Ahead of the release of Kings of Leon's highly anticipated new album, When You See Yourself, we're sharing a teaser from the band's in-depth interview in the current issue of Hot Press – in which Calbel Followill talks to our deputy editor Stuart Clark about babies, home schooling, The Eagles, Ringo, maverick managers and being a travelling band, from his home in Nashville.

When You See Yourself, the band's eighth studio album, is out tomorrow, March 5. Recorded at Nashville’s famed Blackbird Studios, and produced by Grammy Award-winning Markus Dravs, the album propels Kings of Leon into 2021 with a modern evolution of their sound. Order the album here.

“We really focused on this record and put the time in,” Caleb reflects. “We didn’t want any filler; everything had to have a purpose. Not just the songs but everyone’s part in them. If you listen to Jared’s basslines alone, it’s fantastic work. The song that kind of set a new benchmark for us was ‘100,000 People’. That’s the one we’ll have to try and beat on the next album. The storyline is great. It’s a long song but it keeps you engaged.’”

While not lacking in balls-to-the-wall rockers – ‘Echoing’ is as heavy as anything they’ve done in the past – When You See Yourself is for the most part a funky shake-your-tail-feathers affair, with a title-track that reminds Stuart of Grandmaster Flash and Melle Mel’s ‘White Lines (Don’t Don’t Do It)’. No, really!

“Oh wow,” Caleb says, managing to appear simultaneously perplexed and pleased. “If that’s the vibe you’re getting from it, great. For us, making a record is a case of throwing stuff at the wall and seeing what sticks. We’ll get together and very sheepishly play some of our ideas. When the other guys start playing along with them you’re like, ‘Okay, we might have a song.’ When we’ve ten ideas we all agree on it’s time to book the studio.”

• When You See Yourself  is out tomorrow, March 5. Order the album here.

Pick up your copy of the new issue of Hot Press, featuring the full interview with flip cover stars Kings of Leon, in shops now – or order online below: