Michael Stipe talks about the new album: "I want it to live up to R.E.M." And he weighs in on the possibility of a reunion

Michael Stipe is working on his first solo album and is aiming to release it by the end of 2026, but admits that measuring up to his past weighs on him. In an interview with the Times, the singer explained that the project is moving more slowly than expected, partly because of the artistic legacy of R.E.M., a yardstick that makes the goal especially daunting.

According to Stipe, the long gap began after the band broke up. He needed to distance himself from music, and only after a few years did he start writing again. "Covid didn't help," he says, "but I'm finishing it now." The creative process, however, has been anything but simple: he wants the record to live up to the legacy of R.E.M., a standard he calls "almost impossible to reach."

For the first time, Stipe is also handling the musical composition himself. He says he feels competent, though he doesn't consider himself an extraordinary songwriter. On the other hand, he's very confident about his voice: he doesn't like hearing himself talk, but when he sings, that perception changes, and the urge to return to music becomes overwhelming.

Work on the album is not yet finished. Eight songs still need to be completed, mostly the lyrics. The title hasn't been decided, though "Meet The Michael Stipe" is among the rumored options. Over the years, the singer has nonetheless released a few solo tracks, including "Your Capricious Soul," out in October 2019, and more recently "I Played The Fool," included in the soundtrack of "Rooster" (listen to it below).

In the same interview, Stipe also describes himself as an optimist and maintains that there's always room for hope in his lyrics. Among the things that have recently struck him, he mentions "Berghain" by Rosalía, a track that reminded him of the impact he felt the first time he heard the Sex Pistols. At the same time, he insists on the importance of keeping critical distance from his own work, to avoid falling into self-satisfaction.

As for a possible R.E.M. reunion, the idea remains off the table. Stipe points out that the band members have stayed friends, and that the group went through more than thirty years of intense activity together, an experience that often ends up straining relationships. In this case, however, the bond has remained intact even after their shared musical story came to an end.

"I Played The Fool," the track chosen as the theme song for "Rooster," the new college dramedy produced by Steve Carell for HBO, marks the first collaboration between Stipe and producer Andrew Watt, both credited as writers and performers. Also taking part in the recording are Travis Barker of Blink-182 on drums and guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, formerly of Red Hot Chili Peppers. The effect is curious: Stipe's voice moves over a very polished backing track, far from the atmospheres he's usually associated with. Still, it's a pleasure to hear him again in a new recording.

In the press release accompanying the release, Stipe stated: "I'm thrilled to lend my voice to 'Rooster'. I'm a huge fan of everyone involved in the project, and it's a true honor to be part of it with 'I Played The Fool'." Watt added: "Michael Stipe is a hero of mine. Writing a song with him was like living out a dream. He's one of the great songwriters of his generation, and on this track he did exactly what only he can do. With this theme song he sends 'Rooster' to the moon, making you laugh and cry at the same time, with the best TV theme to clap along to since 'Friends'."

"I Played The Fool" is available today via WaterTower Music. "Rooster" is already streaming on HBO's platform.

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