Peter Gabriel is set to captivate fans once again with the announcement of his upcoming album, ‘o/i’, scheduled for a unique release in 2026. The main keyword here is “Peter Gabriel’s new LP ‘o/i'”, which hints at an innovative release strategy that aligns each new song with the full moon schedule. This creative approach not only adds an ethereal dimension to the album’s debut but also builds anticipation throughout the year.
Peter Gabriel enthusiasts experienced a long 20-year wait between 2002’s ‘Up’ and 2023’s ‘i/o’. However, they have a reason to be excited again as Gabriel recently revealed that his new LP, ‘o/i’, will launch in 2026, starting with the debut single “Been Undone” on January 3.
Full Moon Release Strategy
Revisiting the gradual rollout strategy of ‘i/o’, Gabriel will unveil a new track from ‘o/i’ with each full moon. The release kicks off with the Wolf Moon on January 3, accompanying the arrival of “Been Undone”. This lunar-inspired schedule will continue approximately once a month until the Cold Moon graces the sky on December 23, by which time the full album will be available.
An Artistic Reflection
“The songs are a mix of thoughts and feelings,” Gabriel expresses. “I have been thinking about the future and how we might respond to it. We are sliding into a period of transition like no other, 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. These are my lumpy bits – i/o: the inside has a new way out and o/i: the outside has a new way in.”
Gabriel further explains, “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, and feeling a connection, shaking our booty, and giving and receiving some love can help us find our place – and put a big smile on our faces. Some of these songs are going to form part of the brain project that I’ve been exploring for years, and some just make me feel happy. I hope you like them.”
Collaboration with Artists
Each track from ‘Peter Gabriel’s new LP ‘o/i” will be paired with a distinctive work of art. The single “Been Undone” will be released alongside Ciclotrama 156 (Palindrome) by São Paulo-based artist Janaina Mello Landini. “The way she takes the rope and moves it out, unraveling 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,” Gabriel notes. “I am delighted that Janaina is willing to participate and be part of the process. We are using one of her existing images for this month to open the proceedings, but I’m excited that she’s now going to create a piece especially for the song. That always gives it a little more excitement from my end to see what’s going to come up. Please do check out her work.”
Mixing Magic
In line with ‘i/o’, producers Mark ‘Spike’ Stent and Tchad Blake will each craft their unique mixes for every song on ‘Peter Gabriel’s new LP ‘o/i”. Stent’s versions will be known as the “Bright-Side Mix,” while Blake’s contributions are titled the “Dark-Side Mix.”
Gabriel promoted ‘i/o’ with a successful arena tour across Europe and North America in 2023, featuring songs new and old, such as “Solsbury Hill,” “Sledgehammer,” and “In Your Eyes.” As of now, Gabriel has not announced any touring plans for ‘o/i’.
