Michael Stipe has spoken about releasing his first new music since REM split in 2011, Digital Spy said.

The singer-songwriter has recorded new material for his friend Tom Gilroy's film The Cold Lands.

Stipe worked on a soundscape rather than traditional songs for the movie's soundtrack, alongside musician Andy LeMaster.

"He's a tremendous producer, he's a tremendous person," Stipe told Salon.

"I know I work well with other people - to have someone to bounce something off of works for me, and I don't actually write music. I wrote melodies and I tend to write along to other people's music. That's what I've done most of my career as a musician."

He continued: "I went to Andy knowing that if I painted myself into a corner, he'd pull me out - and also that he'd be more than a neutral engineer/collaborator to work with. We work really well together.

"This is, in fact, the first thing that I've done musically since REM disbanded. So, of course, I wanted it to be for something that meant a lot to me. That was important."

Last month, REM bassist Mike Mills dismissed rumours that the band could reunite following the 25th anniversary of the release of their album Green.