During his recent appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, Michael Stipe returned to the spotlight to share a glimpse of his future work. The legendary artist performed an unreleased song titled “The Rest of Ever,” which he confirmed will be featured on his highly anticipated debut solo album, slated for release later this year.
A Conversation Beyond the Music
Beyond the performance, Stipe engaged in a wide-ranging conversation with Stephen Colbert. The discussion touched on everything from the evolution of Stipe’s signature beard to his current creative experiments. Among the more eccentric topics was Stipe’s interest in sea shanties and his unique approach to sound design. He revealed he is currently working on a track inspired by a recording of a tree in his Georgia backyard, which he noted, when played back via MIDI, bears a striking resemblance to the work of Daft Punk.
Reflecting on R.E.M. and Legacy
The conversation also turned toward the enduring legacy of R.E.M., including the band’s recent, brief reunion during a tribute concert featuring Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy. When the topic shifted to the hypothetical casting of a Stipe biopic, the artist shared his thoughts on potential actors. While he expressed amusement at the idea of Billie Eilish taking on the role, he was notably less enthusiastic about the suggestion of David Cross.
