Michael Stipe reveals the truth on Hum Desiderata

Long after the breakup of R.E.M., Michael Stipe remains a force of creative energy, steadily building a solo world that blends his musical prowess with his deep immersion in visual art and sound design. This ongoing journey is currently offering fans another fascinating glimpse into the depth of his evolving artistic vision.

Most recently, Stipe unveiled “Hum Desiderata”, a new spoken word and musical work released for the online sound and art platform Joyfully Waiting. This piece is less of a conventional single and more of an immersive exhibition built around his creative process.

“Hum Desiderata” masterfully pairs Stipe’s heartfelt recitation of Max Ehrmann’s beloved poem “Desiderata” with an instrumental rendition of his unreleased song “Hum.” The resulting recording is a rich tapestry woven from various artistic threads. It incorporates Stipe’s narration from his previous Desiderata installation at the ICA Milan, alongside music penned and produced by longtime collaborator Andy LeMaster. Adding further texture to this sonic landscape, artist Elizabeth Hatmaker contributes additional vocals.

This new work serves as a compelling preview of the multifaceted sonic world Stipe is currently exploring. It highlights how his work transcends traditional song structures, treating sound as an immersive experience.

The development of Stipe’s solo output has been a deliberate process spanning several years, marked by an extensive exploration outside of the band dynamic. This multidisciplinary approach extends far beyond music; Stipe’s work encompasses photography, sculpture, video, and sound installations, leading to institutional recognition with his first exhibition at Milan’s ICA in 2023.

His creative philosophy seems rooted in finding the echoes and harmonies within everyday experiences. This idea was recently explored during a performance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, where he reflected on themes of time and natural rhythm, noting that one of his album tracks captured “the sound of a tree hearing itself for the first time.”

Whether crafting spoken poetry or composing instrumental pieces, Stipe continues to redefine boundaries between art forms. “Hum Desiderata” stands as a vibrant example of this ongoing evolution, inviting listeners into a space where literature, music, and visual art converge in a uniquely compelling way.