Sleep with Rock Stars

R.E.M. Part 2

Sleep with Rock Stars, the Gen X Sleep Podcast. You deserve a good night's sleep…or whatever.

Relax and unwind while award-winning radio host and podcaster, Sloane Spencer, lulls you with soothing details about bands and musicians beloved by Gen X. Start with a calm meditation to train your brain that it's time to sleep, settle your headspace, and drift off with a low, mellow, sometimes whispering history lesson about the best bands to ever grace your mixed tapes.

This Week

• R.E.M. Berry/Buck/Mills/Stipe founded April 5, 1980 in Athens, Georgia.
• R.E.M. on Wikipedia, the source for this podcast's content. Full credits acknowledgement recorded within the episode.

Support Sleep with Rock Stars

• Click that FOLLOW link in your podcast app, so you do not miss R.E.M. Part 2!
• Even easier: Listen to Sleep with Rock Stars 
• Enjoy this brief meditation any time!
• Feeling sleep deprived? Here's How to Sleep with Rock Stars!
• The R.E.M. mixed tape!

Transcript Highlights

00:00 Introduction to Sleep with Rock Stars

01:43 Relaxation Techniques for Better Sleep

02:50 R.E.M.'s Album 'Reveal' and Its Impact

04:44 R.E.M.'s Later Albums and Tours

09:37 R.E.M.'s Breakup and Final Works

10:58 Post-Breakup Releases and Events

13:57 R.E.M.'s Musical Style and Songwriting

20:17 R.E.M.'s Legacy and Influence

25:02 R.E.M.'s Political Activism

28:32 Band Members and Collaborators

31:35 R.E.M.'s Discography

32:51 Conclusion and Credits

Sloane Spencer is an award-winning voice over actor, radio personality, and podcast host. As a lifelong insomniac, she created Sleep with Rock Stars to incorporate sleep science successes (like meditation, repetition, and soothing vocals) with her favorite topic, Gen X music.  Even when sleep deprived, Spencer enjoys distance running, her family, and her rescue dog.

Summary

The inaugural episode of "Singles Going Sleepy" from Sleep with Rock Stars provides listeners with a practical technique to mitigate the incessant thoughts that often impede restful slumber. Sloane Spencer guides you through a restful process to acknowledge and release intrusive thoughts, yielding a more tranquil state of mind ready to sleep.

The method involves a simple pad of paper and a box, writing down restless thoughts and securing them away, allowing for mental clarity. Through mindful breathing and letting go, we create a serene environment for deep relaxation. Journey towards enhanced restfulness, equipped with vital tools for your sleep toolbox.

Show Notes

In the first installment of the 'Singles Going Sleepy' series, listeners are introduced to a soothing methodology for enhancing the quality of their sleep through intentional relaxation techniques. The host, Sloane Spencer, adeptly guides the audience through a series of calming exercises aimed at alleviating the stress and anxiety that often impede restful sleep. This episode is particularly focused on addressing the incessant stream of thoughts that can disrupt one's ability to unwind at night.

Here's our overview episode of "How to Sleep with Rock Stars," a good 10,000 foot view of how sleep podcasts can help you get a good night's sleep...or whatever.

One of the key themes discussed is the significance of recognizing and confronting intrusive thoughts. Spencer provides a practical exercise involving writing down these thoughts and placing them into a box, signifying a conscious decision to set aside these mental burdens for the evening. This strategy not only aids in mental decluttering but also instills a sense of control and agency over one’s thoughts, allowing for a more peaceful transition into sleep. The episode further emphasizes the importance of breath as a tool for relaxation, guiding listeners through deep breathing exercises that facilitate a release of physical and mental tension.

Throughout this episode, the overarching message is one of empowerment and self-care. By adopting these techniques, listeners are encouraged to cultivate a nurturing approach to their sleep hygiene, ultimately fostering a greater sense of well-being. The episode concludes on a note of reassurance, inviting individuals to trust in their capacity for rest and to embrace the stillness that precedes sleep.

Takeaways:

• This inaugural episode of "Singles Going Sleepy" from Sleep with Rock Stars provides essential strategies for achieving restful sleep.
• Listeners are encouraged to utilize mindful breathing techniques to facilitate relaxation before sleep.
• The practice of writing down intrusive thoughts serves as a cognitive release mechanism for better sleep.
• Acknowledging and setting aside worries can significantly enhance one's ability to achieve a peaceful night's rest.

Recommended If You Like:

sleep tips, relaxation techniques, mindfulness for sleep, deep breathing exercises, overcoming intrusive thoughts, sleep toolbox, calming bedtime routine, soothing narration, peaceful sleep, mental relaxation, stress relief, sleep meditation, winding down, sleep hygiene, sleep podcast, restful sleep, anxiety relief, guided sleep practices, letting go of worries, self-care for sleep

Mentioned in this episode:

Kevin Oliver Thank You

A quick thank you for bouncing ideas around re title of Singles Going Sleepy

Sleep with Rock Stars: Unwind with Prince, the Sleep-Inducing Story of His Rise to Fame (Part 1)

Sleep with Rock Stars, the Gen X Sleep Podcast. You deserve a good night's sleep…or whatever.

Relax and unwind while award-winning radio host and podcaster, Sloane Spencer, lulls you with soothing details about bands and musicians beloved by Gen X. Start with a calm meditation to train your brain that it's time to sleep, settle your headspace, and drift off with a low, mellow, sometimes whispering history lesson about the best bands to ever grace your mixed tapes.

This Week:

• PRINCE
• The source for this week's podcast is Wikipedia.
• Mixed tape of songs referenced in the source

This episode of "Sleep with Rock Stars" focuses on the life and career of Prince, one of the most influential musicians of his generation. The host, Sloane Spencer, reads from Prince’s Wikipedia entry, guiding listeners through his early life, musical achievements, personal struggles, and lasting legacy. The episode is designed to be soothing and informative, helping listeners relax and fall asleep while learning about Prince’s remarkable journey.

Listen, follow, share, rate, and review!

• Listen anywhere for free
• Let us know which bands you would like to hear on upcoming episodes by commenting on YouTube or select podcast apps
• Share this episode with a friend. This is the #1 way to help our show.
• Join the Fan Club for early access, thank yous, bonus content, and more!

