NEW YORK, June 7 (UPI) -- Looking at all the studios utilized during the recording of "Monkey Business," the Black Eyed Peas' new album could be called a world music project.
Because of a heavy touring schedule to support 2003's Grammy-winning "Elephunk, the group hit studios wherever it happened to be at the time.
"We had no choice," says head Pea will.i.am (real name William Adams). "We had to go to different territories that wanted us to go out and perform. So I recorded mostly out of a little black suitcase studio that I travel with."
The process had its benefits, however.
"It's cool to be able to do a show in Portugal and then go in the studio the next day in London and then fly to France on a weekend and really get a feel of being surrounded by people while you're recording," he says. "It's a good vibe to work with."
"Monkey Business" features guest appearances by James Brown, Justin Timberlake, Sting and John Mayer.
Black Eyed Peas start a North American tour Thursday at the Apollo Theatre in New York City.
