Bent By Nature - Ep. 8: Half A World Away (with Michael Stipe)
It\u2019s September of 1984. And Deirdre is head over heels for a fast-rising quartet from Athens, Georgia called R.E.M. In just a few years, the band\u2019s music will be inescapable on commercial and college radio alike \u2014 and their massive success will mark a turning point for the American musical underground.
\n\u201cThere were moments when R.E.M., my former band, were hugely popular,\u201d says ex-singer Michael Stipe. \u201cAnd we were able to really push the boundaries of what's acceptable within mainstream culture. KCRW and Deirdre and \u2018SNAP!\u2019 were doing the same thing.\u201d
Stipe was a close friend of Deirdre\u2019s, and of the countless bands who passed through their orbit. He gave Concrete Blonde their name; produced Vic Chesnutt\u2019s first two albums; and introduced Deirdre to Hugo Largo, which led to their signing with Brian Eno\u2019s record label. In this episode, Stipe reflects on his life in LA in the mid-\u201980s, at a time when he and Deirdre were kindred spirits.