Mike Mills on R.E.M.’s New EP: “You Know You’re Doing Your Job When You Make the Right Enemies”
R.E.M. announced their breakup nearly 15 years ago, and aside from a few one-off performances, they’ve kept it that way. Now, though, they’re throwing it back all the way to their 1981 debut with a new EP to celebrate freedom of expression.
Radio Free Europe is a five-track benefit album that marks the 75th anniversary of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. The organization was established by the U.S. and currently broadcasts news and information in 27 languates to 23 coutnries where free press is either banned or under threat. “Throughout the Cold War and continuing today, RFE/RL is often the only lifeline to the outside world for people living under extreme censorship,” a press release states. “Members of R.E.M. say this mission of promoting free expression has always resonated with the band.”
R.E.M. bassist Mike Mills shared his own thoughts saying, “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.”
The new EP opens with a 2025 remix of their debut single “Radio Free Europe” by GRAMMY-winning producer Jacknife Lee followed by the original 1981 recordings. That includes the Hib-tone single mix of the titular song, the flip-side “Sitting Still,” the “Wh. Tornado” demo, and the never-before-released 1981 remix of “Radio Free Dub.”
Lee’s remix of “Radio Free Europe” puts Mills’s driving bass line front and center.
Radio Free Europe 2025 is streaming now on Apple Music, Amazon, and more. A vinyl copy is open to preorders on the R.E.M. website.
Radio Free Europe 2025 Track List:
- Radio Free Europe 2025 (Jacknife Lee Remix)*
- Radio Free Dub (Mitch Easter 1981 Remix)*
- Radio Free Europe (Original Hib-Tone Single)
- Sitting Still (Original Hib-Tone B-Side)
- Wh. Tornado (From Cassette Set) **
*Never-before-released
**First time on digital and vinyl
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