• Introduction to the podcast’s sleep-focused format and host’s approach.
• Guided relaxation to help listeners unwind and prepare for sleep.
• Overview of Prince’s career, musical style, and influence.
• Details about Prince’s early life, family, and first musical experiences.
• The story of Prince’s first record deal and debut album.
• Discussion of Prince’s major albums, including "Dirty Mind," "Controversy," "1999," and "Purple Rain."
• Insights into Prince’s creative control, multi-instrumental talent, and unique persona.
• The impact of "Purple Rain" as both an album and a film, including chart-topping success and awards.
• Prince’s cultural influence, controversies (e.g., explicit lyrics, rivalry with Michael Jackson), and advocacy for artists’ rights.
• Later career developments, including name change, contract disputes, and continued musical output.
• Prince’s untimely death and the posthumous management of his vast musical archive.
• Closing notes and references to the Wikipedia source.

Learn "How to Sleep with Rock Stars" here.

• [0:00] Introduction & Podcast Purpose
• [2:48] Guided Relaxation for Sleep
• [4:48] Prince: Overview and Legacy
• [7:46] Early Life and Family Background
• [10:58] Childhood, First Song, and Family Dynamics
• [13:17] School Years and Musical Development
• [15:21] Early Career: 94 East and First Record Deal
• [18:26] Debut Album and Early Success
• [21:31] Breakthrough Albums and Hits
• [25:01] The Revolution, Purple Rain, and Film Success
• [32:39] Controversies and Cultural Impact
• [36:15] Later Albums, Tours, and Artistic Evolution
• [49:17] Episode Recording Details & Outro

Recommended if you like:

• Prince
• Minneapolis Sound
• Purple Rain
• The Revolution
• Warner Brothers
• 94 East
• Funk, R&B, Rock, Pop
• Grammy Awards
• Hall of Fame
• Paisley Park
• The Artist Formerly Known as Prince
• Music Industry
• Legacy
• Sleep Podcast

Sloane Spencer is an award-winning voice over actor, radio personality, and podcast host. As a lifelong insomniac, she created Sleep with Rock Stars to incorporate sleep science successes (like meditation, repetition, and soothing vocals) with her favorite topic, Gen X music.  Even when sleep deprived, Spencer enjoys distance running, her family, and her rescue dog.

Summary

This off the rails bonus meditation exists because Sloane Spencer is a huge running nerd. She submitted a question to the Off the Rails with Eric and Aisha podcast, part of the Citius Mag network, and much to her surprise, they read it on air.

Here's the link to that episode. Scroll to about 1:28:10.

This bonus episode takes you on a chill trip through the quieter side of track and field, the kind of vibe you don’t always notice when the stadium’s packed and the gun goes off. Picture it: the crowd’s gone, the sun’s dipping low, and the track has that warm glow that makes you want to stay a little longer.

We walk the lanes together, not chasing PRs, just settling into the rhythm, breath syncing with stride, legs moving easy, like the world finally slowed down to match your pace. By the end, it’s just you, the track, and the night sky showing off its stars.

It’s a pause button kind of episode, where movement and stillness meet, and a reminder of why the track feels like home even when the race is over.

Show Notes

Sleep with Rock Stars is the premiere sleep podcast for Gen X music fans.

In this episode of Sleep with Rock Stars

• Imagine walking into a stadium after the crowd has cleared. The lights are low, the track’s still warm, and it feels like the whole place is yours.
• You step into the lane, not to hammer a workout, but just to move. Every stride matches your breath. No stopwatch. No coach yelling splits. Just rhythm.
• The infield grass is swaying, the air slows down with you, and suddenly the track doesn’t feel like pressure, it feels like home.
• By the end, you’re flat on the surface, staring up at a sky full of stars, realizing the day’s done, and you actually get to rest.

But it’s not just about the vibes

• We also dive into Citius Mag, the online hub for track nerds who want more than box scores.
• From podcasts and athlete interviews to sharp takes on pro races and even high school standouts, they’ve built a space where fans can hang out and feel plugged in.
• Founder Chris Chavez and the crew make it feel like you’re part of the team, not just watching from the bleachers.

Why listen

• You’ll get a meditative reset on what track really means beyond the stopwatch.
• You’ll get introduced to a community that keeps the sport fun, smart, and alive.

Takeaways

• Picture an empty stadium where you don’t have to fight for lane one. Just peace, quiet, and that post-practice glow.
• Running here isn’t about splits or PRs. It’s about finding your flow and remembering why you started.
• Citius Mag is basically the group chat for track fans: podcasts, interviews, hot takes, and the stuff you actually want to read.
• Rest is part of training. Yes, lying on the track staring at the stars counts as recovery.
• The oval never goes anywhere. Whether you’re crushing workouts or jogging easy, it’s always waiting.
• Track is more than times and medals, it’s that weird mix of beauty, grit, and joy that keeps us all coming back.

Mentioned in this Episode

• Citius Mag
• Aisha Praut-Lear
• Eric Gregory
• New York Times
• Chris Chavez
• Mac Fleet
• Dana Giordano
• Kaitlin Hutchinson
• David Melley
• Jasmine Todd
• Kyle Merber
• Alexis Ohanian
• Michael Johnson
• Malcolm Gladwell
• Brooks
• Nike

Recommended If You Like

track and field, running podcast, sleep meditation, athlete interviews, track and field news, Citius Mag, sports magazine, Olympic track coverage, peaceful running, mindfulness in sports, relaxation techniques, track and field history, professional running, NCAA track, summer Olympics 2024, sports journalism, race analysis, sports community, running culture, quiet stadium ambiance, athletics

Transcript

00:00:00.560 - 00:06:20.750

In this special episode of Sleep with Rock Stars, we take a moment to dip into track and field. Close your eyes and imagine you're standing at the edge of a quiet stadium.

The crowd is gone, the sun is setting and the track glows softly under the fading light. You step onto the lane, smooth, steady, endless. Each breath feels like the rhythm of a long, easy stride. Inhale and exhale.

The air is cool, calm and effortless. You start to move, not racing, not pushing, just flowing forward like a runner in perfect form. Your body is light, unhurried, carried by momentum.

Around you, the infield grass sways gently, the world slowing down with you. Every step becomes softer, slower, until you're gliding to a peaceful stop.

You lie down on the warm curve of the track, gazing up at a wide, quiet sky. Stars begin to shimmer like distant finish line lights, reassuring you that the day's work is done.

With each breath you sink deeper, as if resting in the center of the field, safe, grounded and calm. The race is over. The track will always be here. Tomorrow. Tonight, you simply rest.

Citius Mag is an American online sports magazine covering track and field. The outlet publishes podcasts, videos, articles, newsletters and social media content, including race coverage and analysis and athlete interviews.

The outlet has been described by the New York Times as a track and field news website that focuses on running news, history and coverage. The name Citius means faster in Latin. It is the first word of the Olympic motto Citius Altius Fortius.

The magazine's stated mission is to make it easier and way more fun to be a track fan. Chris Chavez, a former Sports Illustrated writer, founded Citius in 2016 before working for the outlet full time beginning in 2021.

The staff has included runners Mac Fleet, Dana Giordano, Kaitlin Hutchinson, David Melley and Jasmine Todd. Kyle Merber previously served as the director of partnerships and writer of the Lap Count Newsletter.

Citius covers professional NCAA, NUS high school track and field. Its eponymous podcast features interviews with elite athletes as well as league owners like Alexis Ohanian and Michael Johnson.

Citius also produces events which have featured public figures like Malcolm Gladwell and sponsored content with running brands such as Brooks.

In April 2024, cities released the first look at Nike uniforms for Team USA track and field at the 2024 Summer Olympics, which received national press coverage due to criticisms of a high cut leotard.

This episode of Sleep with Rock Stars was recorded September 17, 2025 from the Wikipedia entry for Citius Mag, which can be found at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/citius underscore mag.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sleep with Rock Stars Gen X Sleep Podcast You Deserve a Good Night's Sleep or Whatever

The motto for the generation

Summary:

This episode of Sleep With Rock Stars dives headfirst into the sweaty, safety-pinned heart of punk rock history—yep, we’re talking about the Buzzcocks. You know, the band that basically invented emo before emo knew it was a thing, all while looking like they just crawled out of a Manchester thrift bin.

We’re rolling out our new mini-segment, Singles Going Sleepy—a nod to Buzzcocks' greatest hits and your greatest hope of falling asleep before 2 a.m. (No judgment. We've all seen the sun come up while doomscrolling.) Just to keep it fuzzy, we’ll add a white noise background sound to this bonus episode.

We’ll rewind to 1976, when a young Pete Shelley and Howard Devoto decided to make music that sounded like a fistfight between teenage angst and British pop sensibilities. It was fast. It was loud. It was catchy enough to make your mom hum along before realizing she was accidentally enjoying punk rock.

As we trace their rise, breakups, makeups, and everything in between, we’ll highlight how their buzzsaw riffs and lovesick lyrics inspired generations—from early punks to indie darlings who sell vintage Volkswagons.

So, tuck yourself in, turn the volume down (but not too low—punk still deserves a little volume), and let our gentle narration lull you into slumber with tales of distorted guitars and romantic disillusionment. Because nothing says “sweet dreams” like heartbreak set to a three-chord progression.

This episode's source is the Wikipedia entry for Buzzcocks, on 9 July 2025 at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buzzcocks

Show Notes: Buzzcocks – Angst, Anarchy, & Surprisingly Catchy Existential Crises

• Ever fallen asleep with someone you shouldn’t’ve? Welcome to Sleep With Rock Stars, where punk meets pillow talk—and tonight, it's all about the Buzzcocks, the band that made love sound like both a beautiful mistake and a head injury.
• Set your time machine for 1976 Manchester—where the factories were closing, the future looked bleak, and two guys named Pete Shelley and Howard Devoto decided to start a band because going to art school and being weird just wasn’t enough.
• Their formula? Take punk's raw, sweaty energy, stir in a little pop sensibility, and top it off with lyrics that make you question your emotional development. Science fiction, modern emotion? Yeah, they basically wrote the Gen X user manual.
• We break down their legendary singles—from “Orgasm Addict” (NSFW and possibly NSF-consciousness) to “What Do I Get?” (Answer: mostly heartbreak and confusion)—and their ability to make loneliness sound like a bop.
• Deep dive alert: We analyze their lyrical themes like love, disconnection, and not fitting in—basically everything you screamed into a diary in 1983 while wearing your older sibling’s army jacket.
• Pete Shelley: the man who could turn anxiety into art and make it hummable. We honor his legacy, his synth detour in Homosapien, and his ability to write about sexual identity long before it was on every corporate Pride ad.
• Devoto fans, don’t worry—we acknowledge his brief but potent stint with Buzzcocks before he went off to invent post-punk with Magazine, because one genre wasn’t enough for his existential dread.
• Think of this episode as a bedtime story for grown-ups who never quite got over their first crush. Our dulcet narration may help you drift off while we talk about rejection, alienation, and the melodic beauty of “I Don’t Mind.”
• Bonus Buzzcocks Zen: There’s nothing quite like being lulled to sleep with tales of Love Bites and A Different Kind of Tension. If that doesn’t relax you, we don’t know what will.
• From Spiral Scratch to Singles Going Steady, this episode is both a tribute and a therapy session. Bring tissues. Or Doc Martens. Or both.

Listen now to our overview of sleep tips, "How to Sleep with Rock Stars."

Takeaways:

• The podcast introduces a series of sleep tips titled 'Singles Going Sleepy', aimed at enhancing relaxation.
• Listeners are encouraged to subscribe for better sleep experiences through the podcast app of their choice.
• The podcast emphasizes the importance of repetition in creating a restful environment for sleep.
• Listeners are reminded that the stories shared are not meant for entertainment, but to facilitate sleep.
• The podcast promotes a supportive community, inviting listeners to contribute to the show and access exclusive content.
• It highlights the significance of creating an atmosphere conducive to rest by letting go of daily stresses.

Links:

• Source for this podcast: Buzzcocks Wikipedia
• Buzzcocks Website
• If you enjoy the Buzzcocks episode, you might like our bonus episode "Sleep with Spinal Tap."
• The Buzzcocks mixed tape!

Recommended If You Like:

sleep podcast, relaxation tips, Gen X musicians, Buzzcocks, punk rock history, music for sleep, sleep tips podcast, calming music, mindfulness and sleep, nostalgic sleep stories, singles going steady, sleep techniques, soothing narratives, bedtime stories for adults, punk music relaxation, sleep meditation, podcast for insomnia, calming bedtime podcast, music and sleep, peaceful sleep solutions

Mentioned in this episode:

White Noise Explainer

This preroll explainer clarifies for the listener that there is white noise as a background sound.

R.E.M. Part 1

Sleep with Rock Stars, the Gen X Sleep Podcast. You deserve a good night's sleep…or whatever.

