In a recent interview with the New York Times, R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe reflected on his initial encounter with Taylor Swift during the making of his debut solo record.
Taylor, Jack Antonoff, Matty Healy from the 1975 (who Swift was dating then), and Phoebe Bridgers coincidentally found themselves at Electric Lady Studios simultaneously, leading to an impromptu get-together. When encountering Swift, Stipe offered his hand and said:
“You must be Taylor.”
Taylor’s Response To Michael
In her reply, Swift noted:
“Jack and Matty were saying they talked to you for hours yesterday. They were like, ‘Best conversation!’ They were so excited to be talking to you!”
Stipe went to Electric Lady Studios in May to record new songs, like ‘I’m the Charge’ and a new version of his 2019 charity single ‘Your Capricious Soul.’ He also collaborated with Courtney Love on another project. The sessions were with producer Andy LeMaster and LCD Soundsystem drummer Pat Mahoney.
Stipe’s Solo Album Journey
The singer’s gradually working on his first complete set of songs since his band broke up in 2011. Even though he wanted to release the album in early 2023, unexpected things like family emergencies, art exhibits, moving homes, and COVID got in the way, causing delays. Stipe said the following about his album last December, speaking to Departures:
“I’m working on a solo album, my first. I’m collaborating with a bunch of different musicians, and each of those songs, if I get my way, which I think I will because I’m paying for it, will be very different. I have no management. I have no label. For the first time in my adult life, I don’t have a contract with anyone except myself.”
After R.E.M. disbanded, Stipe has dropped several solo singles like ‘Your Capricious Soul’ in 2019 and ‘Drive to the Ocean’ in 2020. Additionally, he worked as a co-producer on the 2018 album ‘Sir’ by the electroclash duo Fischerspooner.
