David Byrne released his newest single, “She Explains Things to Me,” this Wednesday, the 16th. The former Talking Heads also revealed four new shows in previously announced cities. This comes in addition to announcing last month his first album in seven years, Who Is the Sky?, and a subsequent world tour.
Regarding the spirit behind the new album Who Is the Sky?, Byrne commented: “At my age, at least in my case, there’s an attitude of ‘I don’t care what people think.’ I can step outside my comfort zone with the security of already knowing, more or less, who I am and what I’m doing. That said, each set of songs, each track, is a new adventure. There’s always a bit of ‘how am I going to solve this?’ Not every collaboration works, but when it does, it’s because I can clearly communicate what I’m trying to do. And from there, we’re together heading towards the same unknown place.”
“She Explains Things to Me” delves into some of the central themes of Who Is the Sky?, being partially inspired by Rebecca Solnit ’s Men Explain Things to Me . Through the internal monologue of its narrator, Byrne reflects on how men often delegitimize women’s ideas and points of view.
With a release date set for September 5th via Matador Records , Who Is the Sky? is the successor to the acclaimed 2018 album American Utopia —which spawned a Broadway adaptation and a film directed by Spike Lee for HBO. The new album was produced by Grammy winner Kid Harpoon ( Harry Styles, Miley Cyrus ) and features 12 tracks arranged by the New York-based chamber ensemble Ghost Train Orchestra . Guests include Hayley Williams ( Paramore ), St. Vincent , and Tom Skinner ( The Smile ).
The new album was initially presented by the single “Everybody Laughs,” which sets the tone for Who Is the Sky? with universal themes about human connection and the potential for social unity amidst the chaos of the contemporary world.
READ ALSO: David Byrne, of Talking Heads, makes a guest appearance at Olivia Rodrigo's show.
