David Byrne has unveiled details of his first solo album since 2018’s “American Utopia”. “Who Is The Sky?” will be released by Matador on September 5th, and you can watch a video for lead-off single “Everybody Laughs”
“Everybody lives, dies, laughs, cries, sleeps and stares at the ceiling,” says Byrne. “Everybody’s wearing everybody else’s shoes, which not everybody does, but I have done. I tried to sing about these things that could be seen as negative in a way balanced by an uplifting feeling from the groove and the melody, especially at the end… Music can do that – hold opposites simultaneously. I realised that when singing with Robyn earlier this year. Her songs are often sad, but the music is joyous.”
The album was produced by Kid Harpoon and arranged by the members of New York-based chamber ensemble Ghost Train Orchestra. It features guest appearances from St Vincent, Paramore’s Hayley Williams, The Smile drummer Tom Skinner and American Utopia percussionist Mauro Refosco.
Byrne will also return to the road with a brand new live show in support of “Who Is The Sky?” The touring band will comprise 13 musicians, singers and dancers, all of whom will be mobile throughout the set.
03/09/2026 – Manchester, UK – o2 Apollo
03/10/2026 – Manchester, UK – o2 Apollo
‘Who Is The Sky?’, the new album from David Byrne out September 5th on Matador Records.
The Fat Angel Sings 