a symbolic backdrop within the visual narrative of Abel Tesfaye, representing the peak of his transition into global stardom and the complexities of Los Angeles nightlife. While rooted in real-world geography, it functions in his universe as a neon-lit artery where fame, excess, and isolation intersect. It is most frequently associated with the aesthetic chapters following his move from Toronto to California.
- Location
- Los Angeles, California
- Era Association
- Starboy / After Hours
- Status
- Active Setting
- First Appears
- Visuals circa 2016
- Theme
- Hedonism and Redemption
Lore & Background
Fans interpret scenes filmed along these thoroughfares as pivotal moments in his journey through fame's labyrinth. Whether driving past iconic billboards or standing beneath flickering signs, the setting reinforces the narrative that success is a lonely pursuit. It anchors the visual identity of an era defined by vintage cars, rain-slicked streets, and glowing advertisements.
In Their Own Story
The engine hums low against the silence of the night. Rain streaks across the windshield, blurring the neon into watercolor smears of pink and blue. He sits alone in the passenger seat, watching the city scroll by like a film reel playing on repeat. The signs flicker overhead, promising things that never arrive. For a moment, the music stops, leaving only the sound of tires on wet asphalt.
Reader's Guide
The atmosphere is thick with humidity and artificial light, creating a dreamlike haze over the concrete jungle. This setting is significant to tracks like 'Starboy' and 'I Feel It Coming,' where the backdrop shifts from intimate interiors to expansive urban landscapes. Visually, it relies heavily on high-contrast lighting, utilizing deep shadows against bright neon signage to emphasize mood. Recurring motifs include vintage American automobiles, red leather jackets or suits, and rain-slicked pavement that reflects the city lights. Fans often note this location as a representation of the 'dark tour' era, where the protagonist navigates fame without losing his soul. It is less about the specific street address and more about the feeling of being watched by the city itself.
Did You Know?
- The aesthetic of this setting heavily influenced the visual direction of the After Hours promotional film.
- Many music videos from the mid-2010s utilized Los Angeles streets to depict a sense of isolation within crowds.
- The red suit worn during this era is often associated with walks through these neon-lit districts.
More in Locations & Settings
Elsewhere in the The Weeknd universe
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