Arctic Monkeys are working on new music, says manager: ‘The guys are beavering away’

New music would follow the band’s 2018 album ‘Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino’

Arctic Monkeys are currently “working on music”, according to the band’s manager.

Speaking to Music Week, Ian McAndrew revealed that the Grammy-nominated group had been scheduled to go into the studio this summer before pandemic-related restrictions forced them to pause their plans.

McAndrew said: “They were recording plans in the summertime that got canned as a result of the travel restrictions.”

“They’re working on music," he said. "In this rather disjointed time, the guys are beavering away and I hope that they’ll start working on some new songs, new ideas, with a view on future release.”

Despite the travel restrictions, however, McAndrew said that this past year had “also presented an opportunity” for the Sheffield band to “knuckle down” and write new material.

“If you’re literally locked down, you’re going to knuckle down to some work at home,” he said. “And that’s what's been going on.”

When asked whether he had heard any new songs, McAndrew replied: “When the restrictions permit I do get along to have a listen to what’s going and to check out some new ideas, which is always very exciting.”

However, he stipulated that “proper work” was yet to begin, stating: “I’m hoping that next year, when the restrictions lift, we’ll be able to get together and get on with it.”

McAndrew’s comments come a few months after drummer Matt Helders was spotted in a recording studio in October, prompting rumours of new music on the way.

Last week, Arctic Monkeys released their first live album since 2008, titled Live at The Royal Albert Hall.