News - Michael Stipe

This past weekend saw the release of ex-R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe’s long-awaited return to music with his debut solo track Your Capricious Soul. Have a listen...

Currently available to buy exclusively from MichaelStipe.com, the release is timed to coincide with today's International Rebellion climate justice protests. And, apparently, "for the next 365 days, Stipe is redirecting all of his earnings from sales and synchronisation licensing to Extinction Rebellion to help aid their work of non-violent protest of government inaction to the climate emergency."

The download page on Stipe's website says "Feel free to set your own price as a donation to Extinction Rebellion. The Your Capricious Soul download includes a master-quality audio version of the song, the video, Stipe's lyric document, a print-ready poster, stencil and an animated flip-book portrait... or download just the song for free."

In explaining why he’s chosen to release the song like this, Stipe says, “I took a long break from music, and I wanted to jump back in. I love Your Capricious Soul - it’s my first solo work. I want to add my voice to this exciting shift in consciousness. Extinction Rebellion gave me the incentive to push the release and not wait. Our relationship to the environment has been a lifelong concern, and I now feel hopeful—optimistic, even. I believe we can bring the kind of change needed to improve our beautiful planet earth, our standing and our place on it.”

Here's the Your Capricious Soul video by artist and filmmaker Sam Taylor-Johnson.



Image - Michael Stipe