R.E.M. has launched an impactful new profit EP entitled Radio Free Europe 2025. This five-track assortment encompasses a contemporary remix of the band’s iconic 1981 debut single, “Radio Free Europe,” reimagined by famend producer and long-time collaborator Jacknife Lee. The EP is at the moment obtainable for digital obtain, with a vinyl version set to be launched on September 12 by Craft Information. Notably, all proceeds from the vinyl gross sales might be donated to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), a nonpartisan and nonprofit group that has enormously influenced R.E.M.’s early work. You possibly can take heed to the brand new EP under.
The manufacturing of Radio Free Europe 2025 was guided by Mitch Easter, the band’s unique producer, who recorded R.E.M. at his Drive-In Studio in 1981. That preliminary recording session included tracks reminiscent of “Radio Free Europe,” “Sitting Nonetheless,” and the instrumental piece “Wh. Twister,” all of that are featured within the new EP.
This launch coincides with the seventy fifth anniversary of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and comes simply earlier than World Press Freedom Day, celebrated on Saturday, Might 3. RFE/RL operates throughout 23 international locations and broadcasts information in 27 totally different languages, offering important info to areas the place free press is usually restricted or endangered by the ruling authorities. The group is at the moment dealing with challenges as a consequence of vital funding cuts carried out by President Donald J. Trump; nonetheless, a federal decide not too long ago dominated that his administration should reinstate the $12 million allotted by Congress to assist it.
In discussing the importance of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe remarked, “Whether or not it’s music or a free press—censorship wherever is a menace to the reality all over the place. On World Press Freedom Day, I need to acknowledge the courageous journalists at Radio Free Europe.” He additionally shared insights concerning the new music throughout an interview on CBS Mornings, which you’ll watch on Instagram.
Bassist Mike Mills echoed Stipe’s ideas, stating, “The journalists at Radio Free Europe have been difficult dictators for 75 years. You realize you are fulfilling your mission while you earn the ire of the proper enemies. Joyful World Press Freedom Day to the ‘OG’ Radio Free Europe.”
Stephen Capus, president and CEO of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, added, “R.E.M.’s music has all the time celebrated freedom—freedom of expression, thought-provoking lyrics, and galvanizing melodies. These rules align immediately with the mission of our journalists at Radio Free Europe: to tell, encourage, and uphold freedoms which are usually exhausting to come back by for our audiences. We maintain dictators accountable, who go to nice lengths to silence us—whether or not by blocking our web sites, jamming our indicators, and even imprisoning our colleagues.”
