During his recent appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, Michael Stipe returned to the spotlight to share a glimpse of his future musical endeavors. The legendary artist treated the audience to a performance of 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.
The conversation between Stipe and Colbert spanned a variety of eclectic topics, ranging from the singer’s evolving aesthetic to his fascination with maritime history. Stipe revealed that he is currently composing a sea shanty, complete with characteristically eccentric lyrics. He also shared a unique anecdote about a recording project involving a tree in his Georgia backyard, which, when played back through a MIDI recording, produced a sound he likened to Daft Punk.
Beyond his solo work, the discussion touched on the enduring legacy of R.E.M., including the band’s recent, brief reunion at a tribute concert featuring Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy. Stipe also entertained the hypothetical question of who might portray him in a potential biopic, humorously dismissing the idea of David Cross while expressing an affinity for the prospect of Billie Eilish taking on the role.
