R.E.M.‘s Michael Stipe has revealed plans to release his debut solo album next year.

Speaking about his upcoming album in a recent interview with Departures, the former R.E.M. frontman said, “I’m working on a solo album, my first. I’m collaborating with a bunch of different musicians, and each of those songs, if I get my way – which I think I will because I’m paying for it – will be very different.

“I have no management. I have no label. For the first time in my adult life, I don’t have a contract with anyone except myself. So I get to do whatever I want. Anyway, there will be a visual representation for each of the songs, and it should come together next year. I’m hoping to build slowly,” he added.

Besides the album, Stipe also discussed plans to conduct an art show in Milan and his next book with Italian publisher Damiani.

Stipe said he had considered quitting music when R.E.M. disbanded in 2011.

The poetic lyricist had confirmed last year that the members of the alternative rock band had no plans to reunite.

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