For the first time since R.E.M. disbanded in 2011, ex-frontman Michael Stipe has shared new music with the world. Only it’s not quite in the same vein of the seminal indie rock act — the piece is instrumental and accompanies footage from a film titled “The Cold Lands” from producer/director Tom Gilroy, whom Stipe has collaborated with over the past 30 years.
The soundtrack features resonant, crashing beats and dramatic synthesizer strokes to accompany an intimate waterfall scene. Stipe played the keyboards and electric drums for the piece. He also admits he had no intentions of adding vocals to the track, even saying, “If there was a singer, it wouldn’t have been me… It’s just that I don’t want to do it right now.”
R.E.M. Has a ‘Lot of Stuff in the Vaults’
“This is not what people want to hear from me,” Stipe admits. “But that’s want I want to offer, so…”
The music can be heard at Salon, where Stipe also answers questions about the project.
Stipe admits he doesn’t know if he’ll work on any more projects like this. He certainly seems at peace with R.E.M.’s breakup and is not considering any sort of reunion anytime soon.