David Byrne Shares Focus Track 'What Is The Reason For It?'

Auckland, New Zealand Show February 2026

This Friday, David Byrne will release his highly anticipated new album Who Is The Sky? via Matador Records. The latest single from the album ‘What Is The Reason For It?’ Feat. Hayley Williams is out today. Marked by the inviting vocal interplay between Byrne and Paramore’s Williams, ‘What Is the Reason for It?’ aims to understand love in a way logic can rarely accomplish (“does it do something useful? / nobody understands it”).

Born from a creative collaboration between David Byrne and artist Dustin Yellen, the video for ‘What Is The Reason For It?’ uses cutting-edge AI technology to animate more than 20 of Byrne's original line drawings. Directed by Shira Indbar, the project highlights Yellen's interest in exploring new technologies to bring still images to life. Watch the video below.

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 a Spike Lee 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.

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Early Praise for Who Is The Sky?

“Weirdness and wonder abound" - MOJO ****

“The new music hits like a surge of optimism, replete with humor, huge choruses and, every now and then, pithily delivered lesions from a 73-year-old who has lived about as well as anyone could aspire to.” - Sunday Times

“The best thing he's done in years (...) every song on 'Who Is The Sky?' proves that he's still as creative and enthusiastic as he ever was”.” - DORK *****

"Joyful songs and weighty questions" - Uncut, 8/10

David Byrne - Who Is The Sky?

1. Everybody Laughs
2. When We Are Singing
3. My Apartment Is My Friend
4. A Door Called No
5. What Is the Reason for It?
6. I Met the Buddha at a Downtown Party
7. Don't Be Like That
8. The Avant Garde
9. Moisturizing Thing
10. I'm an Outsider
11. She Explains Things to Me
12. The Truth

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