Thom Yorke discusses upcoming solo album, future Radiohead tour, and frustrations with music industry

Thom Yorke was recognized at the Ivor Novello Awards, where Harry Styles, a surprise presenter, lauded Radiohead as his favorite band and revealed losing his virginity to their song “Talk Show Host.” In conversations around the event, Yorke discussed his ongoing projects, including a solo album that Ed O’Brien had previously mentioned, with the conclusion of his bandmate’s solo release, Blue Morpho, having taken place. Collaborating with Sam Petts-Davies, the producer and engineer behind recent Smile albums, Yorke shared insights into the production process. “I’m trying to wrap up some things,” he stated regarding the new album. “It’s a personal endeavor. I’m attempting to comprehend its essence and mix it effectively. I partnered with Sam Petts-Davies on this project. It has been an enjoyable journey and stands out significantly from my previous work.” Despite the departure from his usual style, uncertainty plagues Yorke’s perception of the album’s quality. “I am too close to it to provide a definite opinion,” Yorke admitted. “At times, I find myself thinking, ‘This is good, I appreciate this.’ That’s satisfying for me. What more can I disclose about it? There’s a track titled ‘Arse-Kissers.'”During his Ivor acceptance speech, Yorke addressed a serious issue within the music industry, critiquing its lack of concern for preserving musical legacy and supporting budding artists. He raised the alarm on the industry’s reliance on self-serving playlists and the failure to create sustainable revenue sources for musicians. Reminiscent of major labels’ opaque accounting practices from the past, Yorke urged industry leaders to reevaluate their approach and acknowledge the forthcoming challenges. “I want to remind the industry’s elite and streaming platforms to take action. Where do you expect to source your next lucrative backlogs? This industry will deteriorate, bringing down opportunists with it, if it continues to undervalue emerging artists. Remember, without us, you are nothing.”Reflecting on Radiohead’s triumphant return to Europe for a series of concerts, Yorke described the intensity of the experience. “It was truly overwhelming. I am immensely glad we embarked on this journey. But truthfully, if you had asked me beforehand, I would not have foreseen this level of impact,” he confessed. Reeling from the physical demands of the tour, Yorke humorously noted the need to improve his fitness. Despite the challenges, certain moments stood out vividly, where the band felt intertwined with the audience. Recounting instances from the Madrid and Berlin concerts, Yorke emphasized the profound connection that transcended the typical performer-audience dynamic. When prompted about the possibility of future tours, Yorke teased a potential return to the stage, hinting at O’Brien’s conceptual plan for Radiohead to perform approximately 20 shows annually across different continents. The realization of this endeavor remains uncertain.