Peter Gabriel Preps for November Release
Peter Gabriel is embarking on what sounds less like an album release and more like a cosmic expedition. Following the massive success of his 2023 LP i/o, the acclaimed artist is preparing to unleash o\i, a sprawling, 25-track project that is the culmination of two years of monthly full moon releases. This endeavor proves that for the 76-year-old visionary, creating music is truly a marathon, not a sprint.
o\i isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a deep dive into the core existential questions of the modern age, exploring humanity’s complex relationship with nature, the relentless passage of time, and our rapidly shifting place in the world. Just as with his previous work, the project delves into the intersection of technology and consciousness, probing the future defined by AI, quantum computing, and brain-computer interfaces.
Gabriel frames this exploration as a necessary reflection. “Trying to get a handle on where you fit in life, that’s what I write about a lot,” he reflects. The music acts as a mirror, urging listeners to look into the mists of the future and hold up a mirror to the world we are building. He suggests that artists have a crucial role in observing these transitions, helping us find balance.
The thematic thread weaves through profound personal insight. Gabriel posits that we are not exclusively self-determining beings, but parts of a larger, interconnected whole. He speaks of a sense of entitlement that often drives us, urging listeners to embrace the connection with nature—to “shake our booty and give and receive a little love”—to discover our proper place and find genuine happiness.
Sonically, the project is a masterclass in duality. o\i will arrive in dual forms: the Bright-Side mixes, handled by Mark “Spike” Stent, and the Dark-Side mixes, crafted by Tchad Blake. Mike Elizondo will handle the track “Who Are We Talking To?” Both versions will be packaged in a comprehensive four-CD set, with the distinct sides also being released separately as double-vinyl LPs. For those seeking an immersive experience, a digital-only Dolby Atmos In-Side mix, shaped by Hans-Martin Buff, is also available.
The scope of collaboration behind this monumental work is equally impressive. Gabriel has brought together a remarkable constellation of talent, including longtime collaborators David Rhodes, Tony Levin, and Manu Katché, alongside musicians from the i/o touring band, and groups such as the New Blood Orchestra and the Soweto Gospel Choir. Contributors also include Brian Eno, Leo Nocentelli, and Melanie Gabriel, ensuring that the soundscape is rich with diverse global voices.
Beyond the music, the visual component continues the full moon project’s commitment to multidisciplinary art. The album’s visuals feature stunning work from artists like Janaina Mello Landini, Tomás Saraceno, and Tatsuo Miyajima, offering a visual meditation on the themes of connection and existence. The entire visual presentation is captured by the work of photographer Nadav Kander, offering a compelling visual counterpart to the sonic journey of o\i.
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