Richard Ashcroft Teams Up with No I.D. For New 'Sound'

Following the brief reunion of British alt-rockers the Verve in 2008, frontman Richard Ashcroft has teamed up with hip-hop producer No I.D. for his fourth solo album, "The United Nations of Sound." The album will be issued in North America by Razor & Tie in early 2011.

"Sound," Ashcroft's first solo effort since 2006's "Keys to the World," was released overseas on Parlophone last July, prior to the artist's signing to Razor & Tie. No I.D. (real name: Dion Wilson) has previously produced songs for Jay-Z, Kanye West and Common. 

Razor & Tie VP of A&R Beka Tischker calls Ashcroft "one of the seminal figures of modern British rock music," adding that "it's an honor to work with someone as esteemed as Richard." 

"The United States of Sound" follows the Verve's 2009 break-up after releasing its fourth album, "Forth," in 2008 and embarking on a world tour, including a headlining set at that year's Glastonbury Festival. The new set's lead track, "Are You Ready?", is featured in Volkswagon's latest Jetta TV spot and is now available on iTunes.

After spending last summer playing shows in Europe, Australia and Japan, Ashcroft has also announced plans to tour the U.S. next year, in what would mark his first stateside trek in six years.