Actual Villains Release Cover of R.E.M.'s "Losing My Religion"

Actual Villains Release Cover of R.E.M.'s "Losing My Religion"

Jared Stossel
Music
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Actual Villains, an ever-evolving alt-metal project started by vocalist Andrew DeNeef, has released a cover of R.E.M.’s massively popular track “Losing My Religion”. The track was released in honor of R.E.M.’s upcoming 30th anniversary, and was produced by Hiram Hernandez (The New Low, Glass Cloud).

In addition to the song, DeNeef released a music video directed by Lance Gergar.

In an official press release, DeNeef stated the following about choosing to cover this particular song:

“To me, R.E.M.’s "Losing My Religion" has always been a quintessential Alternative Rock song. Since it’s release thirty years ago, It’s been one of the only songs from my childhood that I never grew tired of as my musical tastes went through multiple stages of evolution. I’ve always felt the lyrics are about the frustrations of feeling like you’re losing control, at the end of a rope, trying to find yourself through the noise and confusion of the world. A feeling I know all too well lately.

This year has been particularly tough, with all of its challenges and stress, it’s led to a lot of moments of introspection and soul searching. Throughout this time this song kept finding its way into my life, like a sign begging for my attention. I’ve been apprehensive in the past about doing cover songs but the more I sang along to this song, the more relevant the lyrics seemed. I could hear my own version of the song in my head taking shape, begging to come to life.

I wanted to homage the original song but bring in new energy and a more dynamic sound overall, taking into account my very diverse pool of influences. It starts with a sense of sadness that boils into rage by the end, taking the listener on a journey that matches the feelings this song evokes still today after three decades. I hope you enjoy my vision for this timeless classic. "Losing My Religion", reimagined by Actual Villains.”

You can check out the video for the track in its entirety below.

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