AceShowbiz - Michael Stipe appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Thursday to introduce his new single "The Rest of Ever" and discuss his highly anticipated first solo album.

Joining Stipe on stage were Louis Cato and the Great Big Joy Machine, collaborators from his earlier single "No Time for Love Like Now," performing the fresh track live for the very first time. Stephen Colbert highlighted the song as part of Stipe’s upcoming "incredible album."

In a pre-performance interview, Stipe revealed, "My record is coming out at the end of the year, nobody knows that yet so I'm announcing it now. My first-ever solo record." He expressed excitement about sharing the new music with the audience and described the moment as a special gift to the show.

The artist also shared intriguing details about the album’s creative process, explaining that he is currently finishing the final lyrics. Among the tracks is a unique composition inspired by nature: "One of the songs is the sound of a tree hearing itself for the first time ... My friend recorded a tree in my backyard in Georgia and played it back to itself, it sounds like Daft Punk." Additionally, the album will feature a sea shanty based on the traditional "Drunken Sailor," showcasing Stipe’s diverse musical influences.

During the interview, Stipe also reflected on his brief reunion with R.E.M. at the Songwriters Hall of Fame event and his cameo appearances at tribute concerts honoring the band, performed by Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy.

Stipe expressed admiration for these tribute performances, noting, "I'm like the biggest fan of those guys doing that, because I've never gotten to hear those songs before live, because I was in the middle of it, I was singing." He described hearing these renditions as experiencing a part of himself interpreted by others he respects deeply.

This marks a new chapter in Stipe’s musical journey, as fans eagerly await the release of his first solo record later this year, promising a blend of innovative sounds and personal storytelling.