Katy Perry says she is in the "research and development" stage of her next album.

The singer's last studio effort 'Prism' was released in 2013.

Speaking to the New York Times in a new interview, the US star said she is taking her time over its follow-up.

The record is currently in its development stage as Perry figures out its sound.

The 'Roar' star said: "I'm in the research and development phase. So right now I'm taking a little time. I don't want to jump on any trends. I just need to evolve.

"I do my records in a more traditional way, where the cycle is three years, so that once I start writing them, I know exactly where I'll be in spring of 2018. That can be a little bit like 'Ugh'.

"I need a little bit more freedom, especially when I've been doing it for this long."

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Watch Katy Perry being interviewed below: