Ed O'Brien Earth

The story of Earth begins in Brazil, where O'Brien relocated with his family just after Radiohead's 2012 tour supporting The King of Limbs"specifically Carnivale in Rio in 2013, where Ed's chance attendance proved life altering: "Truly the greatest show on Earth," Ed recalls in a letter to fans. "An explosion of light, melody, rhythm and love… For me, one of those musical eureka moments."   

Reinvigorated and brimming with new inspiration, Ed began recording immediately upon his return home to Wales.  Handling vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards, percussion and programming, Ed enlisted the help of legendary music producer Flood, with assistance by apprentice turned master Catherine Marks.

Three decades in Radiohead had instilled in Ed a high standard for musical collaborators. So it was that Earth's songs were brought to life by a diverse and stellar array of musicians including an appearance by O'Brien's Radiohead bandmate Colin Greenwood, Portishead guitarist Adrian Utley, Wilco drummer Glenn Kotche, drum legend Omar Hakim, masterful bass player Nathan East, Laura Marling, David Okumu of The Invisible, Adam 'Cecil' Bartlett, Richie Kennedy, and Marcelo S. Silva.

A masterful collection of vibrant, colorful songs with occasionally dark undertones, Earth is a confluence of grim realities processed during everyday life in Wales, refracted through the kaleidoscopic, optimistic lens of Ed's time in Brazil. 

Earth's release has been preceded by a handful of warmly received advance offerings, including first single "Shangri-La" (currently in the Top 10 at AAA radio, "shimmies with elastic Arthur Russell-ian movement before going full-on Brit-pop guitar, complete with handclaps""NPR Music), "Brasil" ("a nine-minute shapeshifting epic""Stereogum), "Olympik" ("Psychedelic ear worm""Rolling Stone) and "Cloak of the Night" ("beautiful…  simple and heartwarming""Consequence of Sound).

"These songs were created in a spirit of love, with the best wishes for a global community.  It's my sincere hope that during these strange and difficult times, some people might find a little light and consolation in them."- Edward O'Brien