Mark Ronson: Recording new album was 'daunting'

Mark Ronson says he was "extremely nervous" about recording his new album because of the success of his last record, Version.

"I'd never been in a position of following up something that was a success before. It was daunting," admitted the musician.

Luckily for Ronson, the nerves faded away and he got into his stride.

"It got into the record and it started to feel like we knew what we were doing - that was a relief."

The new album, Record Collection, is due out on 27 September but those expecting it to be a rerun of Version may be disappointed.

"I'm not sure it's ever going to have that mass appeal," the 35-year-old told Newsbeat.

"But I'm more proud of it than anything I've done. Hopefully people will still like it. It doesn't have to sell a million records."

'Stupid grins'

The pop sensibility of current tune The Bike Song may be a different vibe to the rest of the album, but Ronson said he couldn't resist its catchy melody.

The Zutons' Dave McCabe (who wrote the original version of Valerie) gave him the idea from something he was humming in the studio.

Mark Ronson says The Bike Song's melody caught his ear

Ronson said the song quickly took shape: "We just all went in the room and the four or five musicians, we just started arranging it and putting it out.

"It just felt so good. Everyone had this stupid grin on their face."

The song features the vocals of Kyle Falconer from one of Ronson's favourite bands, The View.

Ronson says he was the perfect choice for the song and reckons the frontman's talent is underrated.

"Kyle's voice is kind of stripped down. I don't think a lot of people realise what a soulful voice he has.

"I asked Dave what he thought of Kyle singing it, and he said he thought it was a good idea."

Shocking blond

It's been a hectic time for the producer, who in the past has worked his magic with the likes of The Kaiser Chiefs, Adele and Robbie Williams.

He told Newsbeat there were no immediate plans to work with anyone else and that he'd be concentrating on touring his own material.

"I'm not sure I could go straight into working on another album," he admitted. "I think maybe my creative tank is running on empty.

"I'm excited just to go out and play shows and tour. Then something will click and I'll go into the studio with another band."

Ronson's most eager fans may have noticed a change in the star's appearance recently - he's dyed his hair platinum blonde.

However, a change back to his natural colour looks on the cards: "My dad's not crazy about it," he revealed.

"Actually no one's crazy about it. I'll grow it out quite soon."