R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe Is Releasing His Debut Solo Single This Week

It's been eight years since R.E.M. broke up, and frontman Michael Stipe is finally jumpstarting his solo career.

On Saturday (October 5), he'll be releasing his debut solo single "Your Capricious Soul," which will initially be available for purchase via his website for 77 cents. The song's proceeds will benefit Extinction Rebellion, a socio-political movement that aims to compel government to address the climate crisis by staging nonviolent protests. The track's release will coincide with the International Rebellion climate justice protests on October 7.

“I took a long break from music, and I wanted to jump back in," Stipe said in a statement. "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.”

Stipe debuted "Your Capricious Soul" live earlier this year. Watch fan footage of the performance below.

Over the summer, Stipe revealed that he has 18 solo songs "already ready" so hopefully we'll be getting a solo album sooner rather than later.

Photo: Getty Images