Following a globally-heralded tour that was hailed as the live musical event of the year, and a momentous Coachella performance, David Byrne has released ‘¿Cuál Es La Razón?’—a vibrant new take on his track ‘What Is The Reason For It?’ from his latest album, Who Is The Sky?. This version features the voice of legendary GRAMMY award winning Mexican singer Natalia Lafourcade, taking the place of the original’s Hayley Williams (Paramore). Produced by Mexican Institute Of Sound, the Latin-infused pop duet is transformed into a vocal and brass-led remix, drawing inspiration from David’s experiences in Mexico City and the enduring mysteries of love.
David Byrne, Natalia Lafourcade & Mexican Institute Of Sound – ‘¿Cuál Es La Razón?’ (Official Video)
Appropriately timed to the release, David Byrne has announced a run of tour dates in Mexico this summer including a show at Mexico City’s Teatro Metropólitan and shows at Telmex Auditorium in Guadalajara and Escenario GNP in Monterrey, MX.
Last Friday, Penguin Press announced it will publish David Byrne’s new book, SLEEPING BEAUTIES: Why Good Ideas Go Dormant and How They Wake Up, SLEEPING BEAUTIES is a brilliant and inspiring reckoning with how breakthroughs across the arts and sciences get forgotten, and how they get rediscovered. SLEEPING BEAUTIES will be published in the US in hardcover, audio, and ebook on October 6, 2026.
Last month, David Byrne appeared on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert last night with his 12-member ensemble to perform ‘When We Are Singing,’ a track from his new album, Who Is The Sky (Matador). Following the performance, Byrne joined Colbert for an in-depth conversation. Watch it below.
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Who Is the Sky?, released via Matador Records, 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. Guests include Paramore’s Hayley Williams, St. Vincent and The Smile drummer Tom Skinner.
“At my age, at least for me, there’s a ‘don’t give a shit about what people think’ attitude that kicks in,” Byrne says 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.”
ACCLAIM FOR WHO IS THE SKY?
“If there is something good to be found, he will see it and bring it to your attention.” – NPR
“Who Is The Sky? is a compelling invitation…to join him on what’s looking like a long ride into who knows what, singing and laughing as needed. “ – Rolling Stone
“The Talking Heads frontman applies his usual puckish wit to matters of love, connection, and other quandaries of existence” – Pitchfork
“A joyous rejoinder to a creeping sense of gloom.” – Paste Magazine
“A collection of avant-garde pop for fans of his band and beyond. There’s a real joy here.” – Associated Press
“Playful and luminous, grounded in orchestral eccentricity and a pop sentiment that Byrne has long made his own.” – VMAN
“The universalist anthem about the emotions and feelings we all share.” – Billboard on “Everybody Laughs”
“Morbidly joyous” – Vulture
“It’s subtle, self-critical, and unmistakably Byrne, merging thought-provoking storytelling with warm, artful instrumentation.” – Consequence
“With its kaleidoscopic cover and irresistible tunes, the latest release from the king of avant-garde pop keeps the party going.” – The Hollywood Reporter
“Classic joyful Byrne, featuring the iconic songwriter taking complex ideas about the human condition and making them easily digestible.” – FLOOD Magazine
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