REM debut lyric video for “I Believe” to encourage people to vote

REM have released a new lyric video for their 1986 song “I Believe” to encourage fans to vote in the presidential election.

The video was created by long-time REM art director Chris Billheimer. It's inspired by the handcrafted designs frontman Michael Stipe created for himself throughout the year Fables of Reconstruction tour and the political-themed T-shirts he wore to the 1991 MTV VMAs, where the band used their acceptance speech Best video for “Losing My Religion” to bring attention to causes such as gun control, reproductive rights, voting rights and alternative energy sources.

“I believe the decisions in this election could not be more serious or important,” Stipe said in a statement. “Please vote and encourage everyone you know to do the same – this is how we win in 2024 and I believe we can do it!!!”

REM was released in September We are hope despite the timesan 18-track digital compilation designed to encourage fans to stay informed, engaged and vote during this election season. “I Believe” appears on the compilation alongside other politically-tinged songs, including “Welcome to the Occupation,” “Swan Swan H,” “Fall on Me,” and “World Leader Pretend.” “I Believe” was first released on REM’s 1986 LP. Life's Rich Pageant.

Although REM did not endorse a specific candidate in its election call, Stipe has promoted Kamala Harris, including appearing at a fundraiser in Pittsburgh. Harris' husband Doug Emhoff spoke about hanging out with Stipe during an interview with Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder and Jeff Ament on SiriusXM's Pearl Jam Radio. After an event in the musician's hometown of Athens, Georgia, Stipe and Emhoff visited the record store where REM was founded, and then Emhoff was allowed to visit Stipe's home.

“He took me there for a personal tour,” Emhoff said, “and he said, 'Oh yeah, this is exactly where I wrote.' Fables [of the Reconstruction]like the whole album in three weeks, just going around in circles.' I'm like, 'What?' And 'Right here, Peter and I talked about this.'”

During this conversation, Emhoff highlighted how many musicians have joined the Harris campaign, mentioning support from Jon Bon Jovi, Jason Isbell, Bruce Springsteen, Taylor Swift and, of course, Pearl Jam.

“The music industry has evolved the way you always have,” Emhoff said. “That’s what you’ve done from day one, using your voice, not only to make this music we all love, but also to speak the truth and engage. And to see that come back, and to talk to some of the people that I've listened to my whole life… [and] Doing that in a record store with Michael Stipe in Athens and picking out some records was pretty damn cool, man.”