Relax and unwind while award-winning radio host and podcaster, Sloane Spencer, lulls you with soothing details about bands and musicians beloved by Gen X. Start with a calm meditation to train your brain that it's time to sleep, settle your headspace, and drift off with a low, mellow, sometimes whispering history lesson about the best bands to ever grace your mixed tapes.

This Week

• R.E.M. Berry/Buck/Mills/Stipe founded April 5, 1980 in Athens, Georgia.
• R.E.M. on Wikipedia, the source for this podcast's content. Full credits acknowledgement recorded within the episode.
• Mixed Tape of songs referenced in the source

Listen, follow, share, rate, and review!

• Listen anywhere for free
• Let us know which bands you would like to hear on upcoming episodes by commenting on YouTube or select podcast apps
• Share this episode with a friend. This is the #1 way to help our show.
• Join the Fan Club for early access, thank yous, bonus content, and more!

• Click that FOLLOW link in your podcast app, so you do not miss R.E.M. Part 2!
• Even easier: one click link to follow this podcast Listen to Sleep with Rock Stars
• Enjoy this brief meditation any time!
• Struggle sleeping? Here's How to Sleep with Rock Stars!

Transcript

R.E.M. was an American alternative rock band formed in Athens, Georgia, in 1980 by drummer Bill Berry, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills, and lead vocalist Michael Stipe, who were students at the University of Georgia. One of the first alternative rock bands, R.E.M. was noted for Buck's ringing, arpeggiated guitar playing, Stipe's distinctive vocal style, unique stage presence and cryptic lyrics, Mills's melodic bass lines and backing vocals, and Berry's tight, economical drumming. In the early 1990s, other alternative rock acts such as Nirvana, Pixies and Pavement named R.E.M. as a pioneer of the genre. After Berry left in 1997 due to severe health issues, the remaining members continued with mixed critical and commercial success. The band broke up amicably in 2011, having sold more than 90 million albums worldwide and becoming one of the world's best-selling music acts.

The band released their first single, "Radio Free Europe", in 1981 on the independent record label Hib-Tone. It was followed by the Chronic Town EP in 1982, their first release on I.R.S. Records. Over the course of the decade, R.E.M. released acclaimed albums, commencing with their debut Murmur (1983), and continuing yearly with Reckoning (1984), Fables of the Reconstruction (1985), Lifes Rich Pageant (1986), Document (1987) and Green (1988). During their most successful period, they worked with the producer Scott Litt. With constant touring, and the support of college radio following years of underground success, R.E.M. achieved a mainstream hit with the 1987 single "The One I Love". They signed to Warner Bros. Records in 1988, and began to espouse political and environmental concerns while playing arenas worldwide.

R.E.M.'s most commercially successful albums, Out of Time (1991) and Automatic for the People (1992), put them in the vanguard of alternative rock as it was becoming mainstream. Out of Time received seven nominations at the 34th Annual Grammy Awards, and the lead single, "Losing My Religion", was R.E.M.'s highest-charting and best-selling hit. Monster (1994) continued its run of success. The band began its first tour in six years to support the album; the tour was marred by medical emergencies suffered by three of the band members. In 1996, R.E.M. re-signed with Warner Bros. for a reported US$80 million, at the time the most expensive recording contract ever. The tour was productive and the band recorded the following album mostly during soundchecks. The resulting record, New Adventures in Hi-Fi (1996), is hailed as the band's last great album and the members' favorite, growing in cult status over the years. Berry left the band the following year for health reasons, and Stipe, Buck and Mills continued as a musical trio, supplemented by studio and live musicians, such as the multi-instrumentalists Scott McCaughey and Ken Stringfellow and the drummers Joey Waronker and Bill Rieflin. They also parted ways with their longtime manager Jefferson Holt, at which point the band's attorney Bertis Downs assumed managerial duties. Seeking to also renovate their sound, the band stopped working with Litt, and hired as co-producer Pat McCarthy, who had worked as mixer and engineer on the band's previous two albums.

After the electronic and experimental direction of Up (1998), which was commercially unsuccessful, Reveal (2001), referred to as "a conscious return to their classic sound",[4] received general acclaim. In 2007, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility. Berry reunited with the band for the ceremony, and to record a cover of John Lennon's "#9 Dream" for the 2007 compilation album Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur to benefit Amnesty International's campaign to alleviate the Darfur conflict. Looking for a change of sound after lukewarm reception for Around the Sun (2004), the band collaborated with the producer Jacknife Lee on their final two studio albums—the well-received Accelerate (2008) and Collapse into Now (2011). In 2024, the band reunited to perform "Losing My Religion" at their induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and once again in 2025 to perform "Pretty Persuasion" at the 40 Watt Club in Athens, Georgia.[5][6][7][8]

History

1980–1982: Formation and first releases

In January 1980, Peter Buck met Michael Stipe in Wuxtry Records, the Athens record store where Buck worked. The pair discovered that they shared similar tastes in music, particularly in punk rock and proto-punk artists like Patti Smith, Television, and the Velvet Underground. Stipe said, "It turns out that I was buying all the records that [Buck] was saving for himself."[9] Through mutual friend Kathleen O'Brien,[10] Stipe and Buck then met fellow University of Georgia students Bill Berry and Mike Mills,[11] who had played music together since high school[12]: 30  and had lived together in Macon, Georgia.[13] The quartet agreed to collaborate on several songs; Stipe later commented that "there was never any grand plan behind any of it".[9] Their still-unnamed band spent a few months rehearsing in the deconsecrated St. Mary's Episcopal Church on Oconee Street in Athens. "I remember our very first practice," recalled Mills in 2024. "Bill and I had some stuff left over from our band in Macon. We showed it to Peter and Michael, and they took it to places—even that very first night—that I didn't expect. I thought, 'This works for me.'"[14] He continued: "Bill and I had a bunch of songs from a band we were in in Macon, and we showed [Peter and Michael] those songs. Peter was playing arpeggiated stuff – nobody plays that. And Michael: the voice was there, and he did some fun things with the melodies. I thought, 'These guys are bringing something to the game.'"[15] They fleshed out their performances at their rehearsal space, on Jackson Street in Athens.[15]

They played their first show on April 5, 1980, supported by the Side Effects at O'Brien's birthday party held in the same church, performing a mix of originals and 1960s and 1970s covers.[10] After considering names such as "Cans of Piss", "Negro Eyes", and "Twisted Kites",[10] the band settled on "R.E.M.", which Stipe selected at random from a dictionary.[12]: 39  R.E.M. is well known as an abbreviation for rapid eye movement, the dream stage of sleep; however, sleep researcher Rafael Pelayo reports that when his colleague William Dement, the sleep scientist who coined the term REM, reached out to the band, Dement was told that the band was named "not after REM sleep".[16]

