Michael Stipe has revealed in a new interview that he will be working on new solo music throughout the summer.

Stipe has released a small number of singles in recent years, including last year’s Big Red Machine collaboration ‘No Time For Love Like Now’.

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Speaking to BBC HARDtalk, Stipe said that he intends to continue working on music this summer and well into the future.

“Oh, the music is not dying at all, no. I mean I love my voice, I love writing music and composing and arranging,” he said.

“It’s not an easy thing to do, though. I was really pushed when the band were together, but now I’m on my own I have zero representation: I don’t have a contract with anyone, I’m a free agent.”

‘The music is not dying at all’ says REM lead singer Michael Stipe who tells @stephensackur he’s ‘working this summer on some new music’ @remhq pic.twitter.com/7Kn2bs2RNW

— BBC HARDtalk (@BBCHARDtalk) June 18, 2021

Stipe said that he was “proud to release the songs that I put out”, citing his 2019 single ‘Your Capricious Soul’ in particular.

“I’m working this summer on some new music, and I hope to continue making sound and music a part of my life for the rest of my life,” he added. “It’s something I find great joy in.”

Last month R.E.M. announced a reissue of their debut single ‘Radio Free Europe’ to mark 40 years since the track’s initial release.

The special release will arrive next month and will be housed in a jacket that features photography by Stipe.