The Weeknd is reportedly in talks to raise up to $1 billion by leveraging his music catalog as collateral. According to Bloomberg, the Canadian artist intends to secure financing without selling his music rights, instead using the value of his catalog to structure the deal.
Private equity firm Lyric Capital Group is said to be leading the effort, putting forward a package that includes $500 million in senior debt, $250 million in junior debt, and $250 million in equity. Neither The Weeknd nor Lyric Capital Group has issued a comment on the reports.
The development comes as The Weeknd has spoken openly about moving on from his long-running stage persona. In previous interviews, he explained that he is “closing the chapter” on The Weeknd moniker, citing the pressures and competition that come with sustaining a global identity. He reflected on his 2022 Los Angeles concert, where he lost his voice and had to reschedule, as a turning point.
At the time, he described it as a moment that made him question whether it was time to step back: “You lost your voice because it’s done; you said what you had to say. Don’t overstay at the party, you can end it now and live a happy life.”
Still, The Weeknd clarified he does not plan to retire from music entirely. Instead, he said he is looking for new challenges outside of the Weeknd persona: “No one’s gonna do The Weeknd better than me, and I’m not gonna do it better than what it is right now. I’ve overcome every challenge as this persona, and that’s why I’m really excited about this film, because I love this challenge.”
