03/2015
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Duran Duran has finally finished work on their new album, which the '80s icons are planning to release in September.

The as-yet-untitled 14th studio effort was produced by, among others, guitarist Nile Rodgers and Mark Ronson. Ronson also produced the band's most recent release, 2010's All You Need Is Now. Duran Duran drummer Roger Taylor describes the project as "epic."

Speaking to ABC Radio a few months ago, Taylor said of the new disc, "It's going to be amazing. We've been working on it for two years and, it's a real epic, actually: it's going to be an epic record. It's a real broad sound that we have on this record."

Nile Rodgers first worked with Duran Duran on their smash 1984 hits "The Wild Boys" and "The Reflex," as well as on their 1986 album Notorious, but Taylor says this new project isn't going to harken back to the band's classic '80s sound.

"Not really, no. It's very much in the moment," he told ABC Radio. "Of course it's always going to sound like Duran Duran. You know, with the four of us playing and singing on the record, it's undeniable a Duran Duran record, but we've not really referenced ourselves as much on this record. We've just kind of done what's come to us, and what's been instinctive. So, it's going to be a great record."

The first single from the new album is "Pressure Off," featuring vocals from Janelle Monáe; ex-Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Fruciante also contributed to the project.

The upcoming album will be released as part of a new worldwide deal the band signed with Warner Bros. Records.

Identity said:

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Have they set a release date?

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The release date is sometime in September. I know I've seen the actual date somewhere. I want them to release the first single with Janelle ASAP.

funkyslsistah said:

The release date is sometime in September. I know I've seen the actual date somewhere. I want them to release the first single with Janelle ASAP.

There's a clip of the single floating around on Facebook. It was played at a private event. I hope it's coming soon, with a 2nd single coming shortly after that. September is 6 months away......

this is exciting!

So now my 2 most eagerly awaited new records this year.

a-ha "Cast in Steel" September 4th

Duran Duran in September

what year is it? who the hell needs new artists when the vets bring the goods over and over.

lastdecember said:

So now my 2 most eagerly awaited new records this year.

a-ha "Cast in Steel" September 4th

Duran Duran in September

what year is it? who the hell needs new artists when the vets bring the goods over and over.

I know, right? Always excited when my fave veteran acts put new music out.

[img:$uid]http://i.imgur.com/qmeiHSQ.jpg?1[/img:$uid]

I recorded @JanelleMonae on @duranduran #PressureOff after @TheGRAMMYs and she brings it. *proud* This song smokes!

I hope they get it right.

I can't stand Janelle Monae She is ruining this news/thread for me.

Cinny said:

I can't stand Janelle Monae She is ruining this news/thread for me.

Really? I loved Archandroid. I can't stand Yoga though...

Looking forward to hearing this. Durans last album was pretty kickass. Hopefully we won't ever have another 'Red Carpet Massacre', Jesus I couldn't make it through that album. Absolute drivel.

I'll further the current polarization by saying that despite the Timberlandlake's inclusion, I actually love Red Carpet Massacre to death. Idk. Just love it. Especially Zoom In, Tempted, and Box Full of Honey.

Angelsoncrack said:

Looking forward to hearing this. Durans last album was pretty kickass. Hopefully we won't ever have another 'Red Carpet Massacre', Jesus I couldn't make it through that album. Absolute drivel.

Duran Duran said working with Nile in the 80s was perfect because Chic was a major influence on them. I don't think they will make a song like "The Wild Boys" or the remix to "The Reflex" but I think their amicable history and level of mutual artistic respect should inspire some good new material.

purplethunder3121 said:

Cinny said:

I can't stand Janelle Monae She is ruining this news/thread for me.

Really? I loved Archandroid. I can't stand Yoga though...

All my friends like her, and every other orger. Maybe one day I'll "get" her.

Cinny said:

Angelsoncrack said:

Looking forward to hearing this. Durans last album was pretty kickass. Hopefully we won't ever have another 'Red Carpet Massacre', Jesus I couldn't make it through that album. Absolute drivel.

Duran Duran said working with Nile in the 80s was perfect because Chic was a major influence on them. I don't think they will make a song like "The Wild Boys" or the remix to "The Reflex" but I think their amicable history and level of mutual artistic respect should inspire some good new material.

Yup! John Taylor only picked up a bass guitar because of Bernard Edwards.

What caught my attention when this news broke last week was the fact that this is happenning on Warner Brothers Records.

TheGoldStandard said:

I'll further the current polarization by saying that despite the Timberlandlake's inclusion, I actually love Red Carpet Massacre to death. Idk. Just love it. Especially Zoom In, Tempted, and Box Full of Honey.

Me, too! People said it didn't sound like them but to me it still sounded like Duran Duran. With older artists I like when they stick to the same genre of music but with somewhat of a modern update. I don't like when they try to recapture their old selves and sound dated. Now admittedly I'm not a huge super fan of them and don't follow them closely, just casually like their old hits when I hear them on the radio.

