Courtesy of Michael StipeR.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe‘s first solo single, “Your Capricious Soul,” will be released as a digital download this Saturday, October 5, exclusively at his official website, MichaelStipe.com.
The arrival of the tune is timed to coincide with the “International Rebellion” climate justice protests that are taking place Monday, October 7.
All of Michael’s income from sales and licensing of the single will be donated to the Extinction Rebellion movement, to fund its work of organizing non-violent gatherings protesting government inaction with regard to the global climate emergency.
The track will costs 77 cents, although you can pay a larger amount to benefit the cause if you choose. Initially, “Your Capricious Soul” won’t appear on any major streaming platforms.
Discussing his new song, Stipe says, “I took a long break from music, and I wanted to jump back in. I love ‘Your Capricious Soul’ — it’s my first solo work.”
Regarding his interest in aiding Extinction Rebellion, Michael explains, “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,” he adds. “I believe we can bring the kind of change needed to improve our beautiful Planet Earth, our standing and our place on it.”
An accompanying video will premiere soon, directed by British filmmaker and photographer Sam Taylor-Johnson.
Stipe gave “Your Capricious Soul” its live debut in May of this year, when he opened for Patti Smith at Webster Hall in New York City. You can check out fan-shot video of the performance on YouTube.
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