Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Duran Duran collaborating with music heavyweight Nile Rodgers and Mark Ronson

The band are back in the studio to record their 14th album, which is due for release in Spring 2015

Natasha Culzac
Monday 11 August 2014 14:00 BST
Comments
Duran Duran are collaborating with producers Nile Rodgers and Mark Ronson on their next album
Duran Duran are collaborating with producers Nile Rodgers and Mark Ronson on their next album (Duran Duran)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

It has been ten years since American producer Nile Rodgers last worked with Duran Duran, but the long-time friends and collaborators are back in the studio to create the band’s 14th album – and Mark Ronson is also getting in on the act.

The band have announced that they are reuniting with Rodgers, who worked with the group on Eighties hits The Reflex and The Wild Boys, as well as subsequent albums Notorious (1986) and Astronaut (2004), among others.

Bigwig Rodgers is the mastermind behind many of the music industry’s most seminal releases, including David Bowie’s 1983 album Let’s Dance, Madonna’s 1984 album Like A Virgin and most recently Daft Punk’s 2013 song Get Lucky.

Duran Duran’s new album, which is being recorded in London, has been tentatively scheduled for release in Spring 2015.

Rodgers, who appears to have known Ronson since the latter was a child, has been keeping his Twitter followers abreast with developments.

Yesterday he tweeted: “It was so awesome to be in a real studio recording with a real band!”

Both Ronson are Rodgers are understood to be producers on the album, with Ronson having produced Duran Duran’s last studio album All You Need Is Now (2010).

Rodgers, who recently battled cancer before being given the all-clear in 2013, said in a blog post on Friday: “It’s been a long time since my last blog. It's also time for my next round of cancer tests. I always get a little weird around this time but the music gives me strength.

“I've been insane busy working hard on new Chic music, which has been amazing. And speaking of new music, I'll be in the studio with Duran Duran for a few days. My mind is already filled with anticipation of the possibilities.”

He also told Noise11: “[Duran Duran and I] are still amazingly great friends to this day. My career with Duran is probably the longest spiritual partnership I have had with any artist.”

Amazon Music logo

Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music

Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)

Sign up
Amazon Music logo

Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music

Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)

Sign up

Earlier this year it was reported that former Red Hot Chili Pepper guitarist John Frusciante has also been lined up to collaborate on the album, as well as the Voce Chamber Choir and the London Youth Chamber Choir, Consequence of Sound reports.

Duran Duran are also suing their own fan club for alleged breach of contract.

The musicians accuse Worldwide Fan Clubs of not keeping to the terms of a contract the band had with it, which included keeping on top of membership fees, and have demanded roughly £23,500 in damages.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in