I do worry going back with Nile will sound dated and repetitive of their old sound.

funksterr said:

What caught my attention when this news broke last week was the fact that this is happenning on Warner Brothers Records.

They must believe in the new material.

funksterr said:

What caught my attention when this news broke last week was the fact that this is happenning on Warner Brothers Records.

Let's face it, no matter how good the material is, it's not going to get radio airplay and be a hit, because radio won't play people over 50.

Is this a 360 deal? Is Warner getting a share of the tour and merchandising revenue? I see a good market for them touring because Simon still sounds great and they are a fantastic live band as far as performing the older material.

@Glinda - This argument is getting so boring!! Who listens to radio? For fucks sake that awful Uptown Funk became some sort of record-breaking sales thing. Whoopity-dooo. The Durans are a legacy act, the album (and all their albums since 99 lol) is meant for diehards who will then buy tickets to see the fellas live. Its done them well so far.

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I feel like every thread on new music should include the disclaimer that radio will probably not play them because they have hair in their pubic regions, children, or remember the 80s. Its retahded. What is wrong with people anymore lol. 18-25 year olds are generally culturally devoid, why do grown folks think they are so inspiring in the media? I remember when that awful Lorde was the next big thing at 16 and it was literally a child rambling about nonsense over a Garageband track.

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Radio is meant for commercial traps for kids and background music for Subway sandwich shops and the waiting room. Anyone basing purchases off of listening to the radio should also be basing purchases off of morse code and ESP - its nonsense.

[Edited 4/3/15 9:03am]

TheGoldStandard said:

@Glinda - This argument is getting so boring!! Who listens to radio? For fucks sake that awful Uptown Funk became some sort of record-breaking sales thing. Whoopity-dooo. The Durans are a legacy act, the album (and all their albums since 99 lol) is meant for diehards who will then buy tickets to see the fellas live. Its done them well so far.

.

I feel like every thread on new music should include the disclaimer that radio will probably not play them because they have hair in their pubic regions, children, or remember the 80s. Its retahded. What is wrong with people anymore lol. 18-25 year olds are generally culturally devoid, why do grown folks think they are so inspiring in the media? I remember when that awful Lorde was the next big thing at 16 and it was literally a child rambling about nonsense over a Garageband track.

.

Radio is meant for commercial traps for kids and background music for Subway sandwich shops and the waiting room. Anyone basing purchases off of listening to the radio should also be basing purchases off of morse code and ESP - its nonsense.

[Edited 4/3/15 9:03am]

I agree with all that, but if they're just going to sell to their fans already why sign with Warners? If they're just going to sell to diehards, why not just put it out on their independent label. Clearly if they are going with a major label they want to sell more than to just their hard core fans. Warner Bros, isn't going to be happy to just selling to their die hard fans because there aren't that many and are going to drop them after one album.

I think they have done well as a legacy act, but clearly they aren't happy with that or they would have stuck with the independent route instead of going back to a major label.

Whether you like it or not, most of the top selling singles and albums do have radio airplay and that's how you get the highest sales still.

Honestly, judging by this info alone, this has to be the only album from a veteran '80s band, of any genre, that I'll probably hear AND buy...

'80s acts are DONE; but for some reason, DD is making the right decisions...

can't wait for September, wish they release it in June...

Only matters if the songs are good. I remember the last George Michael album. Most of the songs bit the battery. I blamed the org for hyping it. I am more lustful for new Adele. wooo

Cinny:

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Can't wait to hear it

Duran Duran has always had, and still does have great taste IMO. They can do no wrong in my eyes, even if I'm not into every single song they've done. They just have that special touch, and I think a huge chunk of it is Nick Rhodes.

JoeTyler said:

Honestly, judging by this info alone, this has to be the only album from a veteran '80s band, of any genre, that I'll probably hear AND buy...

'80s acts are DONE; but for some reason, DD is making the right decisions...

can't wait for September, wish they release it in June...

Gotta disagree on that, many 80's acts, epecially in the POP ROCK field are actually doing better albums now. The latest Simple Minds, "Big Music" is not just doing well it basically has them getting raves around the globe. A band like a-ha clearly were the leaders when they returned in 2000 doing 4 top notch records that were huge all over europe, now planning a new record for September 2015 which by the info that has come so far, has them continuing their run of top notch albums. U2 though many may hate, and may not be considered 80's did the best record that have done in almost 15 years. Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys still consistently good on record. Rick Springfield though technically a 70's artist, his last 5 albums have been better than any solo rock artist out there. So i think on that front 80's acts are not DONE, on the charts, well everyone is done except Taylor Swift.

As For DD I love them but they have a habit after a stellar album to come back with the worst decisions, i think NOW they have learned their lessons from things like "THANK YOU" an album that was full of bside covers, one of the biggest shittiest decisions made ever. But i think because Ronson is still in the mix and Nile Rodgers (not an 80s act) he can get something good from them.