channel ORANGE producer Malay speaks about the highly anticipated follow-up.

We’ve heard next to nothing about Frank Ocean’s follow-up to channel ORANGE, but now his producer Malay has offered some of the first shreds of info about the project. In an interview with Pitchfork, Malay described the new record as a departure from Ocean’s brilliant debut, describing it as a more relaxed atmosphere.

“Frank’s exploring different vibes completely on this album. I wouldn’t say it’s vocally looser but just his mentality; it doesn’t seem as meticulous at certain times,” he said. In line with that relaxed atmosphere, most of Ocean’s vocals were done with a handheld mic right in the studio control room, he says. As for when we might get to hear it, he’s understandably vague.

“I always tell people: When he’s ready, the world is gonna get it. It could be tomorrow … well not tomorrow, but maybe a month [laughs] … I’m excited for everyone to hear it. I think people are going to be pleasantly surprised, for sure,” he said.

To help ease the wait, revisit our feature on 30 non-Frank Ocean albums we’re excited for this year.