Arctic Monkeys wrap up new album

By Georgie Rogers
6 Music News reporter

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Arctic Monkeys' drummer Matt Helders discusses their new album

Rock group Arctic Monkeys have revealed their third record is almost finished, with the songs recorded and the mixing process at the half-way stage.

Drummer Matt Helders said the album was "nearly" ready, although he admitted: "We haven't picked titles or anything."

"It's just a case of tying it up now, picking what order everything's in."

The four-piece have been working with Queens Of The Stone Age frontman Josh Homme on the record, which they hope to release this August.

Festival curated

Meanwhile, Helders has announced he is organising a free music festival in Sheffield, called Tramlines, which will take place in venues across the "steel city" from 24-26 July.

He is putting on the event alongside Jon McClure from Reverend and the Makers and up-and-coming DJ, Toddla T.

We're just half way through mixing so it's just a case of tying it up now Matt Helders

No bands have been confirmed for the festival so far - because, Helders joked: "they've not got back to us yet".

"It's not unorganised in any way," he told BBC 6 Music.

"It's just I don't really want to mention anyone until they are definitely nailed on for it because it will jinx it."

Arctic Monkeys will not be playing at Tramlines because of other commitments, but Helders discussed the band's other festival plans.

"We're doing a few in Eastern Europe and stuff not necessarily in England," he explained.

"Before Leeds And Reading, there's a few in Poland and Serbia and all that. We've never been out there, so it's a good chance to warm up over there."