The Weeknd, Lady Gaga, & Marshmello: Artists that Might End Their Alter Egos
If they were to decide to do it, should we start calling them Abel Tesfaye, Stefani Germanotta, & Christopher Comstock instead?
A few weeks ago, Abel Tesfaye, the Canadian artist behind The Weeknd project, explained during a promotional interview that he was eager to kill off the character he had built over many years.
Based on Abel’s statements, we’ve begun to imagine what could happen with other artists who might also put an end to their alter egos and create another musical facet. This includes figures from the electronic music scene like Marshmello and even pop icons like Lady Gaga.
The Weeknd
Let’s not forget that he kind of killed off his original ‘The Weeknd’ persona in the music video for «Starboy,» where he tortures himself and cuts his iconic hair –the very hair that had come to symbolize his recognition as he skyrocketed to international stardom and dominated the global charts.
I’m going through a cathartic path right now. I’m arriving at a place and time where I’m getting ready to close the chapter of The Weeknd. I’ll keep making music, maybe as Abel, maybe as The Weeknd. But I still want to kill off The Weeknd. And I will. Temporarily. I’m definitely trying to shed that skin and be reborn.”
The Weeknd Abel Tesfaye’s plan is clear, and the artist has already been able to execute it once, so it’s within his power to do it a second time. Inevitably, comparisons will arise, but there’s no doubt that the Canadian is capable of facing that and much more.
The album I’m currently working on is probably my last as The Weeknd. This is something I have to do. As The Weeknd, I’ve said everything I can say” –explained the performer.
Abel Tesfaye’s musical journey has been influenced by various factors in his life, shaping his career and the genre he embraced. His talent suggests he could easily create an alter ego on par with his reputation. He’s already demonstrated this in ‘The Idol’ as Tedros, a nightclub owner and producer striving to boost a young pop artist’s career.
Lady Gaga
After her initial global breakthrough, we witnessed a journey through multiple albums where the artist aimed to explore diverse musical avenues. While her commercial achievements experienced a great impact, a transformation into a cinematic star emerged. Throughout, she maintained her consistent artistic identity, though she briefly embraced a male alter ego named Jo Calderone.
Moreover, aside from her accomplishments in the film industry, we’ve also observed her proficiency in delivering crooner-style ballads, impactful rock hits, and even embracing the electronic elements that have consistently flavored her albums. Stefanie Germanotta has plenty to choose from. The big question remains: could this potentially be her future name?
Marshmello
Thus far, we have seen two cases where, in addition to the artistic name, we knew the real name of the artist behind the project. In the case of Marshmello, there’s a suspicion that it might be linked to a DJ and producer named Christopher Comstock, although no one can assert it with 100% certainty.
Be sure to take a look at Juan Ignacio Herrero’s Spanish article for LOS40.