Q&A: Brian Eno on relaunching Opal Records, ‘Music for Airports,’ AI and Palestine

Brian Eno, the multi-talented musician, producer and activist known for ambient music, is relaunching his record label Opal Records after a hiatus. The label, founded in 1988 and dormant from 1991 to 2019, previously released works from influential experimental musicians such as Jon Hassell and John Cale. Eno plans to relaunch Opal by re-releasing two of its lost albums, "Another Day on Earth" (2005) and "Drawn From Life" (2001), which have been difficult to find outside of Japan.

The artist also hopes to compile a 12-album set featuring his lesser-known, utilitarian music designed to create specific atmospheres for various tasks like cleaning or reading. Eno believes that "Music for Airports," his 48-year-old album, remains relevant due to its stripped-down style and timeless appeal. Regarding AI, Eno finds the technology intriguing but worries about the lack of regulation and the ethical concerns surrounding ownership and usage.

He also expressed disappointment with Ed Sheeran for bowing to pressure and dropping Macklemore as a co-headliner for his tour due to the rapper's pro-Palestinian remarks.