Justin Bieber is working on his first new music since 2021, the acclaimed indie singer-songwriter Mk.gee revealed in a new interview with The New York Times.

Mk.Gee (real name Michael Gordon) is one of 2024’s breakthrough artists, receiving praise from across the indie and pop spectrum for his debut album, Two Star and the Dream Policewhich showcases his songwriting skills and guitar mastery. Bieber is clearly one of his many fans and recently enlisted Gordon for some writing and recording sessions.

Gordon didn’t reveal too much about the music he’s working on with Bieber. He only said of the pop star: “He’s searching.” Gordon added: “Everything that comes out of his mouth: that’s pop music. You can do really wild things with it, just because it represents something.”

Bieber’s last album was 2021 Justice, but his world tour in support of the album was significantly shortened after he was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome in June 2022. The rare virus affects nerves in the face and ear and left Bieber’s face partially paralyzed. Although Bieber seemed healthy enough to perform at a festival in Italy in late July 2022, he ultimately decided to cancel the rest of the tour to focus on his recovery.

In March 2023, Bieber shared on Instagram that he had regained control of his muscles and was able to smile a big smile again. He also made two surprise appearances that year, briefly appearing with Kid Laroi and Don Tolliver. In February 2024, he officially returned to the stage with a career-spanning performance at the NHL All-Star Player Draft in Toronto.

While Bieber is finding his feet musically, he is also dealing with something much more personal: fatherhood. Just last month, he and his wife Hailey Bieber announced the birth of their first child, Jack Blues Bieber.