David Byrne Unveils New Album Who Is The Sky?

Album And Collaborators

David Byrne has wrapped work on his latest project titled “Who Is The Sky?”. In an Instagram announcement (https://www.instagram.com/p/DKuGm7BxqVu/), the former Talking Heads frontman confirmed that the record is produced by Grammy-nominated writer-producer Kid Harpoon. He’s backed by the retro-jazz stylings of Ghost Train Orchestra, with guest appearances from St. Vincent and Paramore’s Hayley Williams on select tracks. The post also credited designer Shira Inbar for album art and creative direction, photographer Ahmed Klink for the cover shoot, and costume designer Tom Van der Borght for stage looks.

Tour Details And Concept

Byrne says rehearsals begin soon for a tour kicking off in September. While he retains the mobility that defined his American Utopia live shows and Broadway stint, this run will swap a kinetic “chain” setup for multiple fixed locations. He teased that each venue will offer a new way to experience the performance, inviting fans to discover surprises at every stop. Tickets go on sale June 13 via Ticketmaster and venue websites. Early dates include New York’s Beacon Theatre, London’s Alexandra Palace and Los Angeles’ Ace Hotel Theatre.

First Single And Video

The record’s lead single, “Everybody Laughs”, is available now alongside a vibrant music video directed by Gabriel Barcia-Columbo. Byrne describes the song as a playful snapshot of human absurdity set to a driving groove. In the video, he appears against shifting neon backdrops, flanked by dancers whose choreography underscores the track’s wry humor. The clip’s color-schemed visuals echo the album’s artwork palette, hinting at the cohesive creative vision that Byrne and Inbar aimed to achieve.

Byrne’s Career Context

With a career spanning nearly five decades, Byrne rose to fame in 1975 as co-founder and frontman of the art-rock outfit Talking Heads. He has since released a string of acclaimed solo albums—from 1981’s My Life in the Bush of Ghosts to 2004’s Grown Backwards—and ventured into film scoring, theatre direction and multimedia installations. His last studio effort, American Utopia (2018), earned him a Grammy nomination and inspired a Broadway run directed by Spike Lee. “Who Is The Sky?” marks Byrne’s first release on Matador Records, signaling a fresh chapter in his enduring solo legacy.

Visual Sneak Peeks

In the Instagram carousel, Byrne shared behind-the-scenes shots: him posing in a teal-tiled room, in-studio recording vibes and close-ups of costume fittings. The images offer fans an early look at the album’s textured aesthetic and hint at the theatrical flair he plans to bring to the live shows. For those craving more, he tagged Matador Records and his creative team on each slide, spotlighting the collaborative spirit behind the release.

From its bold collaborations to its inventive live format, “Who Is The Sky?” promises another exploratory turn in David Byrne’s storied career. With the first single streaming now and the full album landing on September 5, fans have plenty to anticipate as the tour approaches.

Trivia

David Byrne is known for his unique stage presence and artistic approach to performances, often incorporating various multimedia elements.

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Sakshi

 

Sakshi holds a bachelor’s degree in Science and a master’s in Bioinformatics from Panjab University, India. Her passion for writing engaging articles has led her to pursue a career in content writing since 2020. Sakshi has written in various niches, including health and wellness, fintech, blockchain, and lifestyle.

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