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Michael Stipe shares new single "Drive to the Ocean" on his 60th birthday

Former R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe turns 60 today — happy birthday, Michael! — and he’s given us a present in the form of his second-ever solo single. “Drive to the Ocean” is dark and cinematic, with eerie synths, gregorian chants, pizzicato strings all as backing to Michael’s voice which is still in fine form. You can watch the video below.

Downloads of the single, available exclusively on Stipe’s website, benefit Pathway to Paris, a non-profit organization “dedicated to turning the Paris Agreement into reality through innovative public engagement, cultural events, supporting citizen driven initiatives and cities in developing and implementing ambitious climate action plans.” Says Stipe, “I am so happy to collaborate with Pathway To Paris for this year 2020. The work that they are doing is vital and foundational— it is essential for a future that we can and will claim as our own.”

Michael Stipe released his debut solo single, “Your Capricious Soul,” in October.