Michael Stipe Debuts New Song "Hum Desiderata" Ahead of Upcoming Solo Album

Michael Stipe fans have been patiently waiting for his long-in-the-works solo album, and it appears the R.E.M. frontman is offering another preview of what's to come.

Stipe has debuted a new song, "Hum Desiderata," on the sound exhibition platform Joyfully Waiting.

According to the track's description, "Hum Desiderata" combines Stipe's recitation of the poem "Desiderata" by Max Ehrmann from his installation at ICA Milan with an instrumental track by Stipe and Andy LeMaster. The recording also features additional vocals from artist Elizabeth Hatmaker.

The track is now streaming on the Joyfully Waiting platform.

Stipe discussed his upcoming solo album during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in April, revealing that it is expected to be released at the end of 2026. During the appearance, he also debuted "The Rest of Ever," backed by Louis Cato and The Great Big Joy Machine.

In March, Stipe also released "I Played the Fool," which he recorded with producer Andrew Watt as the theme song for the HBO series Rooster.

Content for this summary was derived from original reporting by ABC Audio, as featured on 105.7 The Point