The (good-natured) controversy between REM and Ariana Grande

If you search for “REM” online, the first musical result may not be the historic American band, which disbanded in 2011. But a song by Ariana Grande bearing this title, published in 2018 in “Sweetener”. A song that later gave rise to a perfume and a beauty line by the American singer herself.
Another 7 years and Mike Mills, founding member of REM, responded with a new song, the first of his new supergroup, Howl Owl Howl, a trio formed with Darius Rucker (Hootie & the Blowfish) and Steve Gorman (founding drummer of the Black Crowes).
The song is titled “My Cologne” and was released on October 31st in anticipation of a tour. He recites, in the chorus

I want to smell like Ariana Grande
And I think she wants you to smell like me

With a video shared by REM’s social channels, which often relaunch the solo activities of the band members, Mills recounted the controversy (good-naturedly, let’s be clear):

Ariana Grande released a record not too long ago and her first single was called “REM”
Ok, I thought, it’s a universal word, a sleep phase, we got it from there too.
Then he put out a line of perfumes called “REM”. I said: “Okay, fine.”
Then the package of her perfume was a cassette. And it said REM on it.
There I said to myself: the limit is being exceeded. I have to say something about that.
We’re not mad or anything, but I thought it was just funny. So we made a song and that’s the chorus. I hope you like it.

Howl Owl Owl is one of the many bands and supergroups in which former members of REM are involved. Mills toured with Baseball Project, formed with Steve Wynn which also includes Peter Buck, guitarist who has just released an album with Luke Haines (Auteurs), then formed Drink The Sea with Barrett Martin (Screaming Trees), Duke Garwood, Alain Johannes and Lisette Garcia. Then there are still the Silverlites, again with Buck Barrett Martin but together with Joseph Arthur and Rich Robinson (Black Crowes). Finally a duo of Peter Buck with only Joseph Arthur.