Katy Perry in ‘Research and Development Phase’ of New Album

Katy Perry is loosening up her typical schedule when it comes to how she approaches album-making.

“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,'” she told the New York Times in a new interview. “I need a little bit more freedom, especially when I’ve been doing it for this long.”

The singer did, however, reveal that she’s reached a certain point in making a new album. “I’m in the research and development phase,” she said, adding that the “eight or nine years” she’s spent in the spotlight can take its toll. “So right now I’m taking a little time. I don’t want to jump on any trends. I just need to evolve.”

However, last May, Perry’s manager Steven Jensen said the new album would be released “by 2016,” which contradicts the singer’s recent assertions. Her potential forthcoming album made Rolling Stone‘s “Most Anticipated Pop Albums of 2016.”

Perry was also asked about her lack of Grammys (she’s been nominated for 13, but has never taken one home) and if she’d be “gunning to be up there next year.” The singer answered by expanding on her creative process.

“The only thing that is on my mind when creating music is being authentic and vulnerable and making sure that it connects. And I know that it does connect because numbers don’t lie,” she said. “I know that might sound a little sassy, but all I want to do is stay true to myself and dig deep to pull out some of the messages or perspectives that I have on the world.”