TORONTO - Steven Page left the Barenaked Ladies in February in search of new opportunities, but the move appears to have created some for his former bandmates.

The Toronto band's multi-instrumentalist Kevin Hearn says that with Page out of the picture, the rest of the group is taking on larger roles as they craft a new album.

Hearn told The Canadian Press in a telephone interview that he and bassist Jim Creeggan would each sing a "couple songs" on the band's new record, though he notes that Page's absence has created a different dynamic.

"It's sort of forced us to try new things, but we're trying new things and it's a positive atmosphere," Hearn said.

Hearn says the band is in Toronto working on the new album with producer Michael Phillip Wojewoda, who helmed their 1992 debut "Gordon" and 1996's "Born on a Pirate Ship."

He says they have 16 songs almost finished and they're aiming for a fall release.

"I think it's got the classic elements of a Barenaked Ladies record but it sounds different than any of our records, inevitably, because it's a new lineup," said Hearn, who declined to provide a title for the album. "The process has been very positive and harmonious. "

"We're all pretty excited about it. I think it's a good record."

And Hearn says the band is particularly driven this time around, perhaps because the new album arrives at a turning point for the group.

"I think there's sort of a hunger built in to make the best record we can," he said.

Page's departure from the band earlier this year came during a turbulent time for the Ladies.

The group suffered through a public-relations nightmare last July when Page, his girlfriend and her roommate were charged with drug possession after police found cocaine at a Fayetteville, N.Y., apartment. The charges were later dismissed.

More recently, the Barenaked Ladies decided to switch up their management, bolting Vancouver-based Nettwerk in favour of new L.A.-based firm, CAM 8 Management.

It was a blow for Nettwerk and its CEO Terry McBride, who had guided the Ladies' career for years and who lost another prominent client in pop-punk star Avril Lavigne in December.

For the band's part, Hearn said the switch just felt right.

"You know, it was just time for a change," he said. "We needed some fresh energy, we've had a great run with Nettwerk and it was just time for a change. "

"You know the feeling you get when you're in your life and you just need to make changes? We're friends with Terry, and I personally have a lot of respect for him -- there's no bad blood or anything."

Meanwhile, Hearn has just released a fourth solo album with his band, Thin Buckle. "Havana Winter" is a placid, summery pop record that Hearn says took about two years to put together.

The disc features guest appearances from former Velvet Underground frontman Lou Reed and his wife, Laurie Anderson. The 40-year-old Hearn calls Reed "a hero, as well as a friend" and says that the noisy guitar squalls Reed contributed to "Coma" comprise a highlight of the album.

"I love it -- I think it's pretty unique, and only he could do that," Hearn said. "He wanted it quite loud, and I wanted him to be happy with it so I turned it up as loud as he wanted it."

Hearn says that he had to make the record in the "pockets of time" between Barenaked Ladies-related obligations. But working on his own disc provided a welcome distraction when his main band encountered bumps in the road.

"Absolutely," he said. "But music's always been that way for me, in some form."