Ben Lee has wasted no time in beginning work on a new album, with the singer set to head into the studio next month.

The Sydney-born, US based singer will head into the studio on June 1.

“Even though Ripe is still bubbling along, and people are getting into the “American Television” video (watch), I’ve learned from the past that I really shouldn’t put my creativity on hold for anything,” Lee wrote in a post on his myspace.com/benlee page.

“It’s important to start in the flow of nature, and stay loyal to the mysterious muse.”

As well as working on a new album, Lee and fiance Ione Skye are close to setting a date for their wedding.

“Ione and I are headed to India on a couple of weeks to see Narayani Amma and hopefully set a date for the wedding. When we get back I go straight into the studio to start the next album,” Lee said.

“The twist is, and I know this will excite many of you out there, the team making this album with me will be Brad Wood, Lara Meyerratken and Nic Johns. This should be a fun one.

“As for the songs, they are a little different this time. Observations about the world, politics, feminism, yearning and optimism.”

Meanwhile, Lee will return to Australia for a one-off show later this year.

The singer will perform a show in Melbourne this August.

The one-off show will be Lee’s second trip back to Australia in 2008. Earlier this year he returned for a run of dates across the country.

Lee will be joined at the Melbourne show by Sydney’s Wons Phreely.

Wons Phreely has supported the likes of Ben Kweller, M. Ward, Aqualung and Bob Evans.

He has also scored spots at past Splendour In The Grass and The Great Escape festivals.

See below for Ben Lee ticket details. Tickets go on sale Friday 23 May.

Friday 1 August, Corner Hotel, Melbourne
www.cornethotel.com

Tags | Ben Lee, tour, Wons Phreely