Pearl Jam’s new album is “in the can” according to Matt Cameron
Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron has confirmed the band’s new album is “in the can” ahead of an anticipated release in 2024.
Throughout 2023, Pearl Jam toured excessively, which has been their main focus rather than releasing music. However, Stone Gossard, Jeff Ament and Mike McCready previously dropped hints about their upcoming album, which has been produced by Andrew Watt, who recently helmed The Rolling Stones’ comeback record Hackney Diamonds.
During a new appearance on the Vinyl Guide podcast, Cameron confirmed that Pearl Jam “did make a record with Andrew Watt”. Additionally, he provided an update, stating the album is “in the can, mastered, mixed, ready to go.”
The drummer also revealed they hope to release the album next year, but claimed a date is yet to be set in stone for the project. Cameron said the “powers that be are trying to figure out when that’s going to come out and touring and all that stuff.”
He also reflected on their recent tour, stating: “We did kind of a big tour in 2022 and we had to wear masks and the crew had to wear masks and we had to test. It was just no fun. We got through it great, and the crowds were fantastic.”
Meanwhile, earlier this year, McCready discussed the experience of working with Watt. He said: “He brings this very positive energy and knows how to get really good sounds. At the same time, his energy kind of kicked us in our asses a little bit.”
The guitarist added: “He would be like ‘Come on, dude,’ you know? He is kind of yelling and jumping up and down a lot and being happy. He’s a fan, but he has great structure ideas, great sound ideas, and song ideas. I’m so excited about what he did with us.”
McCready also highlighted Cameron’s drumming, adding: “The record’s gonna have some great examples of Matt Cameron’s drumming that just blew my mind. He took it up about 10 notches for this new record, and it really is because of Andrew’s enthusiasm, and, again, him jumping up and down and saying ‘Try it again!’ and then saying ‘Oh, we got it!’ and on to the next thing. He pushed us to play as best as we could. It’s hard for us to listen to other people because we have so many ideas ourselves.”
Listen to Cameron’s appearance on the Vinyl Guide podcast below.
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