Justin Timberlake is “definitely” working on a ton of new music. Hot off the release of his fun-loving “CAN’T STOP THE FEELING!” single, JT is executive producing the upcoming Trolls soundtrack and crafting his own follow-up to 2013’s The 20/20 Experience.
During an interview with Carson Daly on 97.1 AMP Radio, Timberlake opened up about the inspiration behind his new material.
“Where I grew up in America has a lot of influence,” he said. “Growing up in Tennessee—very central of the country—Memphis is known as being the birthplace of rock and roll, but also the home of the blues, but Nashville’s right down the street so there’s a lot of country music.”
When Daly suggested collaborations with everyone from Drake to Chris Stapleton, JT was open to the possibilities. “It’s funny that you say that because you might be in my brain about certain types of collaborations coming up on my next album,” he said. “But I haven’t done any yet.”
He has, however, collaborated with major superstars for the upcoming Trolls soundtrack, due Sept. 23. “I wrote a song for our very good mutual friend, Gwen [Stefani],” he revealed. “She’s on the soundtrack. She’s also in the movie. It’s a banger! And [I] did one for Ariana Grande as well.”
JT, who’s been in the lab with Pharrell, Timbaland, and Little Big Town in recent months, said the Trolls assignment is also inspiring his next solo effort. “I’m not going to be shy about saying that working on this soundtrack has bled into working on some other stuff for myself,” he explained. “I don’t know exactly when I’m gonna put it out but I’m definitely working on a new album.”