Earlier this month, David Byrne released his highly anticipated new album, Who Is The Sky? via Matador Records. David is now on the road with two dates at The Anthem in DC — Saturday, Sept. 27, and Sunday, Sept. 28.
Who Is the Sky? 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.
“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 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.”
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.
Watch the official music video for “Everybody Laughs” by David Byrne on YouTube:
David Byrne first rose to prominence as the idiosyncratic frontman and principal songwriter of Talking Heads, a band he co-founded in the mid-1970s that became one of the most innovative forces in new wave and art rock. With landmark albums like Fear of Music, Remain in Light, and Speaking in Tongues, Byrne’s angular vocals, cerebral lyrics, and adventurous sonic palette helped redefine the possibilities of popular music.
After Talking Heads disbanded in 1991, Byrne embarked on a wide-ranging solo career marked by restless experimentation, embracing Latin, African, and electronic influences. He has composed film scores, written books, created visual art, and produced award-winning stage works, including the genre-blurring American Utopia on Broadway. Throughout, Byrne has remained a singular creative force, merging intellect and playfulness to explore the intersections of music, performance, and culture.
Buy your tickets online now for Sept. 27!
Buy your tickets online now for Sept. 28!
David Byrne
The Anthem
Saturday, Sept. 27
Sunday, Sept. 28
Doors @ 6:30pm
$232.45+ Seats/ $483.20+ VIP
All ages
