The former Libertines star admitted he finds being solo hard but claimed he also has difficulties in bands.

The 31-year-old singer said: “Without focus I’m kind of… drifting. But I was claustrophobic in bands.

“So now I’ve forced this on myself and my management have cracked the whip – because otherwise I’ll be there idle. I’ll end up watching ‘Come Dine With Me’ or ‘True Blood’.”

The album, which Carl has written in his own house, will feature a piano-based sound.

He told NME: “I experienced major label disappointment and torture. I knew what it was like to make a record you didn’t want to make for reasons you didn’t want to make it.

“Then you watch the label not market it because they’re too busy with Mariah f****ng Carey.

“I simply wanted to write a record which comes from the heart and that I want to connect with other people’s hearts.”