"We're absolutely American and distinctly so, I think. That's part of what people respond to outside of this country, part of the reason that we're such a huge band outside of the U.S., where we're not so popular now as we were 10 or 12 years ago"

This quote by Michael Stipe speaks with the identity of the band R.E.M. and their success outside of the United States. Stipe is stating that the band is clearly American, which this is part of the reason that they have been so successful beyond the U.S. He acknowledges that their appeal in the U.S. has declined in recent years, however that they are still a substantial band outside of the country. This suggests that the band's American identity is something that resonates with individuals beyond the U.S., which this is a significant consider their success. It likewise implies that the band's American identity is something that is very important to them, and that they are proud of it.