The band members eventually dropped out of school to focus on their developing group.[17] They found a manager in Jefferson Holt, a record store clerk who was so impressed by an R.E.M. performance in his hometown of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, that he moved to Athens.[12]: 41  R.E.M.'s success was almost immediate in Athens and surrounding areas; the band drew progressively larger crowds for shows, which caused some resentment in the Athens music scene.[12]: 46  Over the next year and a half, R.E.M. toured throughout the Southern United States. Touring was arduous because a touring circuit for alternative rock bands did not then exist. "We made it up as we went along with people who owned bars or pizza joints or coffee shops or gay bars or biker bars," said Mills. "Anybody that wanted this kind of music there, they would make a way for it to happen in their place. It was so exciting."[15] The group toured in an old blue van driven by Holt (and any band member except Stipe),[15] and lived on a food allowance of $2 each per day.[12]: 53–54 

During April 1981, R.E.M. recorded their first single, "Radio Free Europe", at producer Mitch Easter's Drive-In Studio in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, after a recommendation by Peter Holsapple.[18] Initially distributing it as a four-track demo tape to clubs, record labels and magazines, the single was released in July 1981 on the local independent record label Hib-Tone with an initial pressing of 1,000 copies—600 of which were sent out as promotional copies. The single quickly sold out, and another 6,000 copies were pressed due to popular demand, despite the original pressing leaving off the record label's contact details.[19][10] Despite its limited pressing, the single garnered critical acclaim, and was listed as one of the ten best singles of the year by The New York Times.[1]: 497 

R.E.M. recorded the Chronic Town EP with Mitch Easter in October 1981, and planned to release it on a new indie label named Dasht Hopes.[12]: 59  However, I.R.S. Records acquired a demo of the band's first recording session with Easter that had been circulating for months.[12]: 61–63  The band turned down the advances of major label RCA Records in favor of I.R.S., with whom they signed a contract in May 1982. I.R.S. released Chronic Town that August as its first American release.[12]: 66–67  A positive review of the EP by NME praised the songs' auras of mystery, and concluded, "R.E.M. ring true, and it's great to hear something as unforced and cunning as this."[21]

1982–1988: I.R.S. Records and cult success

I.R.S. first paired R.E.M. with producer Stephen Hague to record their debut album. Hague's emphasis on technical perfection left the band unsatisfied, and the band members asked the label to let them record with Easter.[12]: 72  I.R.S. agreed to a "tryout" session, allowing the band to return to North Carolina and record the song "Pilgrimage" with Easter and producing partner Don Dixon. After hearing the track, I.R.S. permitted the group to record the album with Dixon and Easter.[12]: 78  Because of their bad experience with Hague, the band recorded the album via a process of negation, refusing to incorporate rock music clichés such as guitar solos or then-popular synthesizers, in order to give its music a timeless feel.[12]: 78–82  The completed album, Murmur, was greeted with critical acclaim upon its release in 1983, with Rolling Stone listing the album as its record of the year.[12]: 73  The album reached number 36 on the Billboard album chart.[12]: 357–58  A re-recorded version of "Radio Free Europe" was the album's lead single and reached number 78 on the Billboard singles chart in 1983.[22] Despite the acclaim awarded the album, Murmur sold only about 200,000 copies, which I.R.S.'s Jay Boberg felt was below expectations.[12]: 95 

R.E.M. made their first national television appearance on Late Night with David Letterman in October 1983,[1]: 432  during which the group performed a new, unnamed song.[1]: 434  The piece, eventually titled "So. Central Rain (I'm Sorry)", became the first single from the band's second album, Reckoning (1984), which was also recorded with Easter and Dixon. The album met with critical acclaim; NME's Mat Snow wrote that Reckoning "confirms R.E.M. as one of the most beautifully exciting groups on the planet".[23] While Reckoning peaked at number 27 on the US album charts—an unusually high chart placing for a college rock band at the time—scant airplay and poor distribution overseas resulted in it charting no higher than number 91 in Britain.[12]: 115 

A black-and-white photograph of Michael Stipe and Peter Buck performing on stage with spotlights on them. Stipe is to the left singing into a microphone, wearing a three-piece suit, he has bleach-blond hair and is obscuring Mike Mills, whose bass guitar is visible from behind him. Peter Buck is playing guitar and wearing a button-up pattern shirt behind Stipe to the photograph's right with a sneer on his face.

The band's third album, Fables of the Reconstruction (1985), demonstrated a change in direction. Instead of Dixon and Easter, R.E.M. chose producer Joe Boyd, who had worked with Fairport Convention and Nick Drake, to record the album in England. The band members found the sessions unexpectedly difficult, and were miserable due to the cold winter weather and what they considered to be poor food;[12]: 131–132  the situation brought the band to the verge of break-up.[12]: 135  The gloominess surrounding the sessions worked its way into the context for the album's themes. Lyrically, Stipe began to create storylines in the mode of Southern mythology, noting in a 1985 interview that he was inspired by "the whole idea of the old men sitting around the fire, passing on ... legends and fables to the grandchildren".[24]

They toured Canada in July and August 1985, and Europe in October of that year, including the Netherlands, England (including one concert at London's Hammersmith Palais), Ireland, Scotland, France, Switzerland, Belgium, and West Germany.[25] On October 2, 1985, the group played a concert in Bochum, West Germany, for the German TV show Rockpalast. Stipe had bleached his hair blond during this time.[26][27] R.E.M. invited California punk band Minutemen to open for them on part of the US tour, and organized a benefit for the family of Minutemen frontman D. Boon who died in a December 1985 car crash shortly after the tour's conclusion.[28] Fables of the Reconstruction performed poorly in Europe and its critical reception was mixed, with some critics regarding it as dreary and poorly recorded.[12]: 140  As with the previous records, the singles from Fables of the Reconstruction were mostly ignored by mainstream radio. Meanwhile, I.R.S. was becoming frustrated with the band's reluctance to achieve mainstream success.[12]: 159 

For their fourth album, R.E.M. enlisted John Mellencamp's producer Don Gehman. The album, entitled Lifes Rich Pageant (1986), featured Stipe's vocals closer to the forefront of the music. In a 1986 interview with the Chicago Tribune, Peter Buck related, "Michael is getting better at what he's doing, and he's getting more confident at it. And I think that shows up in the projection of his voice."[29] The album improved markedly upon the sales of Fables of the Reconstruction and reached number 21 on the Billboard album chart. The single "Fall on Me" also picked up support on commercial radio.[12]: 151  The album was the band's first to be certified gold for selling 500,000 copies.[30]: 142  While American college radio remained R.E.M.'s core support, the band was beginning to chart hits on mainstream rock formats; however, the music still encountered resistance from Top 40 radio.[12]: 160 

Following the success of Lifes Rich Pageant, I.R.S. issued Dead Letter Office, a compilation of tracks recorded by the band during their album sessions, many of which had either been issued as B-sides or left unreleased altogether. Shortly thereafter, I.R.S. compiled R.E.M.'s music video catalog (except "Wolves, Lower") as the band's first video release, Succumbs.

