The first new single from the pairing of Justin Bieber and Cody Simpson is going to bring a shock to Bieber fans. 97.5 NOW FM in Lansing, Michigan says you won’t know you’re listening to Justin Bieber until you’re told — it’s that much of a departure from the musical and vocal sound we’re used to hearing.
The radio station developed a relationship with Cody Simpson early in his career, and says it’s not just a collaboration born out of curiosity. The recently label-less and girlfriend-less Australian heartthrob, who is relatively unknown in the United States, combined with Justin Bieber, who we hear a little too much about these days, could be really good for each other, and really good for the guy who manages them both, Scooter Braun.
Cody Simpson told Canada’s Tribute that the pair began writing together after Bieber saw some of Simpson’s music clips on Instagram and that initially it was just an experiment.
“We went in and ended up being in the studio til six in the morning…came out with a song, went in the next night and then ended up writing like 12 songs in seven days, working all night.”
The Inquisitr previously teased the possibility of the project after Simpson gave a heads up at the 2014 Young Hollywood Awards in July.
After wrapping things at the Young Hollywood Awards, Simpson, Bieber, and Braun went back in to the studio. Braun posted to Instagram, “Sometimes friends pick up guitars and one song leads into many.”
He went on to say, “A special project is coming and music that is going to shock people. Wow!!! Amazing lyrics, vocals, and songs!!”
“Very excited. Been a long time coming. Taking it back to how it started… awesome. People haven’t heard them sing like this. Awesome!!! This one is for everyone. Shocking!”
Bieber and Simpson have the Braun connection, but what do they really think of each other? When musing about Bieber’s recent dramas, Simpson said, “I can’t speak for him. I don’t get involved in any kind of drama.”
He went on to say, “We are definitely different people and come from different places and different worlds, but as far as to me, he has always been extremely cool and generous.”
The pair have noted the upcoming, as-of-yet unnamed acoustic album, is due by November, but 97.5 NOW FM notes that the first single will arrive on American radio stations soon.
“Had a meeting with Justin Bieber’s record label last week. The new Bieber/Simpson is real and it’s going to be here in days, not months.”