Pearl Jam has made a surprising choice to produce its next album.
The band is working with Andrew Watt, who made his name working with artists like Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus before moving on to producing albums for Ozzy Osbourne, Iggy Pop, and – most notably, Eddie Vedder’s 2022 solo album Earthling.
Despite his pop background, guitarist Stone Gossard says Watt is “The most hardcore Pearl Jam fan you’ll ever meet. It’s been such a joy to make a record with him. He’s energizing us.”
Gossard also revealed that the upcoming album will sound a lot like Pearl Jam’s early days, but said that the fans can “be the judge of that.”
No title or release date for the album has been announced.
Pearl Jam recently announced tickets for its upcoming summer tour will be “fairly priced” and won’t include any shady hidden fees. The band will perform at Ohana Festival at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, California on September 30, 2023.