Peter Gabriel Unveils “oi,” a New Album Project Rooted in Humanity’s Evolving Relationship with Technology and Nature
Peter Gabriel,teh visionary artist behind iconic albums like So and i/o,is embarking on a unique musical journey with a new project titled oi. This isn’t a traditional album release; instead,Gabriel will share tracks incrementally,timed with each full moon. This innovative approach builds on the foundation laid by i/o, his 2023 release exploring our connection to the natural world.
Gabriel describes oi as a companion piece to i/o, stating, “These are my lumpy bits – i/o: the inside has a new way out and oi: the outside has a new way in.” He sees both projects as reflections on the shifting dynamics between humanity and its habitat, but oi specifically turns its gaze toward the future and the impact of emerging technologies.
A Phased Release under the Full moon
The release strategy is as intriguing as the concept itself. Each full moon will bring a new album track, accompanied by two distinct mixes – a “Dark-Side Mix” crafted by Tchad Blake and a “Bright-Side Mix” by mark ‘Spike’ Stent. Adding another layer of artistry, each release will be paired with a carefully selected piece of visual art.
The first offering, “Been Undone” (Dark-Side Mix), arrived with the recent Wolf Moon.It’s accompanied by Ciclotrama 156 (Palindrome), a 2019 work by São Paulo artist Janaina Mello Landini. gabriel notes the artwork’s fractal-like qualities, drawing parallels to the brain and the complex interconnectedness of systems.
“Been Undone”: A Song Rooted in History,Looking to the Future
“Been undone” clocks in at nearly eight minutes,showcasing Gabriel’s signature atmospheric soundscapes. Interestingly,the song evolved from a 30-year-old demo called “Sit.” He and his longtime bandmates - Tony Levin on bass, David Rhodes on guitar, and Manu Katché on drums – refined the original chord progression and Rhodes’ riffs at Real World Studios.
The track boasts a captivating, flowing groove and lyrics that delve into complex scientific concepts like mitochondria and the Mandelbrot set.It’s a testament to Gabriel’s ability to blend intellectual curiosity with emotional resonance.
Facing the Future: AI, Quantum Computing, and the Brain-Computer Interface
Gabriel’s statement accompanying the project reveals a profound contemplation of the future. He identifies three key waves of change: artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and the brain-computer interface.
He believes artists have a crucial role to play in navigating this period of transition. “Artists have a role to look into the mists and, when they catch sight of something, to hold up a mirror,” he explains.
He emphasizes that humanity isn’t isolated, but deeply interconnected with nature and everything around us.Finding that connection, and embracing joy, is vital. “Feeling a connection, shaking our booty and giving and receiving some love can definitely help us find our place – and put a big smile on our faces.”
What to Expect from oi
* Incremental Release: New tracks will be released with each full moon.
* Dual Mixes: Each song will feature both a “dark-Side Mix” and a “Bright-Side Mix.”
* Visual Art Pairing: Each release will be accompanied by a chosen piece of visual art.
* exploration of Themes: The album will explore themes of technology, nature, and humanity’s place in the universe.
* Connection to Brain Project: Some songs may tie into Gabriel’s ongoing research into the brain.
While oi doesn’t have a firm release date as a complete album, the Bright-Side Mix of “Been Undone” is expected soon. The next track will arrive with the full moon on February 1st. You can listen to “Been Undone” (Dark-Side Mix) and learn more about the project thru the links below.
[Listen to “Been Undone” (Dark-Side Mix)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOUR_Y
Related reading