Don Gehman was unable to produce R.E.M.'s fifth album, so he suggested the group work with Scott Litt.[30]: 146  Litt would be the producer for the band's next five albums. Document (1987) featured some of Stipe's most openly political lyrics, particularly on "Welcome to the Occupation" and "Exhuming McCarthy", which were reactions to the conservative political environment of the 1980s under American president Ronald Reagan.[31] Jon Pareles of The New York Times wrote in his review of the album, "'Document' is both confident and defiant; if R.E.M. is about to move from cult-band status to mass popularity, the album decrees that the band will get there on its own terms."[32] Document was R.E.M.'s breakthrough album, and the first single "The One I Love" charted in the Top 20 in the US, UK, and Canada.[12]: 357–58  By January 1988, Document had become the group's first album to sell a million copies.[30]: 157  In light of the band's breakthrough, the December 1987 cover of Rolling Stone declared R.E.M. "America's Best Rock & Roll Band".[12]: 163 

1988–1997: International breakthrough and alternative rock stardom

Frustrated that its records did not see satisfactory overseas distribution, R.E.M. left I.R.S. when its contract expired and signed with the major label Warner Bros. Records.[12]: 174  Though other labels offered more money, R.E.M. ultimately signed with Warner Bros.—reportedly for an amount between $6 million and $12 million—due to the company's assurance of total creative freedom. (Jay Boberg claimed that R.E.M.'s deal with Warner Bros. was for $22 million, which Peter Buck disputed as "definitely wrong".)[12]: 177  In the aftermath of the group's departure, I.R.S. released the 1988 "best of" compilation Eponymous (assembled with input from the band members) to capitalize on assets the company still possessed.[30]: 170–171  The band's first album from Warner Bros., Green (1988), was recorded in Memphis, Tennessee, and showcased the group experimenting with its sound.[12]: 179  The record's tracks ranged from the upbeat first single "Stand" (a hit in the United States),[12]: 180  to more political material, like the rock-oriented "Orange Crush" and "World Leader Pretend", which address the Vietnam War and the Cold War, respectively.[12]: 183  Green has gone on to sell four million copies worldwide.[30]: 296  The band supported the album with their biggest and most visually developed tour to date, featuring back-projections and art films playing on the stage.[12]: 184  After the Green World Tour, the band members unofficially decided to take the...

Sleep with Spinal Tap BONUS

Sleep with Rock Stars, the Gen X Sleep Podcast. You deserve a good night's sleep…or whatever.

Relax and unwind while award-winning radio host and podcaster, Sloane Spencer, lulls you with soothing details about bands and musicians beloved by Gen X. Start with a calm meditation to train your brain that it's time to sleep, settle your headspace, and drift off with a low, mellow, sometimes whispering history lesson about the best bands to ever grace your mixed tapes.

This Week: a Special Bonus Episode to Share the Type of Extra Content Our Fan Club Can Experience While Keeping Sleep with Rock Stars Ad-Free.

Spinal Tap, the parody metal band from the GenX cult favorite film, This is Spinal Tap. This episode's source is Wikipedia.

In this bonus episode of "Sleep with Rock Stars," host Sloane Spencer reads from the Wikipedia entry about the fictional band Spinal Tap. The episode blends gentle narration and sleep guidance with a humorous, detailed history of Spinal Tap—covering their origins, evolution, infamous drummer mishaps, real and fictional discography, and cultural impact. Designed to help listeners relax and drift off, the episode offers both entertainment and a soothing bedtime experience for Gen X music fans. 

Listen, follow, share, rate, and review!

• Listen anywhere for free
• Let us know which bands you would like to hear on upcoming episodes by commenting on YouTube or select podcast apps
• Share this episode with a friend. This is the #1 way to help our show.
• Join the Fan Club for early access, thank yous, bonus content, and more!

• Host Sloane Spencer introduces the podcast and provides sleep guidance.
• The episode is a bonus sample for fan club supporters.
• Focuses on the fictional band Spinal Tap, created as a parody by American comedians.
• Details the band’s fictional and real history, including their evolution from a beat group to a heavy metal band.
• Discusses the band’s unique style, frequent drummer changes, and comedic tragedies.
• Covers real-life media appearances, albums, and notable performances.
• Lists current and former band members, both fictional and real-life contributors.
• Provides a comprehensive discography, including albums, singles, and unreleased material.
• Closes with credits and a note about the source material.

Learn "How to Sleep with Rock Stars" here.

• [0s] Welcome to Sleep with Rock Stars, the Gen X Sleep podcast... (host: Sloane Spencer)
• [42s] You may find that the more you listen, the more your mind will begin to associate the stories with sleep...
• [77s] You don't need to pay close attention. Instead, let the words wash over you...
• [122s] There's nowhere you need to be. Nothing you need to do. This is your time...
• [168s] Tonight on sleep with rock stars... I will bring you a bonus episode sample...

• [197s] Thanks for keeping the lights on. But now it's time to turn yours down from 11 Spinal Tap Band...
• [239s] Hubs, Christopher Guest as the guitarist, Nigel Tufnell and Harry Sheer as the bassist, Derek Smalls...
• [279s] This is Spinal Tap. Which was accompanied by a soundtrack album...
• [308s] Three days after playing the Glastonbury Festival...
• [332s] Although the 1984 film portrays the band hailing from the United Kingdom...

• [360s] Mick Shrimpton, who have smaller roles in the film are both British...
• [393s] They changed their name to Spinal Tap in 1966 and became a psychedelic pop band...
• [421s] Spinal taps fictional history documents the succession of drummers...

