Steven Tyler has been spending a lot of time in Nashville in recent months writing new songs, and now some details have emerged about his upcoming music plans.

Sources tell Billboard that the Aerosmith singer has been recording a country album and is about to sign a solo deal with the Nashville-based Big Machine Label Group.

An insider revealed to Billboard that the Big Machine deal is expected to be finalized “before the summer.”

Interestingly, Tyler appeared on this past Wednesday’s episode of American Idol as part of a taped profile of the label’s president, Scott Borchetta, who is serving as this season’s mentor for the Fox singing competition.

Other Big Machine artists include such stars as Taylor Swift,Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire and The Band Perry.

According to Billboard, one of the Nashville songwriters Tyler has been collaborating with is Brett James, who’s helped pen hits for McBride and Carrie Underwood.

Steven’s country album may be released as early as this November, but it more likely will arrive sometime in 2016.

Tyler has been involved in several country-related collaborations in recent years, including duetting with Brad Paisley on last year’s CMA Country Christmas special and teaming up with Underwood for a 2012 episode of CMT Crossroads.

He and Underwood also sang together on “Can’t Stop Lovin’ You,” a song featured on Aerosmith’s latest album, 2012’s Music from Another Dimension.

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