Carl Barat has given an update on the progress and plans for The Libertines‘ new album – revealing that they hope to have new material out late next year.
The ‘Time For Heroes’ indie veterans were last in the UK for the Unity Rocks charity gig at Brixton Academy – before completing the live campaign for ‘Anthems For Doomed Youth‘ with a tour of South America. Now they’re off the road, while Pete Doherty gears up to release his new solo album and bassist John Hassall prepares the first release by new band The April Rainers.
However, Carl Barat has told NME that the band are planning to find their own HQ and get to work on a ‘classic’ Libertines record.
“We’re looking to bed in together,” Barat told NME. “We want to get our own place, which is a bit of a long and convoluted project. There’s a lot of planning and maybes which I can’t say too much about, but we’re looking at getting our own factory.”
He joked: “If we don’t have something by next year, then my name’s not Donald Clinton.”
With over a decade-long wait between their last two records, Barat said that the pressure was as high as ever to deliver.
“I think we’re in a position now where the pressure is always up,” he said. “It always has been. The pressure is on just to make the best record we can. I’m excited and confident that we’ve got something to say and write about as always and all that chemistry can come out true to form.”
Speaking of what’s been inspiring them, Barat replied: “The things we write about are kind of life-long themes – it’s part of the vocabulary really. I certainly think its good to explore new ideas and write about other things but our voices are our voices and that’s not changing”
Asked if their fourth album will have a ‘classic Libs’ sound, Barat said: “I guess so. That’s a nice way of looking at it. We’ll just be rolling up our sleeves and the hard work will pay off. Arbeit macht frei.”
Meanwhile, Carl is set to play a charity gig with Ed Harcourt, Charlotte Church, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, The Magic Numbers, Lock and comedian Simon Munnery perform with backing from the Dirty Pretty Strings quartet later this month.
Ed Harcourt & Friends: A Benefit for Child Refugees will be at London’s Union Chapel on Friday 2 December. For tickets and more information, visit here.
Pete Doherty releases new album ‘Hamburg Demonstrations’ on 2 December. His upcoming solo tour dates are below.
Paris, Le Bataclan (November 16, 17)
Toulouse, Le Bikini (18)
Marseille, L’Usine, Isters (19)
Clermont/Ferrand, La Coopérative de Mai (21)
Lyon, Le Transbordeur (22)
Caen, Le Cargo (24)
Nantes, Stereolux (25)
London, O2 Forum (December 6)
Manchester, Albert Hall (December 7)