• [448s] Real history. The Band's Spinal Tap first appeared in the video aired as part of a 1979 sketch comedy special...
• [471s] Participating in the video and playing the music were Michael McKean, Christopher Guest Harry Shearer...
• [507s] Also in 1979, guest and McKean were members of Lenny and the Squi Tones...
• [537s] Reiner hosted the film and the character of filmmaker Marty Degi...

• [1532s] Derek Smalls portrayed by Harry Sheer bass guitar backing in lead vocals 1967 through present...
• [1559s] Guitar backing vocals. Ricky from San Francisco, 1982, Ryan Gordon, 1992...
• [1608s] Question mark. Also played gay board Bass Savage was allegedly killed...
• [1699s] Like the Wind 1992 album died 2022. Gary Wallace, amnesty International Performance in 1991...

• [2011s] Mrs. Spinal Tap, 19 84, 1 21 in the us. Break like the wind. 1992...
• [2055s] From break, like the wind back from the dead in 2000 and warmer than hell in 2007...
• [2083s] 1967. We are all flower people. 1968 re-released in 1969 is the incredible flight of Vicar P antibody...

• [2382s] Doesn't anybody here speak English? Unknown date 
• 
  
• This episode of Sleep with Rock Stars was recorded on June 26th, 2025...

This podcast is recommended if you like:

• Sleep with Rock Stars
• Gen X Sleep podcast
• Sloane Spencer
• Spinal Tap
• Parody band
• Mockumentary
• Heavy metal
• Fictional band history
• Drummer mishaps
• Michael McKean
• Christopher Guest
• Harry Shearer
• This Is Spinal Tap (film)
• Band evolution
• Comedy music
• Wikipedia reading
• Relaxation
• Sleep guidance
• Discography
• 1980s music
• British rock parody
• Band members
• Live performances
• Cultural impact
• Bonus episode

Listen to the Sleep with Rock Stars mixed tape for Spinal Tap.

Sloane Spencer is an award-winning voice over actor, radio personality, and podcast host. As a lifelong insomniac, she created Sleep with Rock Stars to incorporate sleep science successes (like meditation, repetition, and soothing vocals) with her favorite topic, Gen X music.  Even when sleep deprived, Spencer enjoys distance running, her family, and her rescue dog.

Thank You with Brown Noise

Sleep with Rock Stars, the Gen X Sleep Podcast. You deserve a good night's sleep…or whatever.

Relax and unwind while award-winning radio host and podcaster, Sloane Spencer, lulls you with soothing details about bands and musicians beloved by Gen X. Start with a calm meditation to train your brain that it's time to sleep, settle your headspace, and drift off with a low, mellow, sometimes whispering history lesson about the best bands to ever grace your mixed tapes.

This Week

A quick bonus episode thanking the people who helped bring you Sleep with Rock Stars, with a sample of brown noise as background sound.

Listen, follow, share, rate, and review!

• Listen anywhere for free
• Let us know which bands you would like to hear on upcoming episodes by commenting on YouTube or select podcast apps
• Share this episode with a friend. This is the #1 way to help our show.
• Join the Fan Club for early access, thank yous, bonus content, and more!

Coming 1 July 2025: Episode 1

Can't fall asleep? Join radio host and voice actor Sloane Spencer for a short meditation and a sleepy reading about Gen X's favorite bands and musicians to help you relax and sleep peacefully. The episodes are a low stakes history of great music, presented in a calm, quiet way to lull you to sleep. Turn down your buzzing brain, and drift off to Sleep with Rock Stars. The deep dive gets quieter as the episode rolls.

Here's a simple, one-click link to many places where you can listen for free: Listen to Sleep with Rock Stars

Head to https://SleepWithRockStars.com/support to join the Fan Club or throw a few bucks in the Tip Jar.

New episodes release every other Tuesday. Follow now in your podcast app so you never miss a show.

These episodes are not medical intervention, and we have no medical training.

I do have a lifetime of being a terrible insomniac. I created Sleep with Rock Stars to fill the void for Gen X listeners like me, who deserve a good night's sleep. Enjoy upcoming Bonus mini-episodes with short meditations and how to fall asleep. I hope that Sleep with Rock Stars helps fellow sleep deprived GenX'ers zonk out. Worst case scenario, you'll be an expert on why That Band broke up.

If you'd like to suggest musicians or bands for upcoming Sleep with Rock Stars, the Gen X Sleep Podcast episodes, comment on Spotify or YouTube. You deserve a good night's sleep...or whatever.

Transcript

Jun 15, 2025, 2:55 PM

SwRS ThankYou Prelaunch Neg16LUFS BrownNoise FINAL

% buffered00:00

01:46

(0:00) Thanks for listening to Sleep With Rockstars, the Gen X Sleep Podcast. You deserve a good (0:10) night's sleep, or whatever. I'm the host Sloane Spencer, and like any good Southerner, (0:19) I want to send a number of thank yous to people who helped make this podcast possible with (0:26) their kind but frank feedback.Thank you Adriana, Anne, Brian, Cheryl, Denise, Donald, Emily, (0:40) Jane, Carrie, Kirsten, Kristy, Larry, Laura, Lauren, Leon, Marie, and Tammy. A special (0:54) thanks going out to my friend Chad Cochran, known professionally as Cowtown Chad, a noted (1:02) rock music photographer who is always willing to give me honest feedback on my creative (1:09) projects. If you have enjoyed our quick introduction to the Sleep With Rockstars podcast, please (1:17) give it a follow in your favorite podcast app, join our fan club, get in on our early (1:25) bonus episodes, or early releases for our upcoming shows, at sleepwithrockstars.com (1:34) slash support.As always, we hope these episodes help you get a good night's sleep.

Sloane Spencer is an award-winning voice over actor, radio personality, and podcast host. As a lifelong insomniac, she created Sleep with Rock Stars to incorporate sleep science successes (like meditation, repetition, and soothing vocals) with her favorite topic, Gen X music.  Even when sleep deprived, Spencer enjoys distance running, her family, and her rescue dog.

Gen X Sleep Tips: Sleep with Rock Stars Bonus Episode

In this bonus episode of Sleep with Rock Stars, host Sloane Spencer offers practical tips to help listeners achieve a good night's sleep. The episode is not intended as medical advice but is based on Sloane's personal experience and research.

Key techniques include relaxation, routine, and rest, with specific attention to reducing anxiety, establishing bedtime rituals, and utilizing background sounds like brown, white, and pink noise. Recordings include close vocals, intentional inclusion of mouth sounds, and other ASMR techniques that help some people fall asleep or pleasurably relax.

