Peas and harmony

The Black Eyed Peas. Photo / Supplied

The Black Eyed Peas don't have much to worry about. Like self-styled heroes from a musical comic book, and armed with a new song called Boom Boom Pow, they are the deadliest band in the world right now.

But, on the eve of the release of their fifth studio album, The E.N.D., band member Taboo (he's the one with the kung-fu inspired dance moves) still has something niggling at him, and he's just got to get it off his chest.

"Let's start with the title. Most people who see it will automatically think the worst; that it's the end of the Black Eyed Peas. Well, we say, 'no'. It's the end of all the misconceptions and all the rumours that we're breaking up. We're not," he says defiantly.

The twist in the album title, Taboo continues, is that it's actually an acronym for "the energy never dies". And, just in case anyone's missed the band's attempt at a clever play on words, he reiterates: "We're coming out with a new record and we're excited to be back with all four peeps."

The Grammy-winning four-piece, who go by the eccentric names of Taboo, Fergie, will.i.am and Apl.de.Ap, have embraced the digital age as musicians globally face drastically falling album sales.

"We used to have these record stores in the US, like Sam Goodie and Tower Records, but they don't exist anymore. Now everything is digital. It's not just about having a physical CD in the store; there are so many components that go along with putting out an album. So the title also marks the end of the conventional way of selling records," explains Taboo.

It could be a scary prospect for a band who have sold a mind-blowing 26 million units since their first album in 1998, including nine million copies of their last, 2005's Monkey Business. But rather than rant about the downfalls of the downloading age, the chart-toppers, famous for hits Shut Up, Where is the Love and Let's Get It Started, are looking the beast straight in the eye.

"You don't even necessarily need to go to a studio anymore, you can just take your equipment to a hotel room or on a plane and create a track. You then download that file onto your Blackberry and send it to a DJ, who can remix it and then send it back to you," the 33-year-old explains with the excitement and enthusiasm of a child.

Keeping on top of youth culture, insists Taboo, is also how the Black Eyed Peas maintain their edge and stay one step ahead of the game. It is something the band has managed incredibly well, despite taking a four-year hiatus between albums.

And, while the lengthy break has clearly fuelled rumours of their demise, it's allowed the members to branch off on their own. Fergie, of course, has had the most commercially successful and high profile solo career of the LA-based foursome, with her debut album The Dutchess pumping out five top five singles in the United States.

The singer, who is often credited with taking the BEPs to another level after joining before they broke through into the mainstream with 2003's Elephunk, has never left the limelight; her wedding to actor Josh Duhamel was headline news.

Eccentric main frontman, with the equally eccentric name, will.i.am, has also enjoyed his fair share of the spotlight, collaborating with the likes of Flo Rida and Usher on their latest albums and landing a role in this year's blockbuster X-Men Origins: Wolverine. He also penned the song Yes We Can for Barack Obama's successful presidential campaign last year.

Apl, in the meantime has been working on a solo album, debuting its single You Can Dream, earlier this year. And, while Taboo, aka Jaime Luis Gomez, is yet to release his debut solo album, he's been just as busy, appearing as a judge of MTV's Top Pop Group reality show, as well as starring in the film Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li.

There's also his passion for fashion and shoes; he has more than 400 pairs, which he houses in a "shoe room". He's also working with authorities in his hometown of Rosemead, California, to establish a dance academy to help troubled teens stay in school.

And Taboo is enjoying married life, having wed his long-term love Jaymie Dizon, last year. Their first child is due next month.

It has meant the energetic performer has had to curb his partying. But, as he points out, performing and hanging out with the people he considers his "best friends" is just one big, endless party anyway.

"It was great to be able to come back as a foursome and be creating music, dancing around and having a good time. That's what the Black Eyed Peas has always loved doing."

And Taboo is adamant the band has always been tight.

"It feels like we have never been away from the Black Eyed Peas experience because we've still been heavily involved with one another throughout our solo projects." So you see, the energy really doesn't die - the Black Eyed Peas are as amped as they ever were; ready to lead the charge throughout the digital dark lands.

And no, there is no end in sight.

* Black Eyed Peas' The E.N.D. is out tomorrow.