As promised, former R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe today followed up the October release of his debut solo single “Your Capricious Soul” with a second single, “Drive to the Ocean,” released on his 60th birthday. Like its predecessor, this single also benefit a climate action group.
The new song — which Stipe has been playing live, along with its predecessor — can be streamed below and purchased at michaelstipe.com. The track is priced at 77 cents, but those who prefer to give more can pick their own price. The download includes “exclusive wallpapers, the (Stipe-directed) video, a lyric video, a high resolution audio version of the song as well as Stipe’s original lyric document.”
According to Stipe’s website, the singer will be “redirecting all of his earnings from sales and synchronization licensing for the first 365 days” to Pathway to Paris, a nonprofit dedicated to turning the Paris climate agreement into reality through innovative public engagement, cultural events and more.
Below, check out Stipe intro’ing the song in a short video clip — then hear it for yourself via the lyric video.
Michael’s new single “Drive to the Ocean” is available exclusively on https://t.co/RPUnPd7wy3. For 365 days, all his proceeds from the download will go to @Pathway2Paris. The exclusive bundle includes audio, video and extras. Watch the music video at: https://t.co/kyT9NR5OxR pic.twitter.com/Yk00mCRsBI
— R.E.M. HQ (@remhq) January 4, 2020
PREVIOUSLY ON SLICING UP EYEBALLS
- Michael Stipe to release debut solo single ‘Your Capricious Soul’ this weekend
- R.E.M. releases 2004 rerecording of ‘Reveal’ outtake ‘Fascinating’ to aid Bahamas recovery
- R.E.M.’s 6-disc ‘Monster’ reissue to feature newly remixed album, unheard demos, live set
- R.E.M., Sonic Youth, The Damned, Oingo Boingo, Squeeze may have lost tapes in UMG fire
- R.E.M.’s heavily bootlegged ‘Bingo Hand Job’ show gets vinyl Record Store Day release
- 9-disc ‘R.E.M. at the BBC’ features ’84 live set, full ‘Monster’ tour show, Glastonbury ’99 and more
- The absolute best of R.E.M.: All 282 songs ranked by Slicing Up Eyeballs’ readers
Michael, put down the late period Cohen, kick it to me, and leave with the three guys you came in with so we all get to sleep in our own beds tonight!