MNEK has confirmed that he plans to release his first album in eight years during 2026.
The 31 year old artist and producer is preparing to follow up his 2018 debut Language, with the new record forming part of his goal to become more active as a live performer again.
Speaking with NME, MNEK said: "The plan (for 2026) is more or me on stage. I'm releasing an album this year and I've just finished it, so I'm really looking forward to getting the chance to just put it out there. It's been a while."
The hitmaker, who has worked alongside names such as Zara Larsson, Dua Lipa and Becky Hill, also reassured listeners that they will not have to wait nearly a decade for his next release.
He said: "Oh my god, that is literally the antithesis of what I want! I want to be releasing music regularly and getting a chance to connect with people who really want to hear what I have to say.
"I feel like this next project will really be the start of that consistency. I'm so excited about it. I'm trying to be very cautious of how much I say, but this album is going to be very exciting."
Although he enjoys collaborating with other musicians, MNEK explained that he is equally eager to focus on expressing his "own stories" through his personal work.
He said: "I've been writing and producing for people like FLO and Zara (Larsson, doing the) Stateside remix with PinkPantheress, so it's exciting to still be making music 17 years later in this industry.
"When working with anyone, I give a portion of myself to help them tell their stories. And getting to help someone tell their story is something that I'm really good at, but the challenge now is to be able to tell my own stories too."
MNEK was also part of the lineup for the Trans Mission concert at Wembley Arena last week and said it was important for him to support the show, which was organised by Years and Years singer Olly Alexander together with Mighty Hoopla founder Glyn Fussell, in support of trans rights.
The performer, whose birth name is Uzoechi Osisioma Emenike, said: "I absolutely believe that trans rights are human rights. They deserve to be acknowledged and they deserve to feel like humans.
"The power of music is that it brings people together. There are so many things that are built to divide us, make me feel ostracised, and like we don't belong, but music, for me, was something that made me feel like I belonged my entire life."
