REM release ‘Radio Free Europe 2025’ benefit EP
REM have released the new five-track Radio Free Europe EP, which consists of five variations of their debut single.
The EP includes a never-before-released 2025 remix by the band’s longtime collaborator, Jacknife Lee. The release coincides with the 75th anniversary of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, an editorially independent, nonpartisan, and non-profit corporation that will receive 100 per cent of proceeds from vinyl sales.
REM’s Michael Stipe said in a statement: “Whether it’s music or a free press – censorship anywhere is a threat to the truth everywhere. On World Press Freedom Day, I’m sending a shout-out to the brave journalists at Radio Free Europe”.
Meanwhile, the band’s Mike Mills, added: “Radio Free Europe’s journalists have been pissing off dictators for 75 years. You know you’re doing your job when you make the right enemies. Happy World Press Freedom Day to the ‘OG’ Radio Free Europe.”
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty was founded 75 years ago. It continues to broadcast news in 23 languages to 27 regions where free press is under threat. The institution claims to be the “only lifeline to the outside world for people living under extreme censorship.”
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s President and CEO, Stephen Capus, is proud of the collaboration with REM, remarking, “To me, REM’s music has always embodied a celebration of freedom: freedom of expression, lyrics that make us think, and melodies that inspire action. Those are the very aims of our journalists at Radio Free Europe—to inform, inspire, and uphold freedoms often elusive to our audiences.”
He passionately continued: “We hold dictators accountable. They go to great lengths to silence us—blocking our websites, jamming our signals, and even imprisoning our colleagues.”
The EP is available to stream now and for pre-order on vinyl through Craft Recordings.
REM – ‘Radio Free Europe’ tracklist:
Radio Side:
- ‘Radio Free Europe 2025’ (Jacknife Lee Remix)
- ‘Radio Free Dub’ (Mitch Easter 1981 Remix)
Liberty Side:
- ‘Radio Free Europe’ (Original Hib-Tone Single)
- ‘Sitting Still’ (Original Hib-Tone B-Side)
- ‘Wh. Tornado’ (From Cassette Set)
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