Peter Gabriel reveals upcoming album ‘o/i’ as a follow-up to ‘i/o’
Peter Gabriel recently announced his upcoming album, ‘O/i,’ during an interview with MOJO where he mentioned that the title is ‘I/O’ spelled backward. This exciting news follows the success of his current album, ‘I/O,’ which received Grammy awards for Best Immersive Audio Album and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical. Achieving the top spot on the UK charts marked a significant milestone for Gabriel, as it was his first number one album since ‘SO’ in 1986.
The journey to create ‘I/O’ was a long and meticulous process that began as far back as April 1995. Originally intended for release after ‘Up’ by 2000, unforeseen challenges pushed the timeline back considerably, leading Gabriel to refine and perfect the album multiple times before its eventual completion. Instead of dropping the album all at once, he opted for a unique release strategy by unveiling singles each month. By December 1, 2023, fans were able to experience the full 12-track album, which was available in two versions: the “Bright-Side Mix” and the “Dark-Side Mix.” This marked Gabriel’s return to releasing new songs after a hiatus following ‘Scratch My Back,’ spanning over a decade.
Reflecting on his musical career and approach to releasing new material, Gabriel acknowledged the importance of intermittent breaks to prevent oversaturation and ensure continued interest from audiences. He emphasized the significance of creating anticipation and maintaining a level of mystery to keep fans engaged. With this in mind, Gabriel revealed his intention to align his future music releases with the lunar cycles. His plan involves unveiling new tracks during full moons while introducing different mixes during new moons, adding an element of intrigue and novelty to his upcoming projects.
The innovative and strategic approach taken by Gabriel in crafting and releasing his music underscores his commitment to artistic integrity and audience engagement. By embracing unconventional methods and staying true to his creative vision, Gabriel continues to captivate listeners and maintain a sense of anticipation for his future musical endeavors. As he delves into the production of ‘O/i,’ fans can expect a fusion of creativity, musical evolution, and thematic depth that have come to define Gabriel’s iconic discography.