Unveiling 'o\\i': Peter Gabriel's 'I Belong To The Sky' and the Full Moon Series
Peter Gabriel has recently released the sixth track from his upcoming album, "o\\i," titled "I Belong To The Sky" [Bright Side Mix]. This track was released on the Strawberry Moon, following previous releases like "Been Undone," "Put The Bucket Down," "What Lies Ahead," "Won't Stand Down," and "A Hard Lesson," each corresponding to different full moons throughout the year. The album will be revealed in its entirety by the end of the year, with new songs being released on subsequent full moons.
Gabriel shared that "I Belong To The Sky" was a song that took time to develop and was initially considered for a previous record. The inspiration for the song came from a timpani tom-tom pattern influenced by an old film and a drummer named Chico Hamilton. The song explores the concept of visualizing dreams and the power of turning thoughts into reality, especially in the age of technological advancements.
The track features a dreamlike quality in the verses and a more materialized execution in the chorus, reflecting the theme of visualizing dreams coming to fruition. Gabriel also highlighted the importance of letting the music flow naturally, allowing for spontaneous and captivating moments to occur, particularly in the song's endings.
The cover art for "I Belong To The Sky," titled 'Nimbus de Toekomst 1, 2019' by Berndnaut Smilde, captures the essence of the song's theme of blending interior and exterior worlds. Smilde's work focuses on the temporary nature of art and the transition between different states, mirroring Gabriel's lyrical and sonic exploration. The collaboration with visual artists adds depth to the overall experience of the song and its visual representation.
The Dark-Side Mix of "I Belong To The Sky" is set to be released on the next new moon, continuing the journey of unveiling the full album, "o\\i," one track at a time.