Peter Gabriel releases new album project O/I with debut single coinciding with full moon
Peter Gabriel is set to release a new track from his upcoming album, oi, gradually unveiling the full album over the course of the year, with each piece being revealed on a full moon night until the entire album is complete in December. The first song to be released is ‘the Dark-Side Mix,’ which was produced by Tchad Blake at Real World Studios in Bath and The Beehive in London. A second mix, called the Bright-Side Mix, crafted by Mark ‘Spike’ Stent, will be released on the new moon in January. This approach of alternating mixes is reminiscent of how Gabriel approached his previous album, *i/o*.
In describing oi, Gabriel explains that it serves as a thematic complement to his previous work, *i/o*. He describes how *i/o* focused on finding a new way out from the inside, while oi explores finding a new way in from the outside. The songs in the album grapple with a period of transition driven by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing. Gabriel sees the role of the artist as one who looks forward, aiming to reflect the world around them in their work.
In addition to the music, Gabriel has chosen to pair each song on the album with a commissioned artwork. The visual representation for the song “Been Undone” is Ciclotrama 156 (Palindrome) by Janaina Mello Landini, an artist based in São Paulo. Landini’s artwork features intricate, branching sculptures created from unravelled rope, exploring the connections between individual components and the larger whole. Gabriel notes that the fractal patterns in Landini’s work reminded him of brain structures, providing multiple entry points to delve into the themes of the song.
Throughout the album’s release process, Gabriel aims to offer listeners a unique and thoughtful experience that goes beyond just the music itself. By combining music with visual art, he adds layers of depth and complexity to the themes and ideas explored in his work. Gabriel’s commitment to unveiling the album gradually over the year allows fans to engage with each piece individually, providing time to appreciate and absorb the nuances of each track and its accompanying artwork before the full album is revealed. This deliberate and methodical approach to releasing music demonstrates Gabriel’s dedication to presenting his artistic vision in a meaningful and thoughtful way.