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The Libertines have defended their decision to work with One Direction producer Jake Gosling on their new album, adding, in response to suggestions that they work with Arctic Monkeys' producer, "Without The Libertines there would be no Arctic Monkeys."
The band reformed last year for a series of gigs, and have now finished writing and recording their third album. When it was announced a few months ago that the album was being produced by Jake Gosling, who is most famous for his work with artists such as One Direction, Ed sheeran and Christina Perri, the news raised a few eyebrows.
Speaking to NME of the decision, Carl Barat said, "We were a bit nervous, having never worked with Jake, that he might come in and tell us to think about singles and radio play. We were aware people might say, 'Hang about, he's One Direction-ed The Libertines!' That's why we said to him: 'We're gonna make a dirty fucking rock'n'roll record!' He said: 'OK, great!' That didn't faze him at all."
He continued, "That was our way of making sure we set our stall out. In the end, parts of it are very dirty rock'n'roll, but not all of it. If it was all like that it would just be going in, well, one direction."
Drummer Gary Powell added, "We needed somebody with a fresh approach to production to bring us into the new age. It's selfishness as well – why should we be working with someone like the Arctic Monkeys' producer, when without The Libertines there would be no Arctic Monkeys? We're not emulating those guys."
The band also said, "The next time we play in England we'll probably be playing new songs for a new record" - but it's unclear whether they were including their forthcoming Reading & Leeds set.
Reading & Leeds festival take place across August Bank Holiday weekend, and will also see performances from Metallica, Mumford & Sons, Jamie T, Limp Bizkit, Royal Blood, Kendrick Lamar, Alt-J and many more. For Reading tickets visit here, and for Leeds tickets visit here.
