Madonna needs intellectual collaborators

Madonna only works with other music stars if they can enter into intellectual debates with her about philosophy and quantum physics.

The brainy pop star collaborated with producers William Orbit, Martin Solveig, and cousins Benny and Alessandro Benassi on her forthcoming 12th album MDNA, and she hand-picked the European producers because she felt they would indulge in heavy conversations.

She tells Britain's The Sun, "I think maybe I just have more of a European sensibility. People say that about my songs as well. I like working with people who are well read and know what's going on in the world. Conversation is essential.

"With William we always end up getting in to discussions about philosophy and quantum physics. With Martin Solveig we always end up getting in to discussions about foreign films. When I'm working with people I can't just write about music, I have to be able to talk about life and the world and art."