Last year saw the release of the timely new single, “T Shirt.” Co-produced by Byrne’s longtime friend and collaborator Brian Eno, the song is a classic piece of electro-pop wrapped in lightly humorous, but always earnest, political commentary. The track has become a notable moment and quick fan favorite on Byrne’s latest tour.
David Byrne and his band recently brought his live performance energy to the NPR offices for an epic Tiny Desk Concert, with Exclaim! saying, "Everything he does is pure magic."
Who Is the Sky?, released via Matador Records, is Byrne’s first album since releasing the acclaimed 2018 American Utopia, which was later adapted into a hit Broadway musical and HBO film. It was produced by the Grammy-winning Kid Harpoon (Harry Styles, Miley Cyrus), while its 12 songs were arranged by the members of New York- based chamber ensemble Ghost Train Orchestra. Guests include Paramore’s Hayley Williams, St. Vincent and The Smile drummer Tom Skinner.
The album was introduced by the infectious first single “Everybody Laughs,” directed by multimedia artist Gabriel Barcia-Colombo. The video set the tone for Who Is the Sky? with its universal themes of human connection and the potential for societal unity against the chaotic backdrop of the world.
“At my age, at least for me, there's a ‘don't give a shit about what people think’ attitude that kicks in,” Byrne says about the spirit behind Who Is the Sky? “I can step outside my comfort zone with the knowledge that I kind of know who I am by now and sort of know what I'm doing. That said, every new set of songs, every song even, is a new adventure. There's always a bit of, ‘how do I work this?’ I've found that not every collaboration works, but often when they do, it's because I'm able to clearly impart what it is I'm trying to do. They hopefully get that, and as a result, we're now joined together heading to the same unknown place.”
