Blink-182 bassist is producing at least one 'gigantic' song on his tourmates' new LP.
By James Montgomery

Mark Hoppus
Photo: MTV News

Earlier this month, Panic! at the Disco drummer Spencer Smith told MTV News that he hoped to hand Blink-182's Mark Hoppus a few of his demos while the two bands toured together.

Smith's goal was to convince Hoppus — who, what with his work with All Time Low, Motion City Soundtrack and the Michael Jackson estate, has suddenly become a rather hot commodity — to produce a couple of tracks on the new Panic! album.

Well, those demos must have been plenty convincing. On Tuesday, MTV News spoke to Hoppus, who confirmed that he'd be producing at least one song on the upcoming Panic! disc, and he'd like to do even more, if Smith and frontman Brendon Urie will let him.

"I've heard a few of Panic! at the Disco's demos for the new album, and they're really strong," Hoppus said. "There's one track in particular that I know I'm committing to produce for them, and hopefully I'll get to do a bunch more. I know they're talking to a bunch of producers, and that's always kind of a touchy subject, especially when you're on tour with people, and they're like, 'Oh yeah, we're recording a new album, would you do a little work on it?' "

Earlier, Smith had told MTV News that Panic! hope to begin recording their new album later this fall, after completing their run of shows with Blink. And Hoppus could be following them right off the road and into the studio. Because while he didn't go into great depth while talking about the Panic! demos, it's easy to tell he heard something special in one particular tune that has him plenty psyched to start work.

"It's one of those songs that, even in the demo stages, you can tell is gonna be a gigantic song," Hoppus said. "It's really catchy. It's one of those songs you hear one time, and you just remember the hook for the rest of the day. I think it's what everybody loves about Panic! at the Disco, so yeah, I'm excited about that."

• Panic at the Disco
• blink-182