THEY will soon celebrate 30 years in the music scene, but Duran Duran are far from fading away. In fact, they have acquired a new edge to their sound.
The British pop-rock group have just released a new album - a collaboration with pop prince Justin Timberlake and top music producer Timbaland, who has produced chart-toppers for hip-hop artistes such as Missy Elliott and 50 Cent.
Titled Red Carpet Massacre, the album includes two songs featuring Timberlake and three tracks produced by Timbaland.
Duran Duran drummer Roger Taylor tells Life! in a recent phone interview: 'This is Duran Duran with an edge. Our music has become more contemporary but we've still retained our identity.'
It is Duran Duran's 20th album to date, and the group's first since Astronaut (2004).
The band were formed in 1978 and were part of the wave of British New Romantic bands that included Spandau Ballet and ABC. They surged to fame in the 1980s and have sold over 70 million records since.
The band - comprising Taylor, keyboardist Nick Rhodes, bassist John Taylor and frontman Simon LeBon - might have adopted a more youthful-sounding vibe on the album, but Roger says it was not because the group wanted to 'appeal to the younger generation'.
'We just wanted to get on the radio charts again,' he explains, before adding that the band were also eager to work with Timberlake and Timbaland.
'I'm a big fan of both,' he admits. 'The group also have great respect for their music.'
He adds that working with them on the album which he describes as a 'perfect pop album with great grooves', was inspiring.
'There was so much energy in the recording studio. It was a really self-indulgent process because the material we were working with was just so good,' he says.
As for the message the band want to put across via this album, it is that they are 'still very vibrant' on the music scene.
'Yes, we're still alive and kicking,' quips Roger, adding that the group have no plans to take a backseat.
'We really don't see any need to retire. As long as we enjoy making music and the audience enjoys listening to it, we'll be hanging around.'
