David Byrne: New Single & Video, New Album and 2025 Tour

David Byrne has announced his first solo album in six years, Who Is The Sky?, due out September 5 via Matador Records. Alongside the album’s release, the iconic artist will return to the stage for an Australasian tour in January 2025, with tickets on sale Friday, June 13 at 1pm local time.

Led by the single “Everybody Laughs”, the album features collaborations with longtime and new musical partners including St. Vincent, Paramore’s Hayley Williams, The Smile drummer Tom Skinner, and American Utopia percussionist Mauro Refosco. The album’s 12 songs were arranged by the Ghost Train Orchestra, whose eclectic, intimate instrumentation helped shape the album’s cinematic feel.

Watch video for “Everybody Laughs”

In a statement, Byrne explained the direction of the lead single: “Everybody lives, dies, laughs, cries, sleeps and stares at the ceiling. 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.” St. Vincent joins Byrne vocally on the track’s finale, described by producer Kid Harpoon as “joyous, because it made me feel like we’re all the same.”

Who Is The Sky? continues themes of connection and optimism developed in American Utopia and expands into what Byrne calls “more story songs than usual.” Tracks include “She Explains Things to Me,” “My Apartment Is My Friend,” and “I Met the Buddha at a Downtown Party.” Byrne and Williams appear together on “What Is the Reason for It?”, which explores the irrational nature of love.

Byrne first sketched the songs during the pandemic, combining acoustic demos with loops and grooves. “It took me a minute,” he said. “You ask, ‘Does any of it matter?’ And you find your way back through songs.”

To shape the final album, Byrne enlisted Ghost Train Orchestra after hearing their tribute to composer Moondog. Their blend of strings, winds, and percussion offered a unique texture that Byrne felt could “bring out the emotion I sense is there in these songs.” The album was co-produced with Kid Harpoon and mixed by Mark “Spike” Stent.

Byrne will bring Who Is The Sky? to live audiences in early 2025, performing in New Zealand and across major Australian cities. Dates and ticket details are as follows:

David Byrne – Who Is The Sky? Tour 2025

Tickets on sale Friday, 13 June at 1pm local time

• Wednesday, 14 January – Spark Arena, Auckland, NZ | ticketmaster.co.nz

• Saturday, 17 January – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, QLD | ticketek.com.au

• Wednesday, 21 January – ICC Sydney Theatre, NSW | ticketek.com.au

• Thursday, 22 January – Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne, VIC | axs.com.au

• Saturday, 24 January – Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena, SA | ticketek.com.au

• Tuesday, 27 January – RAC Arena, Perth, WA | ticketek.com.au