Brian Eno to relaunch Opal Records label in London

Musician Brian Eno will bring back his Opal Records imprint on Friday from London. The move will allow him to reissue rare recordings that had become difficult to find. Two of the label’s past albums had disappeared, Eno told reporters in his home studio.

The label was founded in 1988 and went on hiatus in 1991. It released material by several experimental artists:

• Jon Hassell
• John Cale
• Brian Eno

Collectors had struggled to locate two albums outside of Japan. Those records are the 2001 release “Drawn From Life” and 2005’s “Another Day on Earth.”

Eno said he recently considered issuing a 12-album set of unreleased tracks. “I’ve got so much music I’ve made that I’ve never released and a lot of it fits together,” Eno said. He described the work as utilitarian music that fits chores or reading.

His 48-year-old album “Music For Airports” remains in circulation and continues to sell. Eno noted the work lacks standard production markers from the decade of its release.

Eno also shared his thoughts on artificial intelligence technology during the London interview. He said he is fascinated by working with it. However, he raised concerns about ownership and regulation.

“My problem with AI is the ownership of it and what I know are the moral and social values of the people who own it. And they are really some of the worst people to be in charge of something as powerful as that.”

Eno organized a “Together for Palestine” concert last year. He addressed news that rapper Macklemore lost a tour slot with singer Ed Sheeran. The decision followed onstage pro-Palestinian remarks by the rapper.

Eno stated that Sheeran showed weakness during the incident. “He could have insisted on that,” Eno said. He acknowledged the pressure Sheeran faced regarding ticket holders and travel plans.

Eno was born on May 15, 1948, on the day of the Nakba. He noted that Palestinians were forced out of their homes on that day.

He does not dwell on his past catalog unless asked about it. He recently answered questions about working with David Bowie in France and Berlin. He said he has no retirement plans or personal bucket list.

Record labels manage the production, manufacture and distribution of sound recordings in London. Companies also handle music licensing agreements and rights management for artists.

Eno said the only thing he has ever wanted to do is take a warm bath of olive oil. He added that he enjoys inventing new methods rather than focusing on end goals.