“I kind of feel like I’ve been in hibernation for the past year, but with the record nearly finished I’ll be coming out again, so that’s going to be really cool and fun.” Modular wonder kid (and man of controversy) Muscles has kept a low profile in 2009, but you can expect a return to the spotlight in 2010. He’s currently putting the finishing touches on his new album, debuting some of the new material to punters at select gigs in the coming weeks, and prepping it for release in a couple of months.

“I’m really excited for all the fans to hear it; it’s a big step up from my first album,” he told ITM. “It’s definitely recognizable. I think my voice, as soon as you hear it, you know it’s Muscles. After playing so many shows I’ve learned a good combination and arrangement of harmonies and it’s just me singing one voice, as opposed to like 12 voices at once, which you heard on Guns, Babes and Lemonade. The new album is a bit cooler…When I was recording Guns, Babes and Lemonade I was feeling a bit nerdy and stuff, but after playing so many festivals and meeting so many artists and DJs, I don’t know, I just feel cooler.”

Expect a similar upbeat tone to what we’ve heard in the past from Muscles. “It’s mostly about love and just making people feel good as opposed to selling image or fashion. It’s just about feeling good. When you come to one of my live shows, it’s got that same sense of people coming together, singing along to the lyrics and just having a good night out.”

So what about a title? “The album is called Manhood … It was the working title; I had a few other names, but Manhood is it. It’s kind of me growing up as a person I guess, so yeah – Manhood is definitely the album title.”

Keep your ears (and eyes) peeled for Muscles’ Manhood in 2010. In the meantime, check out ITM’s full-length interview and catch him at the following shows…

Thu 31st Dec – Cargo Bar NYE, Sydney
Sun 3rd Jan – Solar Festival, Victoria