Key Highlights
- Peter Gabriel announces a surprise new album and single “Been Undone.”
- The new album will be released in installments over the year.
- Gabriel explains that his work addresses themes of transition and technological change.
- The first track, “Been Undone,” is accompanied by artwork from Janaina Mello Landini.
Peter Gabriel Returns with Surprising New Album Announcement
Renowned artist Peter Gabriel has surprised his fans and the music industry with the announcement of a new album, set to release in installments over the course of the year. Titled “o\i,” this project will debut its first single, “Been Undone,” at midnight tonight.
The Album as a Full Moon Project
Gabriel, known for his innovative and often conceptually driven work, has chosen an unconventional release strategy. Each full moon, he plans to release a new track from the album, with a total of 12 releases expected throughout the year.
Artistic Vision and Collaborations
The first single, “Been Undone,” is accompanied by artwork created by São Paulo-based artist Janaina Mello Landini. Gabriel has explained that the songs on this new project are a mix of thoughts and feelings, reflecting his musings about the future and our response to it.
“I have been thinking about the future and how we might respond to it,” Gabriel stated in an interview. “We are sliding into a period of transition like no other, most likely triggered in three waves; AI, quantum computing, and the brain computer interface. Artists have a role to look into the mists and, when they catch sight of something, to hold up a mirror.”
He elaborated on his artistic vision for “o\i”: “These are my lumpy bits – i/o: the inside has a new way out and o\i: the outside has a new way in.
We are not, and have never been, the exclusively self-determining, independent beings that have been given the run of the world. We are something else, a part of nature, a part of everything.”
Gabriel also shared his thoughts on collaboration: “Some of these songs are going to form part of the brain project that I’ve been exploring for a number of years, and some just make me feel happy. I hope you like them. Please do check out her work,” he said about Janaina Mello Landini’s contributions.
Production Details
“Been Undone” was written and produced by Peter Gabriel himself, recorded at Real World Studios in Bath and The Beehive in London. This track marks a continuation of the full moon release strategy that started with his album “i/o” from 2023.
Each song will be released alongside artwork created specifically for it, enhancing the thematic depth of the project. Gabriel has emphasized the importance of these visuals: “The way she takes the rope and moves it out, unravelling it, is almost like fractals or tree trunks and looks like the brain in some ways too, so I see a lot of entry points,” he said about Janaina’s artwork.
Implications for Progressive Rock
The announcement of “o\i” marks another significant move in Gabriel’s career. As a pioneering figure in progressive rock, his work often explores complex themes and pushes the boundaries of genre. This new project is likely to be met with anticipation from fans and critics alike, who will be eager to see how Gabriel navigates the challenges and opportunities presented by contemporary technological advancements.
“Like the i/o releases, each track on the new album will be accompanied by a piece of art,” Gabriel added. “This process is exciting for me as I look forward to seeing what Janaina’s contribution will bring.”
The release schedule and thematic content suggest that “o\i” could be a deeply personal and thought-provoking project, reflecting on the broader societal changes brought about by technological progress.
Stay tuned as more details are announced in the coming months. For now, fans can look forward to the full moon releases starting tonight with “Been Undone.”
