January 27, 2009 11:45

Robbie Williams writes songs with Mark Ronson and Guy Chambers

Singer's manager also confirms star wants 'unconventional record deal'

Robbie Williams has started work on his new album, the singer's co-manager has confirmed.

Tim Clark says Williams will head into the studio in March or April to record songs for the follow-up to 2006's 'Rudebox'.

Clark revealed that Williams may team up with 'Angels' and 'Let Me Entertain You' co-writer Guy Chambers for the sessions, along with Mark Ronson and Madchester duo Soul Mekanik, who were formerly in Candy Flip.

"There may be a song with Guy [Chambers], he's done a lot of writing with Soul Mekanik and there's a very interesting song with Mark Ronson," Clark told Music Week. "He's now looking for producers. Nothing further has been said yet, but he's talking to a lot of interesting people."

The album could be Williams' final release for label EMI.

His £80 million contract with the label (the UK's biggest deal to date) is due to conclude after Williams' next album has been released, and his co-manager David Enthoven says the star will be looking for less traditional ways of distributing his music in future.

"The elephant needs to leave the room, the elephant being the record company," said Enthoven.

Clark added that it "makes no sense" for Williams to sign a conventional deal. "The old-fashioned record deal is not something that Robbie Williams would consider," he declared.