Rolling Stones Unveil Speaking In Tongues Podcast Ahead of New Album
Speaking In Tongues offers a behind‑the‑scenes look at the creation of Foreign Tongues, the band’s 25th studio album. Each episode features exclusive interviews with Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood, who discuss the songwriting process, studio techniques and the creative influences that shaped the record. The podcast also includes conversations with producer Andrew Watt and guest contributors Robert Smith of The Cure, Steve Winwood and cover‑artist Nathaniel Mary Quinn.
The podcast’s description notes that the series will use “exclusive behind‑the‑scenes studio outtakes and never‑before‑heard new songs” to illustrate how riffs became tracks and how lyrics evolved. It positions the album as a continuation of the band’s recent work, following the 2023 Grammy‑winning Hackney Diamonds.
Foreign Tongues was announced in May 2026 as the Stones’ next studio effort. The lead single, “In the Stars,” was released on May 5, accompanied by the double A‑side “Rough and Twisted.” The album features guest appearances from Paul McCartney, Steve Winwood, Robert Smith and Chad Smith, and includes a track recorded with the late drummer Charlie Watts.
The podcast’s launch coincides with the band’s ongoing promotional campaign for the album. In a recent interview with Uncut, Richards said that while touring may not be feasible in the future, the group is considering residencies in major cities such as London, New York and Paris.
From an industry perspective, the Stones’ move into podcasting reflects a broader trend of legacy artists using audio platforms to deepen fan engagement. By pairing the podcast with a high‑profile narrator like Norah Jones, the band taps into a cross‑generational audience and adds a layer of credibility to the storytelling format.
The six‑episode series is available on major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Each installment is approximately 30 minutes long and follows a consistent structure: a narrative introduction by Jones, followed by the band’s discussion and a segment of studio material.
The collaboration with Andrew Watt, who produced the band’s 2023 album Hackney Diamonds, underscores the Stones’ continued partnership with contemporary producers. Watt’s involvement has been highlighted in several industry publications, noting his track record of blending classic rock sensibilities with modern production techniques.
The inclusion of Robert Smith and Steve Winwood as interview subjects signals the Stones’ willingness to feature artists from diverse musical backgrounds. Smith, known for his work with The Cure, and Winwood, a veteran of rock and soul, bring additional depth to the conversation about songwriting and collaboration.
The cover art for Foreign Tongues, created by Nathaniel Mary Quinn, is also discussed in the podcast. Quinn’s design work has been praised for its blend of contemporary aesthetics with classic rock iconography.
In summary, the Rolling Stones’ Speaking In Tongues podcast provides an in‑depth, behind‑the‑scenes look at the making of Foreign Tongues, featuring key band members, producer Andrew Watt, and notable collaborators. The series, narrated by Norah Jones, serves as a promotional companion to the album’s July 10 release and illustrates the band’s strategic use of modern media to engage audiences.
The podcast is currently available for streaming, and listeners can follow the series as it unfolds over the next six weeks leading up to the album’s launch.