The Weeknd’s Landing From Blinding Lights to Pushing the Boundaries of Music and Video
How Spotify and The Weeknd Ushered in a New Era of Streaming
“Billions Club Live with The Weeknd,” Spotify’s groundbreaking concert film, debuted on January 7, 2025, marking a pivotal moment for the platform and the global superstar. The collaboration between Spotify and The Weeknd signifies a bold step forward for both the streaming industry and artist engagement.
An Unforgettable Concert Experience
“What a beautiful and unforgettable experience as an artist,” The Weeknd says in a heartfelt voiceover early in the exclusive film. Spanning over 45 minutes, “Billions Club Live with The Weeknd” captures the electrifying December concert at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. With 1,700 of his most devoted fans in attendance, the show celebrated his record-breaking achievements on Spotify, including hits like “Can’t Feel My Face,” “The Hills,” and the iconic “Blinding Lights.”.
The Perfect Match: Spotify and The Weeknd
The Weeknd’s relationship with Spotify runs deep. Marc Hazan, Spotify’s VP of Marketing and Partnerships, describes their journey as intertwined: “It kind of feels like we’ve grown up together.” With 25 songs in Spotify’s Billions Club, including the most-streamed song in history, The Weeknd was the natural choice for this milestone.
Spotify and The Weeknd’s team collaborated to create a unique fan experience. From the concert itself to the subsequent release of the film, the partnership pushed boundaries, showcasing how platforms can innovate to delight both artists and audiences.
A New Era for Spotify: Video Integration
The release of “Billions Club Live” represents more than just a concert film—it marks a strategic shift for Spotify. Video is becoming a cornerstone of Spotify’s evolution, expanding beyond music streaming to immersive audio-visual experiences. Hazan emphasized that this shift allows Spotify to create memorable moments: “It’s about evolving from just your ears to your eyes and ears.”
With the inclusion of podcasts with video and the beta testing of music videos, Spotify is redefining how users interact with the platform. This groundbreaking film exemplifies that transformation, surprising and delighting millions of fans worldwide.
Global Access and Exclusive Content
Available in nearly every market, the 48-minute film offers fans a rare opportunity to connect with The Weeknd’s artistry. Featuring reflective voiceovers and gratitude-filled commentary, the film deepens the artist-fan connection.
What’s Next for The Weeknd?
The Weeknd is far from slowing down. His upcoming album, “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” releases on January 24, 2025, concluding the trilogy that began with “After Hours” and “Dawn FM.” A spectacular one-night-only performance at Pasadena’s Rose Bowl follows the next day.
Additionally, “Hurry Up Tomorrow” serves as the inspiration for a Lionsgate suspense thriller of the same name, co-starring Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan. The film hits theaters on May 16, 2025, further cementing The Weeknd’s influence across music and cinema.