David Byrne returns with “Who Is the Sky?,” his first studio album since 2018’s acclaimed American Utopia. Out September 5 via Matador Records, the album sees Byrne teaming up with Grammy-winning producer Kid Harpoon (Harry Styles, Miley Cyrus) and the innovative Ghost Train Orchestra, a New York-based chamber ensemble whose vibrant arrangements elevate Byrne’s signature blend of introspective lyrics and offbeat pop. The 12-track project is available now for pre-order, including a limited-edition split-colored vinyl featuring a lenticular cover.
Anchored by the infectious lead single “Everybody Laughs,” Who Is the Sky? brings together a wide-ranging lineup of collaborators. St. Vincent, Hayley Williams of Paramore, Tom Skinner (The Smile), and longtime Byrne collaborator Mauro Refosco all contribute, adding texture to an album that is personal and panoramic. The single’s music video, directed by multimedia artist Gabriel Barcia-Colombo, is out now. Watch it here!
According to Byrne, the album explores shared human experiences—laughing, crying, longing—and does so with a musical tone that balances melancholy and joy. “Music can hold opposites simultaneously,” he notes. “These songs might sound playful, but they’re rooted in reflection and, in some cases, revelation.”
Who Is the Sky? blends intimate storytelling with lush orchestration. Tracks like “My Apartment Is My Friend” and “I Met the Buddha at a Downtown Party” reflect Byrne’s wry, observational style, while songs such as “The Avant Garde” playfully dissect the world of modern art and identity. With its rich instrumentation—strings, brass, winds, and layered vocals — the album leans into a cinematic quality without losing Byrne’s signature quirk and wit.
To celebrate the album’s release, Byrne is launching a major world tour beginning in September. The North American leg kicks off in Providence, RI, before hitting cities including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Toronto.
In 2026, the tour will continue through Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, with multiple-night runs in London, Amsterdam, and Paris.
Byrne’s new live show features a 13-member ensemble of musicians, singers, and dancers — all performing without stationary instruments, in the mobile, theatrical style introduced during American Utopia.
Tickets for David Byrne’s upcoming tour go on general sale Friday, June 13 at 10 a.m. local time via Live Nation, with presales running throughout the week. VIP packages include perks like premium seating, backstage tours, and signed memorabilia. In Europe, Mastercard cardholders get early access in select countries starting Wednesday, June 11. More details are available at vipnation.com and pricless.com/music.
Who Is the Sky? Tracklist:
Everybody Laughes
When We Are Signing
My Apartment Is My Friend
A Door Called No
What Is the Reason for It?
I Met the Buddha at a Downtown Party
Don’t Be Like That
The Avant Garde
Moisturizing Thing
I’m an Outsider
She Explains Things To Me
The Truth
David Byrne on Tour:
North America:
09/14/2025 – Providence, RI – Veterans Memorial Auditorium
09/16/2025 – Pittsburgh, PA – Benedum Center PAC
09/17/2025 – Columbus, OH – Mershon Auditorium
09/19/2025 – Akron, OH – Akron Civic Theatre
09/21/2025 – Schenectady, NY – Proctors
09/23/2025 – Syracuse, NY – Landmark Theatre
09/25/2025 – Buffalo, NY – Shea’s Buffalo Theatre
09/27-09/28– Washington D.C. – The Anthem
09/30-10/01 – New York, NY – Radio City Music Hall
10/03-10/04 – Boston, MA – Boch Center Wang Theatre
10/07/2025 – Wallingford, CT – Toyota Oakdale Theatre
10/08/2025 – Portland, ME – Merrill Auditorium at City Hall
10/10/2025 – New York, NY – Radio City Music Hall
10/14/2025 – Richmond, VA – Altria Theater
10/16-10/17 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met Philadelphia presented by Highmark
10/21-10/22 – Toronto, ON, Canada – Massey Hall
10/25/2025 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre
10/28-10/29 – Chicago, IL – The Auditorium
10/31/2025 – Chicago, IL – The Auditorium
11/03-11/04 – Minneapolis, MN – Orpheum Theatre
11/06-11/07 – Denver, CO – Bellco Theatre
11/11-11/12 – Seattle, WA – Paramount Theatre
11/16-11/17 – San Francisco, CA – The Theater at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
11/20-11/21 – Los Angeles, CA – Dolby Theatre
11/25-11/26 – Austin, TX – Bass Concert Hall
11/28-11/29 – Dallas, TX – Music Hall at Fair Park
12/02-12/03 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre
12/05-12/06 – Miami, FL – Fillmore Miami Beach At Jackie Gleason Theatre
Australia & New Zealand:
01/14/2026 – Auckland, New Zealand – Spark Arena
01/17/2026 – Brisbane, Australia – Brisbane Entertainment Center
01/21/2026 – Sydney, Australia – ICC Sydney Theatre
01/22/2026 – Melbourne, Australia – Sidney Myer Music Bowl
01/24/2026 – Adelaide, Australia – Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena
01/27/2026 – Perth, Australia – RAC Arena
Europe & United Kingdom:
02/12/2026 – Berlin, Germany – Tempodrom
02/15-02/16 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – AFAS Live
02/18/2026 – Brussels, Belgium – Forest National
02/21-02/22 – Milan, Italy – Teatro degli Arcimboldi
02/24/2026 – Frankfurt, Germany – Jahrhunderthalle
02/27/2026 – Zurich, Switzerland – The Hall
03/02/2026 – Cardiff, UK – Utilita Arena
03/03-03/04 – London, UK – Eventim Apollo
03/06-03/07 – Glasgow, UK – SEC Armadillo
03/09-03/10 – Manchester, UK – o2 Apollo
03/13/2026 – Dublin, Ireland – 3Arena
03/15/2026 – London, UK – Eventim Apollo
03/18-03/19 – Paris, France – La Seine Musicale
David Byrne Socials: