Following the news that One Direction are set to take an extended hiatus next year, Billboard spoke to the boyband's producer Julian Bunetta about their plans for the break. 

Bunetta confessed that this next step has been extensively discussed between the guys and they're now just looking forward to creating the best album they can before stepping away from 1D:

"There was a feeling of, 'Well, we're going to take a break, and anything in the world can happen during that time off. It's the first time of there being some uncertainty, of not having things planned out beforehand, since they were 16 years old. There was definitely a vibe of making [the album] the best it can possibly be, and knowing it has to last as long as it needs to until we make another record - if we make another record."

Referring to the recording he's already done with the lads, Bunetta added: "There was a lot of them not knowing if they were going to take a break or not, because that wasn't decided just yesterday. There was definitely some of that going on, [but] it wasn't like every day was depressing in the studio."

"We were having so much fun when we were making this record - going out, having parties, really enjoying ourselves and not taking any day for granted that we got to spend with each other. When you're faced with some uncertainty, you appreciate the moment more. The moment that you're in becomes really special and sacred. It was definitely one of the most fun album-making processes I've had because of that."

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Watch their new music video for 'Drag Me Down' here: