Arctic Monkeys drummer Matt Helders says the band are in the "early stages" of making a new album

After Arctic Monkeys' manager Ian McAndrew revealed last month that the band are "working on music", drummer Matt Helders has provided an update on the band's new music.

During an Instagram Live last night (13 January), Helders confirmed the group are in the "early stages of trying to write a [new] record", which will follow their 2018 album Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino.

Helders also explained some of the "obstacles" they've faced while trying to work on new music during the coronavirus pandemic, saying, "Being separated by the sea is one of them."

The drummer added, "We’re all eager to do it - we would have been doing it by now in a normal time. There’s definitely a desire from our end to do a new record as soon as we can."

Helders also assured fans that despite being separated from his bandmates during the pandemic, he's "always tinkering on machines and synths" at his LA home.

When McAndrew spoke about Arctic Monkeys workinng on music last month, he also revealed that the pandemic, despite its obstacles, has "presented an opportunity in some ways." He added, "If you’re literally locked down, you’re going to knuckle down to some work at home, and that’s what’s been going on."