Drummer Chad Smith says new album will be released 'sometime next year'
Both nominees make the ballot on their first year of eligibility
Chad Smith's 'Bombastic Meatbats' is due out next month
Band set to end two-year hiatus this year
John Frusciante releases 'The Empyrean' this month
Red Hot Chili Peppers' singer denies transplant rumours
Flea also helps out fellow Red Hot Chili Pepper on solo effort
'Scar Tissue' to hit the small screen
Red Hot Chili Peppers man is a student at the LA university
Flea is a freshman at USC