Red Hot Chili Peppers have begun work on their new album, drummer Chad Smith has revealed.

The record, which will mark the follow-up to 2006's 'Stadium Arcadium', is due to be released next autumn.

In an interview with Clash magazine, Smith said: "We're gonna write for a while, it usually takes us a while.”

The group have been on hiatus for the last two years, but bassist Flea recently embarked on a new project with Thom Yorke.

When asked whether he thought Flea's experience with the Radiohead frontman would have an impact on Red Hot Chili Pepper's new album, Smith replied: “You never know.”

“We've got songs with piano on them right now," the drummer added.

In an interview in August, Smith said the band were “ready” to return to the studio following their break.

(by Jason Gregory)