David Byrne Unveils New Album Who Is the Sky?

"Who Is the Sky? is Byrne's first full-length effort since 2018's highly regarded American Utopia. The new album was produced by Grammy winner Kid Harpoon, with all 12 songs arranged by members of New York-based chamber ensemble, Ghost Train Orchestra. The LP arrives with a slew of guest appearances from the likes of Paramore's Hayley Williams, St. Vincent, The Smile and Sons of Kemet drummer Tom Skinner, and American Utopia percussionist Mauro Refosco."

""At my age, at least for me, there's a 'don't give a shit about what people think' attitude that kicks in," Byrne said about his new work in a press statement. "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.""

"Byrne will celebrate the new release with a multi-leg world tour, which kicks off later this month on September 14th in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After covering North America, the show will head over to Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, wrapping up March 2026 with a two-night stand in Paris. The new shows will feature a band of 13 musicians, singers and dancers, including some members of the American Utopia band. Like that tour, everyone on stage will be fully mobile. See the complete itinerary below, and get tickets here."

Who Is the Sky? is David Byrne's ninth studio album and his first full-length effort since 2018's American Utopia. The album was produced by Grammy winner Kid Harpoon and features all 12 songs arranged by members of New York-based chamber ensemble Ghost Train Orchestra. Guest contributors include Hayley Williams, St. Vincent, The Smile, Tom Skinner, and Mauro Refosco. Byrne released singles "Everybody Laughs," "She Explains Things to Me," and "The Avant Garde," and previewed "What Is the Reason for It" on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. An autocorrected text inspired the album title. A multi-leg world tour begins September 14 in Pittsburgh and runs through March 2026, featuring a 13-member, fully mobile stage band and dancers.

Read at Consequence