Michael Stipe says his first solo album is “almost finished”

Michael Stipe, the former R.E.M. frontman, has said his first solo album is “almost finished” and that he aims to complete it by the end of 2026. According to OndaRock, he spoke on the podcast “Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky”, released on 6 October. No final title or release date has been announced.

Stipe is working at Electric Lady Studios in New York. During the interview he played a snippet of a new song built on an instrumental track from producer Andrew Watt. The two previously worked together on “I Played The Fool”, used in the series “Rooster”. Stipe described the new piece as very heavy and gothic in mood, with lyrics written the day before.

The album is shaping up as varied, drawing on collaborations developed over recent years, including work with Brian Eno and Andrew Watt. Stipe said the common thread will be his voice. Peaches, who appeared on R.E.M.'s last album, “Collapse Into Now” (2011), may take part, and some songs have a disco feel. A recurring theme is the passing of time.

Since R.E.M. split, Stipe has released “Your Capricious Soul”, “Drive To The Ocean”, “No Time For Love Like Now” (with Big Red Machine), “The Rest Of Ever” and “Hum Desiderata”. It is unclear which will make the album. He said he is so immersed in the work that he feels he is reclaiming his place in music.

Michael Stipe is an American musician born in 1960 in Decatur, associated with alternative rock, folk rock and college rock.