Q&A: Michael Stipe on Hurricane Katrina Recovery

R.E.M. lead singer Michael Stipe has supported Mercy Corps' Gulf Coast Recovery program in many important ways. Photo: courtesy of R.E.M.

Like millions of Americans, Michael Stipe was profoundly affected by Hurricane Katrina and its disturbing aftermath.

As lead singer of R.E.M. and an activist in many social causes, Stipe was uniquely placed to raise his voice - and the world's awareness - to call attention to the plight of Gulf Coast hurricane survivors. So, in January 2006, Stipe released "In the Sun," an album to benefit Mercy Corps' work in Louisiana and Mississippi. "In the Sun" has been a critical and commercial success, placing high on the list of most-downloaded albums on Apple's iTunes for several weeks and raising $100,000 for Mercy Corps' life-changing programs.

Over the past few months, Stipe has remained active in focusing the world's attention on the Gulf Coast: first producing a short documentary about "In the Sun" for the Sundance Channel and then attending events to show his support for Gulf Coast recovery and rebuilding. One such event was the launch of famous jeweler Cartier's LOVE bracelets, at which Cartier recognized Stipe's efforts and pledged $75,000 and a portion of bracelet sales to Mercy Corps programs.

Since the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, Stipe has been an ardent supporter of hurricane survivors, a champion for rebuilding Gulf Coast communities and a clear voice of action. He recently took time to speak with us about the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

What are your thoughts on the situation along the Gulf Coast, one year after Hurricane Katrina?

Stipe: I don't think my thoughts one year after Hurricane Katrina are very different from everyone else's; it's shocking to me what a profound mess was made of the current administration's response to the crisis in the very important first moments and days. It's even more shocking that, one year later, the efforts to correct that terrible response have yet to be addressed in any real way.

In January 2006, Stipe (above, right) visited Mercy Corps programs in New Orleans and discussed rebuilding with staff member Preston Browning. Photo: Eric Block/Mercy Corps

How do you think "In the Sun" has brought the continuing plight of hurricane survivors to light?

"In the Sun" was a modest effort to keep focus on the Gulf region and those who were directly impacted by this terrible series of events. The media had their day and then moved on to other news. The federal government just kind of turned a blind eye; I can't imagine that if this level of destruction had happened in Malibu, Sarasota or Santa Barbara, the response would have been the same. The disaster, and the aftermath, uncovered some very deep economic, racial and societal issues that are sadly very much a part of 21st century America.

Have there been any unexpected things - conversations, collaborations or the like - that have come about as a result of "In the Sun"?

Every single person who worked on the project came with their hearts wide open and a deep desire to say something, to help somehow, to let those directly impacted know that we will not turn away from their plight. This helped me to see a basic humanity that, to be truthful, I needed to see right then. It was a very dark moment in our history as a nation, and remains so.

What's the most indelible image from your first visit to the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina?

I had never witnessed that level of destruction before, anywhere, in all my travels. Visiting the Lower Ninth Ward (in New Orleans), months after Hurricane Katrina, and seeing firsthand what became of that neighborhood…the level of destruction was apocalyptic and deeply disturbing.

How do you feel about your collaboration with Mercy Corps on Gulf Coast relief and rebuilding?

I was honored to work alongside such a great organization as Mercy Corps. I hope that the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina might, through media and a refocusing of the public's attention, bring some resolution to what happened there.

For more information on Michael Stipe's Gulf Coast awareness efforts, or to find out how to purchase "In the Sun," please visit the In the Sun Foundation.