Fans of Outlander star Andrew Gower's musical alter ego, Gustaffson, have plenty to look forward to. The band, which burst onto the scene with their critically acclaimed debut Black & White Movie in early 2025, is gearing up for a massive 2027. Not only is their sophomore album on the way, but Gower has also confirmed a major film collaboration that promises to blend his two passions: music and cinema.
To keep the momentum going while fans wait for the new record, Gustaffson has released a series of stripped-down acoustic versions of tracks from their debut. The first, a reimagining of "Closer," dropped just ahead of their Manchester show at YES' The Pink Room. The band recorded these intimate takes at the legendary Blueprint Studios in Manchester, a place that holds special significance for them. "It is a home from home," Gower explained. "We made the first album there. We made the first EP there. We made the second album there, which is on its way in 2027."
The acoustic versions are a deliberate move to keep fans engaged during the gap between albums. "We're sitting on the second album. We want to keep the appetite for our music up," Gower said. "There's a beauty in a world where things happen so quickly. I always say the world should learn to wait. What they're waiting for, I think, is our finest work yet."
Gower's creative partnership with director Steffany Collette, affectionately nicknamed "Freda" after The Beatles' confidante Freda Kelly, has been instrumental in shaping the band's visual identity. Collette directed the acoustic videos, giving them a classic black-and-white aesthetic that nods to the band's influences. "The saturated style lends itself to the acts we've spoken about — The Beatles, The Doors — and all of that old footage," Gower noted.
Beyond music, Gower is expanding his storytelling into film. He confirmed that a Gustaffson-scored movie is in development, with Andy Goddard (currently working on an Apple TV+ Monarch spin-off) attached to write and direct. Gower will star in the project, which he describes as a "family story" connected to a relative. "When Andy's all finished over in Prague, we will be getting some development in order for that. The songs are written, and the story's there," he teased.
This isn't Gower's first foray into blending his acting and music careers. He's previously collaborated with composers like Bear McCreary and actress Sharon D. Clarke. The new film, however, marks a significant step in his ambition to create a space where music and cinema elevate each other. "I've spent most of my career as Andrew Gower the actor, and to go and be in a band, to be a part of a collective... that whole collective experience has kind of really blown me away," he shared.
With 2027 shaping up to be a pivotal year, Gustaffson is also planning an international tour and partnerships with UK record stores. "High-scale videos have been recorded for the new album," Gower revealed, hinting at even bigger surprises. "2027 is going to be a busy year and a year that breaks the mold of what we've done before."
For fans of the Outlander universe, Gower's multifaceted career is a testament to his creative range. As he continues to push boundaries, one thing is certain: the wait for Gustaffson's second album will be worth it.
