R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe is working on a solo album.

He told The New York Times that over the last couple of years, he’s struggled with writer’s block, due to various upsets, distractions, and emergencies. He broke through earlier this year and now has written all the songs for the project.

He said, “I’m wildly insecure. I have impostor syndrome to the f-ing max.” He admitted that he would see old clips of R.E.M. and wonder how he ever did that? He said, “It’s hard to be in competition with your former self.” 

Outside of his own music, he did mention that he also recorded a duet with Courtney Love for her upcoming record. He gave no hint of when it might be released.