I love the Entourage promo with "High for This" by The Weeknd (aka Abel Tesfaye) as the soundtrack. Tracking down the music proved to take more than the usual quick Google and then iTunes or Amazon download procedure I normally follow. I ended up downloading "House of Balloons" directly from the-weeknd.com. Further inquiries led to an interesting backstory.
Wikipedia says:
"Songs recorded under The Weeknd name first leaked in late 2010, though the identity of the individual behind the project was initially unknown.[3][4]"
"Preceded by a string of low-profile buzz single releases throughout 2010, the identity behind The Weeknd was kept secret from the public which attracted significant interest."
Rolling Stone said:
"Artist to Watch: The WeekndMysterious R&B-influenced singer recalls Drake, The-Dream, Aaliyah on first mixtape. Listen now.
The 20-year-old singer-songwriter (real name: Abel Tesfaye) from Toronto is on the forefront of an idiosyncratic new cut of R&B. Thanks in part to support from fellow Toronto native Drake, he's been in heavy rotation since the March 21st release of his mixtape debutHouse of Balloons.
The Weeknd layers House of Balloons with samples (Siouxsie and the Banshees’s 1980 "Happy House," Beach House‘s 2006 "Master of None"), electronic synths and hip-hop references, accompanied by Frank Ocean from Odd Future and How To Dress Well. There are also traces of The-Dream, Drake and Aaliyah throughout."
death + taxes said:
"Here’s another un/official video for one of the gems off The Weeknd‘s heavily praised “House of Ballons” mixtape. In typical Weeknd anti-press, it’s unclear whether Abel Tesfaye approved or comissioned the video.
The clip, directed by filmaker Storm Saulter (“Better Mus’ Come“), is set in Portland, Jamaica—an unlikely location that works surprisingly well with “Wicked Games” haunting vibe. It features all the rolled-up bills, topless actresses, and plenty more drug/sex scenarios thatThe Weeknd seems to exclusively sing about."
Links:
http://the-weeknd.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Weeknd
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Balloons
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/artist-to-watch-the-weeknd-20110329
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/songreviews/rolling-stone-20110608
http://www.deathandtaxesmag.com/98584/the-weeknd-wicked-games-nsfw-video/
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