Macy Gray: "The new record is almost done."

In this week's issue of Hot Press, nu-soul superstar Macy Gray reveals to Edwin McFee that there's an album of original material in the pipeline.

The news comes as the star prepares to embark on a tour to promote latest project Covered which features her interpretations of tunes by the likes of My Chemical Romance, Arcade Fire and Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Recent years may have seen a fall in popularity for the 44 year-old-star but Gray is determined to reclaim her throne as queen of the R&B and soul scene with Covered and the newly promised record, on course to be completed before the start of the tour this month.

"I've got like 14 songs ready to go and I'm gonna finish it before I leave for my tour in June. It's really raw. It's mostly drums and bass and little flavours of guitar on it.

"It's really old-school and very different than what I've heard on the radio lately. I'm excited about it."

Pick up the new issue of Hot Press tomorrow to read the full interview.