Michael’s Q&A with BlackBirdSpyplane


“I was writing a lot before the pandemic, which kind of put things on hold, but now I’m back at it. It’s different, writing the music myself, rather than having Peter, Mike and Bill write it for me. But I’ve been working with a great singer-songwriter named Andy LeMaster, and having a really fun time. … Continued

New Adventures In Hi-Def


As the latest installment in New Adventures in Hi-Def, the official music video for band favorite track “How The West Was Won and Where It Got Us” has been newly remastered! 

Watch Mike & Bertis on the Walker Webcast (YouTube)


Mike & Bertis were guests on the Walker Webcast earlier this week where they talked with host Willy Walker about the band’s “journey from Athens, Georgia to the world stage, building a business and iconic brand, the inspiration behind various hit songs, and much more.” Watch the in-depth, fascinating conversation on the Walker and Dunlop YouTube … Continued

Mike & Bertis on the Walker Webcast Wednesday


In January of 1992, in between the release of Out Of Time and the recording of Automatic For The People, the band visited Paraguay with some friends and colleagues to check out some of the work being done to preserve natural lands hunted by indigenous Aché people.

“Michael Stipe is Present”: The Bitter Southerner Cover Story


Check the latest cover story at The Bitter Southerner, Issue No 2.  In “Michael Stipe is Present,” Michael and writer David Peisner meet up to talk about Michael’s life as an artist, his new book and how he’s feeling about a lot of things these days.   Kyle Tibbs Jones of the magazine posted:   … Continued

Stream “Be Mine (Mike on Bus version)”


“Be Mine (Mike on Bus version)” is available to stream/download now! Taken from the upcoming 25th anniversary edition of New Adventures in Hi-Fi (releasing October 29), Mike reflects on this early demo recording “I think it’s actually better than the one on the record…. It had a lot more feeling and a lot more soul, … Continued

Michael Guests on WNYC Tuesday (9.21)


Michael will be a guest tomorrow, Tuesday (9.21), on “All Of It With Alison Stewart”–“a fresh take on culture, the arts & the news of the day,” hosted by Alison Stewart; Be sure to tune in at 1:00pm EST for his conversation on WNYC.

Live “Bad Day” from 2003 on Benefit Compilation for Nuçi’s Space


The band is excited to have a song on the Nuçi’s Space benefit compilation coming out on Keeled Scales October 1. The 30-track comp. features covers, rarities, demos, live tracks & alternate takes by a host of talented artists along with a live version of “Bad Day” from Clinton Studios in NYC on October 7, … Continued

Read Michael’s Interview with SCMP


Check out Michael’s interview with Andrew Sun of the South China Morning Post as they discuss Michael’s latest book, why he values “fearlessness,” and his latest musical projects.

Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”


R.E.M. has three songs included in Rolling Stone’s recently updated list of “the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” just posted online & available in the October issue of the magazine. According to Rolling Stone, this is the first update since the original list was published in 2004. More than 250 artists, writers and industry figures … Continued

Listen to Jason Isbell Cover “Driver 8”


Georgia Blue, the new covers album from Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, will be released digitally on October 15th. The celebratory recording features guest performances from Julien Baker, Brandi Carlile, Béla Fleck, Steve Gorman, Peter Levin, Amanda Shires, Brittney Spencer, Chris Thile, Sadler Vaden, Adia Victoria and John Paul White. All proceeds will benefit … Continued