The Rolling Stones have launched their own podcast series to promote their new album, Foreign Tongues. The podcast, titled Rolling Stones: Speaking In Tongues, is now available and offers fans behind-the-scenes insights into the making of the record.
Mick Jagger's Black T-Shirt: A Sign of Peak Performance
Producer Andrew Watt revealed that Mick Jagger's wardrobe choices indicate the band's creative flow. "If the jumper comes off, it's a good sign. It means things are starting to go well. Then when the shirts off and he's in the black T-shirt, and the veins are coming through every part of his body, you have full blown Jagger," Watt said.
New Efficient Recording Process
Jagger explained that the band adopted a new, faster working method for both Foreign Tongues and their previous album, Hackney Diamonds. Producer Watt prefers short bursts in the studio, allowing the band to create an LP in weeks rather than months or years. "We know what we are doing and we know how to do it. And that worked, we are only going to spend X amount of weeks in the studio all together. So it's not going to be long, it's going to be hard, but it's not long," Jagger said.
Robert Smith's Beer-Fueled Contribution
In a future episode of the podcast, The Cure's Robert Smith will discuss how he ended up on the album. He only intended to have a beer with producer Watt but, after some Dutch courage, ended up recording parts that appear on two tracks. "I just started playing and one thing led to another," Smith said. Jagger liked what he heard and Smith's efforts ended up on the song Divine Interventions; he also plays synth on Never Wanna Lose You.
Album Success and Touring Plans
The Rolling Stones have scored eight Number 1 singles and twelve Number 1 albums. Foreign Tongues is set for release on July 10 and is expected to hit the charts following the Grammy-winning success of 2023's Hackney Diamonds and the band's 2024 North American tour. However, there are no plans for a tour this year, and even a 2027 tour is uncertain. Keith Richards suggested the band might opt for a residency instead of a full tour. "I don't know if tours are possible. It's the travelling that takes it out of you. I do see the possibility of us doing a residency somewhere," Richards told Uncut magazine. Mick Jagger remains keen to perform live, telling Mojo magazine: "I'm a performer. If you're not performing what are you going to do? I want to play big shows."
