R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe releases single on climate-friendly vinyl

Updated / Sunday, 4 Sep 2022 11:00

Michael Stipe. Picture: Getty

Former R.E.M. front man and lifelong eco activist Michael Stipe has released track his debut solo song Future If Future on the world's first commercially available bioplastic 12″ vinyl.

The limited run of 500 pressings of the single has already sold out, reports the NME. It was produced by former Roxy Music member and Talking Heads and U2 producer Brian Eno and it also features Oh My Heart by Beatie Wolfe.

All proceeds from sales of Future If Future, which was first surfaced in 2018, will go to Eno’s climate emergency EarthPercent. The single is still available digitally as part of a compilation featuring Peter Gabriel, Big Thief, and Hot Chip.

"I’m thrilled to be working with EarthPercent and Evolution Music on this release," said Stipe in a statement.

"Imagining positive innovation through action. Simply showing that this type of solution-based project is possible opens pathways to a brighter future."

Speaking earlier this year about his collaboration with Stipe, Eno on said, "I’m very pleased with the way it’s gone. It’s a very good song, a very Stipe song. Beautiful lyrics, extraordinary piece."

R.E.M. were well known for campaigning for the protection of the environment during their 31-year career and addressed the issue on songs such as Fall and and on their 1988 album, Green.