The Matrix is banking on unknowns A.K.A. and Katy Perry to provide voices on the hit songwriting/production team's debut album. The trio of Lauren Christy, Graham Edwards and Scott Spock have recorded about half of the set with the singer/songwriters, which as previously reported, will be released this summer by Columbia.

"This is not a pre-fab, put-together formula, like 'insert singer here,'" Spock says in a statement. "This is a creative experiment in the way modern pop music is made. We've cast this album like a movie. We've chosen to work with Katy and A.K.A. because of their backgrounds, their abilities and what they have to say. Both come across with a talent that reflects a very unique area of music. Just as the three of us are very different as well."

Christy says the California-based Perry was suggested to the Matrix by producer Glenn Ballard (Alanis Morissette). "We saw a video she made with her band using a handheld camera and she was just riveting. You couldn't take your eyes off her," she says.

Of London-born A.K.A. -- who released one album, "Pigeonomics" through J-Bird Records and was briefly signed to J Records -- she says, "He reminded me, in his writing and vocals, of a young David Bowie, who is probably one of our favorite artists ever."

Along with the as-yet-untitled Matrix project, both singers are also working on solo albums. "We wanted artists who had their own careers, but were willing to be involved in this," Christy says. "They can go off as solo performers, then come back, write together and create with us."

"They've very involved in contributing musical and lyrical ideas," Spock adds. "We're concentrating on their strengths and building that into the songs, just like we do for everyone we've worked with," he says, referring to a resume that includes Avril Lavigne, Liz Phair, Britney Spears and Hilary Duff, among others.

A Matrix tour in support of the album, with Perry, A.K.A. and "a spectacular stage show" in tow, is probable.