Ed O’Brien of Radiohead Unveils Nature-Inspired Solo Album Journey
Ed O’Brien, the renowned British guitarist and songwriter from Radiohead, has explored a fascinating array of practices in his personal healing journey, including Brazilian shamanism, psychedelics, breathwork, and cold exposure. “I am drawn to phenomena that are on the fringes and things you can’t explain,” he shared in a recent conversation. “I believe in magic. It’s inherent to music-making. Music doesn’t come from studied, accumulated knowledge. It comes through you.”
His second solo album, Blue Morpho, released on May 22, encapsulates these themes of mysticism and transformation. The album, which took four years to create, is not just a musical endeavor but also accompanied by a short film capturing O’Brien’s personal struggles and his journey through darkness into light. This June, O’Brien will feature at Outside Inc.’s annual festival, Outside Days, where he will screen the film and engage in a fireside chat on the Ideas Stage.
The title Blue Morpho refers to the stunning blue butterfly O’Brien encountered during his family’s time in Brazil. His own metamorphosis is a central narrative; stemming from a period of deep emotional turmoil. During the lockdown in April 2020, O’Brien noted experiencing what he described as “my dark night of the soul.” He relocated from London to his family home in Wales, where the ancient landscapes revived his spirit. “This land is like my cathedral,” he remarked in the short film, which premieres on YouTube on June 3.
Narrated by O’Brien and set against the soundtrack of Blue Morpho, the accompanying film follows him as he meanders through forests, immerses himself in rivers, contemplates serene lake views, and admires starry skies. The cinematography largely captures the natural beauty surrounding his home. “When you make something deeply emotional or multi-layered, it’s often difficult to articulate it solely through words,” O’Brien noted. “Images convey a thousand meanings. The film expresses how significant the Welsh landscape has been in shaping my music and my being. Being in a wild and energy-infused place profoundly affects you.”
Filmed during winter, the production reflects a somber mood, mirroring the album’s origin. However, the music itself exudes warmth and introspection, melding elements of psych-folk, jazz, and ambient sound. Collaborating with producer Paul Epworth, known for his work with esteemed artists like Paul McCartney and Adele, O’Brien recorded the album in London and the Welsh countryside, featuring contributions from flautist Shabaka Hutchings, guitarist Dave Okumu, and Radiohead drummer Philip Selway. A notable detail is that the entire album was recorded at 432 Hz, a frequency reputed to evoke a sense of calm. “The music resonates deeply, creating a sense of wholeness. I’m not going back to 444,” he stated.
Embracing Alternative Healing
O’Brien’s healing journey spans over three decades. “Interestingly, I hail from a family of osteopaths who advocate medication,” he recounted, adding that they were initially skeptical about his choice to seek out alternative practices in Brazil. “My fascination lies in how healing is approached in different cultures.” Over time, O’Brien has turned to natural remedies to address chronic back pain and sinus issues, digging deeper into the emotional origins of well-being. “Like peeling an onion, the body has many layers. I realized that emotional health plays a crucial role in overall wellness,” he explained. “I began to experiment with Tibetan medicine, acupuncture, and medicinal mushrooms. The impact has been profound.”
During his battle with depression, O’Brien adopted the techniques of Wim Hof, a Dutch wellness advocate celebrated for his cold exposure methods. Incorporating cold showers became integral to his routine. “It’s astounding how cold exposure affects the vagus nerve,” he explained, recognizing its vital role in the parasympathetic nervous system. Meditation also features prominently in his daily regimen. “I call myself a mongrel meditator,” he said with a chuckle, explaining that he taught himself two decades ago but still intends to find a formal guide. Each morning, O’Brien dedicates 25 minutes to meditation, concluding with reflections of gratitude.
Growth Through Challenge
In his composition “Teachers,” O’Brien channels the emotions experienced during a psilocybin journey. Annually, he and a close circle of friends engage in three days of camping in Dartmoor National Park, where mushrooms are part of their ritual. “It’s become a cherished tradition,” he shared. “Mushrooms have a unique ability to disconnect you from negative thought patterns, allowing you to embrace the beauty of the earth. I often feel rejuvenated after these excursions.”
O’Brien reflected on how his dark times became pivotal in his personal evolution. “I am grateful for those periods of struggle,” he stated. “Without them, I wouldn’t have progressed. It is through facing adversity that we truly evolve; growth seldom comes in times of stability.”
One of his motivational reminders is: “You got this.” On days when he struggled to rise, he would simply tell himself to take small steps forward. “In today’s society, there is often an aversion to pain,” he noted. “People are inherently more capable and resilient than they realize.”
The Power of Walking
Regular walks in nature, particularly with his rescue dog Ziggy, a Collie Springer mix, were instrumental in alleviating O’Brien’s depression. “I’d hop into my old Land Rover, head to the trails of Snowdonia National Park, and embark on long, beautiful treks,” he reminisced.
“Ziggy and I savored sunsets over the Irish Sea, returning through the hills at twilight. During winter, the sunsets were stunning, filled with the promise of brighter days ahead.” O’Brien maintains that walking remains a critical component of his daily life. “It helps me realign my connection with my spiritual life,” he emphasized. “To think that people have walked these paths for centuries is awe-inspiring; I admire how they wind through the landscape, tracing rivers and streams.”
His walking habit has also reinstated his awareness of the changing seasons. “I have a deep appreciation for the seasons. They evoke special feelings. Living in urban settings, it’s easy to overlook the cycles of nature. However, I find a primal connection to the rhythms of the seasons, such as lighting fires during winter months and inhaling the scent of burning wood.”
As O’Brien prepares to return to the stage, he is strategizing ways to maintain his bond with nature. He envisions how to present Blue Morpho in a live format while navigating the demands of touring. Radiohead, who embarked on their first tour in seven years in late 2025, have taken to a unique in-the-round staging setup for their performances.
Commencing in 2027, their plan entails visiting a different continent annually and conducting twenty shows each year. “I aim to keep my requests minimal,” he noted, “but I do ask for accommodations with a balcony or outdoor space. I actively seek parks whenever possible. After my period of darkness, I find myself increasingly drawn to the beauty of our natural environment. This connection has become a vital lifeline.”
