The Weeknd credits ‘Grand Theft Auto: Vice City’ for inspiring his new ‘80s-influenced direction. 

The singer channeled the decade on his recent LP ‘After Hours’, which produced Blinding Lights – the international No. 1 that recently became the biggest US Billboard Hot 100 song of all time. 

During a new cover interview with Billboard, the singer sat down with Max Martin – who co-produced and co-wrote the track – to discuss its creation.

“Abel came with the vision of what the song should be, which was a very different tempo and vibe than what is usually done,” Martin explained. 

“He took a risk, and that was very impressive to us. We all felt this song was very special even early on in the process.”

The Weeknd added: “[Grand Theft Auto:] Vice City really opened my eyes to a lot of ’80s music, so there was a nostalgia for when I was a kid playing video games and listening to Hall & Oates and Michael Jackson while driving through the city.”

According to Martin, they projected “a computer-animated car driving through a futuristic city” on the studio wall “for inspiration”, with The Weeknd admitting he’s “always been tinkering with the [sounds of the] ’80s.”

The star also opened up on the direction of his forthcoming album, reportedly titled ‘The Dawn’, telling fans to expect “EDM, hip-hop and three other types of sounds in one song – and somehow, we make it work”.

“When it comes to my albums, there is a cohesive sound going on, but I can’t really stick to one style,” he explained.

It’s preceded by the single Take My Breath, out now.