Michael Stipe announced his single “Future If Future” back in 2018. Now he’s back, even if not with the whole song. The song is set to appear on the first commercially available bioplastic vinyl. An official release date is not yet known.
Four years ago, the ex-REM singer shared a first excerpt of “Future If Future” in support of the “March For Our Lives” protest movement – now the whole single is to be released. The track is about how people have the power to change the world for the better. The singer also wants to express this optimism in the physical product. That’s why the work is sold on an eco-friendly record, designed to counteract the negative environmental impact of vinyl.
“Future If Future”: A cooperation with EarthPercent and Evolution Music
According to Billboard, it’s a split with Beatie Wolfe’s “Oh My Heart” on the B-side. It is being brought out by Future If Future producer Brian Eno. He heads the environmental organization EarthPercent, which sold out a limited edition of 500 copies through Bandcamp on September 2nd.
The bio vinyl was developed by the British music sustainability organization Evolution Music. The material is made of bioplastic that contains no fossil fuels. A sometimes important selling point is that the extremely environmentally harmful plastic polyvinyl chloride is not required, but the sustainable version can still be produced on the same presses as conventional vinyl.
Stipe himself is very proud of his work. He said in a statement, “I’m thrilled to be collaborating with EarthPercent and Evolution Music on this release and introducing positive innovation through action. Simply showing that this kind of solution-oriented project is possible opens avenues to a better future”.
Check out the excerpt from Michael Stipe’s solo single “Future If Future” here: