NEW YORK (Reuters) - More than 25 years after the release of its first album, ’80s pop group Duran Duran is still learning new tricks — this time from U.S. hip-hop mogul Timbaland and pop sensation Justin Timberlake.
Simon LeBon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor and Roger Taylor joined forces with the U.S. stars for their 13th album, “Red Carpet Massacre”, due to be released in the United States on November 13 and in Britain on November 19.
“What they taught us was that you had to be quick and that your first ideas are often the best ideas. We have made quite a few albums which were quite long, tortuous processes,” drummer Roger Taylor told Reuters in an interview.
Former Mouseketeer Timberlake produced and sang on the first single, “Falling Down”, while Timothy “Timbaland” Mosley produced and is featured on three tracks. Another eight songs were produced by Duran Duran and Nate “Danja” Hills, who also worked with pop star Britney Spears on her latest album.
“It’s a real collaboration and we haven’t really written with that many artists before,” said keyboardist Rhodes.
Lead singer Simon LeBon said the band — with each member in his 40s and with more than 85 million albums sold — is always looking ahead and aware of new music.
“We tend to look at other artists who are happening now and making great records, of which Timbaland and Justin Timberlake have been at the forefront over the past few years,” he said.
“So as soon as we got the opportunity to work with them it was like ‘Yeah, who wouldn’t?’” he added.
