Bieber producing track for girlfriend Selena

Add “aspiring producer” to the list of Justin Bieber’s new pursuits (a list that already includes chart topper, alleged slugger and Steve McQueen-worthy motorist). MTV reports that the 18-year-old singer, whose new album “Believe” earned high praise for its tasteful gloss and vocal virtuosity, is expanding his musical repertoire into writing and producing for his girlfriend, actress-singer Selena Gomez.

Bieber reportedly vetted the track with Black Eyed Peas mastermind and recent Bieber collaborator will.i.am, who described it as “really, really dope.”

The track, whose title is as yet unknown, seems to be potentially in line for Gomez’s planned 2013 release, which also is reported to include tracks from seasoned pop hands such as Toby Gad and Rock Mafia. Early reports suggested it might be heavy on confessionals from her relationship with Bieber, but recent interviews suggest it might be less specific and more in line with fizzy disco such as “Love You Like a Love Song.”

If Bieber’s own album “Believe” is any indication, his tastes these days veer toward sleek Europhile dance-pop and the catchier ends of vintage Motown. And while there may be no more reliable hitmaking hand than will.i.am today, he also signed off on “My Humps,” so we’ll reserve judgment until we hear the track.