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Michael Stipe – “Hum Desiderata”
Michael Stipe has released “Hum Desiderata”, a new preview of his forthcoming debut solo album. The former R.E.M. singer’s latest release follows his April debut of “The Rest Of Ever”, signalling further progress towards a solo project after decades leading the band.
The track is available exclusively through the sound-exhibition platform Joyfully Waiting. It combines an instrumental called “Hum”, made by Stipe and Andy LeMaster, with Stipe and vocalist Elizabeth Hatmaker reciting Max Ehrmann’s 1927 poem “Desiderata”; Stipe recently also performed the Rooster theme song on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and received an Emmy nomination connected to his Simpsons episode.
In short
- Michael Stipe releases another solo-album preview.
- “Hum Desiderata” sets a 1927 poem to music.
- The track is exclusive to Joyfully Waiting.
Explained simply
Michael Stipe was the lead singer of R.E.M., one of the most influential rock bands of the past four decades. He is now pursuing a solo career for the first time, marking a significant shift after leading the band throughout his entire professional life.
"Hum Desiderata" is a preview track from Stipe's forthcoming debut solo album. The song combines an instrumental with a spoken recitation of a 1927 poem called "Desiderata", blending music with poetry.
Stipe has been gradually revealing music from his solo album, having shared another track called "The Rest Of Ever" earlier this year. These releases are part of his step-by-step introduction to audiences of his new musical direction.