sightupdate

Music

U2's Musical Journey: Working with Brian Eno on Irish Folk-Infused Music

2024-11-26

In a recent turn of events, U2 guitarist the Edge revealed that the band is collaborating with Brian Eno on music that incorporates an Irish folk element. This creative endeavor could potentially make its way onto their next album. After the release of Songs of Experience in 2017 and Songs of Surrender last year, featuring new recordings of old material, U2 has just dropped How to Re-Assemble an Atomic Bomb, which contains unreleased sessions from 2004. In 2023, the Edge hinted at his interest in creating more aggressive music, stating, "I've been working on new stuff... that's much more vital and requires a U2 band sound to fulfill it. I'm not sure U2 are going to turn into AC/DC exactly.... But I'm absolutely convinced that the guitar is going to be front and center."

New Interview Insights

In a fresh interview with BBC Radio 2, the Edge referred to "crazy new music" that is currently in production with Eno. He added that "Bono and I are working on some crazy kind of sci-fi Irish folk music, which could end up becoming a part of the new U2 album. We're not sure yet; we'll see." He further explained, "Part of our kind of process is to go so widely away from, off track, and... the process of bringing things back on track is kind of how you get sort of unique sounding music." The guitarist also mentioned that "a bunch of beautiful Irish musicians" are involved in this exciting project.

Music Production and Reunion

"We're at that great phase where we don't have to overthink it," the Edge continued. "We're just making music and loving that process. And then we'll figure out where things belong afterwards. So there's a couple of different projects." Drummer Larry Mullen, who took time out since September 2023 for surgery, has now returned to work with U2. Describing the reunion as "wonderful," the Edge noted, "We've got him in the studio. He's good. He's taking it easy, but he's back in the saddle on the drums [and] doing some recording with us. And so we'll be doing a bit more of that before the end of the year."

Impact on U2's Sound

The collaboration with Brian Eno and the inclusion of Irish folk elements are set to bring a new dimension to U2's sound. This fusion of different musical styles has the potential to attract a wider audience and showcase the band's versatility. The Edge's emphasis on the guitar being at the forefront indicates a shift in their musical approach. It will be interesting to see how these elements come together and contribute to the overall sound of the new album. The involvement of a bunch of beautiful Irish musicians adds a rich cultural flavor to the project. It's a unique combination that holds great promise for U2's future music.

Looking Ahead

With Larry Mullen back in the studio and the band actively working on new music, the future of U2 seems bright. The combination of their past experiences and the new creative directions they are exploring will undoubtedly lead to some exciting musical creations. As they continue to push the boundaries of their sound, U2 fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the release of their next album and the next chapter in the band's musical journey.