Ed O'Brien has become the latest member of Radiohead to step out on his own. In an interview promoting his new signature Fender Stratocaster guitar, O'Brien revealed that he's been recording a solo album since October, with the hopes of releasing it late next year or in early 2019.

"I’ve started working on my own solo project," he told Esquire. "I’m working with the producer Flood [and] Catherine Marks. I’ve just had an amazing three-week recording period with [drummer] Omar Hakim and [bassist] Nathan East and [guitarist] Dave Okumu. We’ve tracked some stuff and we have some backing tracks, and I’m going back into the studio with Flood and Catherine to finish those tracks up and will start some new stuff in the new year."

O'Brien added that he'll be fitting in sessions in between Radiohead's upcoming tour calendar. Fans can expect that the music will be inspired in part by Brazil, where he lived for a while. "It’s not overtly Brazilian but there are definite themes," O'Brien continued. "Without getting into it too much, going to Carnival in Rio was very inspiring. Rhythm and groove were a big part of it. I’m really enjoying it. It feels really right at the moment."

The record, O'Brien says, will heavily feature the new EOB Sustainer Stratocaster, which fully integrates an effect he's been using since Kid A that infinitely holds notes and chords via an on/off switch, helping him to achieve his trademark atmospheric sounds. Previously, his technician had rewired one of his guitars to achieve the desired sound, but the instrument no longer sounded good when the effect wasn't being used. Now, it's been built into the guitar by Fender and, as a result, he doesn't have to switch guitars as frequently in concert.

 

Radiohead Albums Ranked

More From The Moose 94.7 FM