Ashcroft to front new band?

It is rumored that Richard Ashcroft will front a new act next year called United Nations of Sound.

The 2008 Verve comeback, spawning a reunion, tour, and album, is currently "on holiday" leaving lead singer Richard Ashcroft with at least one more contractually obligated album as a solo artist.

Apparently, rather than go back to a solo career, Ashcroft has assembled a new band of musicians. Other members remain a mystery with the possible exception of former Verve drummer Peter Salisbury who has appeared on every Richard Ashcroft solo record. His inclusion, however, has not yet been confirmed. The new act is working with hip hop producer No ID.

Currently, Verve members Nick McCabe and Simon Jones are working with The Black Ships. The project is slowly picking up speed. Earlier this month, the band was in the studio editing, arranging and putting down vocals. Whose vocals you may ask? Still a mystery. Stay tuned.

Richard Ashcroft returns with new song "The Journey"

Along with the much anticipated news of a forthcoming album, Richard Ashcroft has returned with a new song for the film "The Journey." He explains:

Dear All. I have been fortunate enough to work on a very special project for a cause that when you learn the disgusting truth you will be sickened by and want to help, you can! By watching the film “The Journey” and also downloading the song which I composed, money will be donated to the Helen Bamber foundation. I must warn all parents, being one myself, that the content of the film and song have graphic detail and should never be seen or heard by children.
Love and peace forever,
Richard Ashcroft.

Watch 'The Journey' on the Guardian website here.

New Ashcroft record to be released in April 2010

Richard Ashcroft has recruited acclaimed producer No I.D., who has crafted tracks for Jay-Z, Common, Fabolous and Jim Jones, to take charge of his upcoming solo album which is set to be released in 2010.

Talking exclusively to HipHopDX, the Chicago-born musical beatmaker explained that the yet to be titled album, which will be released on both sides of the Atlantic, came about after Ashcroft heard his Grammy-nominated production on Jay-Z's "D.O.A."

"He also heard an interview where I talked about how producers destroy albums just for the sales and he said he liked how I thought," No I.D explained. "So we went in and recorded between 20-30 songs."

The album, which is slated for an April release, was recorded in New York, Los Angeles and London and will be released through Virgin and Virgin/Capitol based on the continent. No I.D was recently nominated for four Grammy Awards for his work on The Blueprint 3 securing two nods for both "Run This Town" and "D.O.A."

"Weeping Willow" (Instrumental Jam)

A drone and groove re-invention of a Verve masterpiece.

Blue Pacific Ocean

Fan-made video with alternate (extended) ending.

Black Ships update

Follow the band on Twitter: http://twitter.com/theblackships.

• Update: The link above has changed and is now: twitter.com/blacksubuk.

Be ready for next year

In the latest Richard Ashcroft update, Ashcroft says he will soon be getting off the computer to "do other things," which presumably means getting back into the studio for the follow-up to 2006's Keys To The World and last year's Forth with The Verve. He ends the update saying "will all the lovers keep loving and I will see you on stage next year with a new album. Peace RPA."