In the United Kingdom, R.E.M. front man Michael Stipe is set to release a solo single that will be the world’s first widely available bioplastic vinyl.
Called Future if Future, the song will be included on a limited run of 500 vinyl records manufactured by London’s Evolution Music. The single will also be available digitally, with sales benefiting EarthPercent, the environmental charity of the song’s producer, Brian Eno.
“I’m thrilled to be working with EarthPercent and Evolution Music on this release, imagining positive innovation through action,” Stipe says in a statement. “Simply showing that this type of solution-based project is possible opens pathways to a brighter future.”
R.E.M. pioneered the alternative rock genre in the 80s and 90s with mega-hits such as “Losing My Religion” and “Shiny Happy People” before separating in 2011 to pursue solo projects.