You know that feeling. It’s 2:00 AM, the rain is hitting the window, and you’ve already looped After Hours for the third time this week. There is something about Abel Tesfaye’s music—the hazy synths, the toxic-but-vulnerable lyrics, and that "glamour with a hangover" aesthetic—that just hits different. Finding artists similar to the Weeknd isn't just about finding someone who can hit a high note. It’s about finding that specific brand of cinematic darkness.
Honestly, the "Weeknd sound" has become its own genre at this point.
When he dropped House of Balloons back in 2011, he basically broke the R&B blueprint. Before him, the genre was mostly about smooth crooning and polished romance. Abel brought in the grime of the Toronto underground, mixing it with heavy samples from Siouxsie and the Banshees and Beach House. Fast forward to 2026, and the industry is crawling with artists who grew up on Trilogy. Some of them lean into the 80s synth-pop of Dawn FM, while others are still lurking in the shadows of the "lo-fi and lonely" era.
The Toronto Disciples: OVO and Beyond
If you want the closest DNA match, you’ve gotta look at the Toronto scene. It’s the water up there, I swear.
PARTYNEXTDOOR is the obvious first stop. While Abel went full-blown pop superstar, Party stayed a bit more experimental and "low-to-the-ground." Songs like Recognize or his more recent 2026 nominations with Drake for SOMEBODY LOVES ME show he still owns that woozy, late-night atmosphere. He doesn't have the Michael Jackson-esque vocal runs, but his production feels like a direct cousin to the Kiss Land era.
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Then there is Majid Jordan. If you prefer the "Starboy" or "Blinding Lights" version of the Weeknd—the one that makes you want to drive fast through a neon-lit city—this duo is your best bet. Their sound is cleaner and more upbeat, but the synth-heavy, retro-R&B backbone is unmistakable. They specialize in "vibes." You won't find the same level of self-destruction in their lyrics, which might be a nice break if you’re trying to actually feel good for once.
- Black Atlass: Alex Fleming (the man behind the moniker) was actually signed to XO for a reason. His voice has that same airy, ethereal quality that floats over dark, electronic production.
- anders: Another Toronto native who captures the "moody night in the city" feel perfectly.
The Dark R&B Vanguard
Outside of Canada, several artists have carved out spaces that feel like they belong in the same cinematic universe. 6LACK is probably the king of this. His music is melancholic, introspective, and heavily atmospheric. While Abel often plays a character—the villain, the heartbreaker—6LACK feels more like the guy sitting on the curb at the end of the night, just thinking. His breakout FREE 6LACK is required listening for anyone who misses the Trilogy days.
Don’t overlook Brent Faiyaz. If you like the "toxic" side of the Weeknd's songwriting, Brent is the current heavyweight champion. His vocals are buttery smooth, reminiscent of 90s R&B, but the lyrics are unapologetically blunt. It's a jarring contrast that feels very much in line with songs like The Hills or Often.
Emerging Names for your 2026 Playlists
If you're looking for the next wave, keep an eye on Karri. He’s been making noise with what critics are calling a "Lo N Slo" sound. His 2024 project Late Night Slider Music and the 2025 follow-up Slider II are masterclasses in hazy, emotional production. He even collaborated with Kehlani on "Go," which shows he’s moving into the big leagues.
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Then there's sombr. He’s been gaining traction in the alternative scene, recently grabbing a Best New Artist (Alternative) nomination at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards. While he leans more "indie," the way he uses reverb and melancholic melodies is very reminiscent of early Abel.
Why We Keep Looking for This Sound
What makes artists similar to the Weeknd so hard to find is that Abel is a shapeshifter.
One year he’s a mysterious underground figure sampling Cocteau Twins, and the next he’s a global pop icon working with Max Martin. Most artists can only do one or the other. You have the "Alt-R&B" crowd like Joji or Chase Atlantic, who nail the moody, distorted aesthetics. Then you have the pop-adjacent stars like Tate McRae or Sabrina Carpenter, who sometimes dip their toes into that dark, synth-driven production (check out Tate’s "Revolving Door" for those 80s-noir vibes).
Some people even point toward the 2026 rise of Leon Thomas. He’s been around for a while, but his recent work like "MUTT" shows a level of R&B sophistication that bridges the gap between old-school soul and the darker, modern textures Abel popularized.
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Finding Your Next Obsession
Don't just stick to the big names. Half the fun of being a fan of this genre is the "discovery" phase.
If you want the raw, unpolished feeling of the original mixtapes, go down the SoundCloud rabbit hole for artists like Aaryan Shah or Johnny Rain. Their production is often hauntingly minimal, putting the focus entirely on the emotional weight of the vocals. It's "staring at the ceiling" music.
On the flip side, if you want the high-octane, cinematic energy of Dawn FM, check out the synthwave-influenced work of The Marias or even Tory Lanez's Alone at Prom project. It’s an 80s fever dream that feels like it was recorded in the same studio as Out of Time.
Actionable Steps for your Ears
Stop shuffling the same three albums. Here is how to actually find your new favorite artist:
- Check the Producers: Look for names like Illangelo, Metro Boomin, or Mike Dean in the credits of other artists. They are the architects of that specific "dark" sound.
- Explore the "Related Artists" on Spotify, but go deep: Skip the first five names (usually Drake or Travis Scott) and look for the artists with under 500k monthly listeners. That’s where the real gems like PLAZA or Always Never are hiding.
- Watch the Vevo DSCVR Lists: The 2026 list just highlighted RNBOI, a French artist blending autotune rap with emotional R&B. It’s a different language, but the vibe is universal.
- Listen to the Influences: Go back and listen to Portishead, Deftones, or Massive Attack. You’ll hear exactly where the Weeknd got his "darkness" from, and it might open up a whole new genre for you.