Sloane also emphasizes the importance of managing caffeine intake and finding optimal comfort through trial and error. Listeners are encouraged to experiment and find what works best for them, with additional support options available through the podcast's fan club.

00:00 Introduction to Sleep with Rock Stars

00:25 Personal Sleep Struggles and Research

01:08 Effective Sleep Techniques: Relaxation, Routine, and Rest

02:09 Background Sounds for Better Sleep

03:34 Caffeine, Comfort, and Consistency

04:45 Conclusion and Bonus Content

Links

• Sloane Spencer
• https://sleepwithrockstars.com/episode/howtosleepwithrockstars
• Listen to Sleep with Rock Stars
• Support Sleep with Rock Stars

Transcript

 Welcome to Sleep With Rock Stars, the Gen X Sleep Podcast. You deserve a good night's sleep or whatever. I'm your host, Sloane Spencer, and in this quick bonus episode, I want to share some tips on how you can sleep with rock stars. This episode is not medical advice. I do have a lifetime of struggles with sleep.

And after trying nearly everything that I thought would cure my insomnia, I finally turned to some solid research that would help me get a good night's sleep. If you're new to sleep podcasts or podcasts in general, you can follow or subscribe to Sleep with Rock Stars for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.

I made a simple link from many podcast apps at sleep with rock stars.com/listen. We'll bring you episodes every other Tuesday, beginning July 2025 to get a good night's sleep. There are three main suggestions. These are the techniques that worked for me to finally get a good night's sleep. The first. Is relaxation, routine, and rest.

Listening to sleep podcasts can help calm your mind and reduce intrusive thoughts that can interfere with sleep. Try one new thing consistently for at least three days at a time before deciding if it helps or not establish a bedtime routine. Consistently listening to the same podcast can signal your body that it's time to sleep.

Through repetition. Train your brain that this is your sleep, sound, rest. Some podcasts are designed to be soothing and calming and can promote relaxation and sleep. That is why I made sleep with rock stars. Background noises can be very helpful for some people, but others may find them annoying. Did you ever turn on your old tube TV to snow to fall asleep?

How about putting the radio between radio stations or even cranking up a box fan against the wall? Commonly we've called those white noise in modern audio. We've defined that a little further to a particular type of background noise for some people. A different frequency referred to as Brown Noise is more effective for sleep and for others.

Pink noise is the right background sound for them because every person is different. We will give you samplers of different background noises and upcoming bonus episodes so you can try them a few times to see which sounds help you. Depending on what podcast app you're using, you may have background sounds available in the app, which is why our main offering is a quiet, calm reading with no background sound.

If you would like to access our episodes with multiple choices for background sounds, you can join our fan club at sleep with rock stars.com/support. Finally, there are three things you try. To help you get a good night's sleep, caffeine, comfort and consistency. Like many of us who are Gen X, caffeine has been a huge part of our lives for decades.

Personally, I'm an enormous fan of coffee. It kind of hurt my heart to have to cut back because it was impacting my sleep. I had to reduce my coffee over time. And now I cannot have caffeine after 10 o'clock in the morning. It's really helped my sleep. Get comfortable. Try different temperatures and clothing choices.

When you sleep, you may find that you prefer to be warm or cold as you fall asleep. And I mask might help have you tried a weighted blanket? There are different kinds. Some are an even heavy pressure. I. While others are more like being enveloped in bird seed. Finally there's consistency. Try one new thing for several days in a row before you decide if it was helpful or not.

Getting a good night's sleep. Also comes from believing the technique will work for you through trial and error. I hope that these episodes of Sleep with Rock Stars, the Gen X Sleep Podcast help you get a good night's sleep. If you find they've helped you relax or even fall asleep, please leave a five star rating and kind review in your favorite podcast app.

We were tired of being sleep deprived, so we made the podcast we needed to finally sleep: Sleep with Rock Stars, the Gen X Sleep Podcast. You deserve a good night's sleep.

Sleep with Rock Stars, the Gen X Sleep Podcast. You deserve a good night's sleep…or whatever.

Relax and unwind while award-winning radio host and podcaster, Sloane Spencer, lulls you with soothing details about bands and musicians beloved by Gen X. Start with a calm meditation to train your brain that it's time to sleep, settle your headspace, and drift off with a low, mellow, sometimes whispering history lesson about the best bands to ever grace your mixed tapes.

This Week

Enjoy this brief meditation sampler. Use it each evening to begin training your brain that this is the sleep signal.

Starting in July 2025, we will release new episodes every other Tuesday, with a short meditation and deep dive into a band beloved by Gen X.

Listen, follow, share, rate, and review!

• Listen anywhere for free
• Let us know which bands you would like to hear on upcoming episodes by commenting on YouTube or select podcast apps
• Share this episode with a friend. This is the #1 way to help our show.
• Join the Fan Club for early access, thank yous, bonus content, and more!

Follow us in your favorite podcast app, so you'll never miss an episode.

Listen to Sleep with Rock Stars

Transcript

Welcome to Sleep with Rock Stars, the Gen X sleep podcast, because you deserve a good night's sleep...or whatever. I'm Sloane Spencer. In each Sleep with Rock Stars sleep podcast, I will read from Wikipedia about your favorite Gen X musicians and bands.

If this podcast helps you relax and fall asleep, please leave a five star rating and a kind review in your favorite podcast app.

You may find that the more you listen, the more your mind will begin to associate these stories with sleep. So, feel free to return to each episode again and again. Repetition can help create a signal to your brain that it's time to rest.

And if the musical act isn't your favorite, that's perfectly ok. You don't need to pay close attention. Instead, let the words wash over you. Let their rhythm and softness lull you, not for interest, but for sleep. You are not here to be entertained. You are here to let go.

Now let your breath guide you deeper into stillness. Take a moment to settle in. Gently close your eyes and let your body begin to rest.

There's nowhere you need to be, nothing you need to do.

This is your time, a time to let go of the day, unwind, and allow your mind to slow down. With each breath in, invite calm. With each breath out, release the tension.

As your body begins to soften into the surface beneath you, imagine a gentle wave of warmth from the crown of your head to the tips of your toes, carrying away the weight of the day.

Sloane Spencer is an award-winning voice over actor, radio personality, and podcast host. As a lifelong insomniac, she created Sleep with Rock Stars to incorporate sleep science successes (like meditation, repetition, and soothing vocals) with her favorite topic, Gen X music.  Even when sleep deprived, Spencer enjoys distance running, her family, and her rescue dog.