Providence, August 19, 2025
News Summary
David Byrne has unveiled his latest single ‘The Avant Garde,’ the first taste of his upcoming album ‘Who Is the Sky?’ set to release soon. The single showcases a unique blend of Byrne’s iconic style with modern arrangements and features collaborations with notable artists. As anticipation builds for the album and an extensive North American tour, fans can expect an exploration of artistic risk and innovative sound. Details about the album’s tracklist and tour dates have been made available, further fueling the excitement.
Providence — David Byrne has released a new single titled “The Avant Garde”, the first preview from his upcoming studio album Who Is the Sky?, which is scheduled for release on September 5 via Matador Records. The track is produced by Kid Harpoon and arranged by New York–based Ghost Train Orchestra, and it signals Byrne’s return to studio work after his 2018 album American Utopia.
What was released and why it matters
The single serves as the lead public offering ahead of a 12-track album and a planned concert tour. Industry and listener attention centers on the production team and the musical direction: the new song combines elements of Byrne’s established style with sounds compared to classic rock dynamics and intricate modern arrangements. The release sets expectations for the album’s range and the collaborative nature of the project.
Album details and collaborators
Who Is the Sky? will contain 12 tracks and features several noted collaborators, including Hayley Williams of Paramore, St. Vincent, and drummer Tom Skinner from The Smile. Earlier singles from the same album cycle, “Everybody Laughs” and “She Explains Things to Me”, explored themes of human connection and modern life; the new single continues that exploration while emphasizing artistic risk and experimentation. The production by Kid Harpoon and orchestral arrangements from Ghost Train Orchestra are highlighted as key creative inputs on the project.
Artistic approach and themes
The recorded material and recent statements from Byrne indicate a mindset focused on experimentation and reduced concern for critical expectations. The new single is described as reflecting the challenges of trying unproven artistic approaches and the attendant risks that come with innovation. The album overall is presented as a personal statement of artistic freedom and a willingness to push boundaries.
Tour plans and schedule
Byrne will support the album with a North American tour beginning on September 14 in Providence, Rhode Island, and concluding in early December in Miami. The North American leg includes performances in cities such as Schenectady, Syracuse, Rochester, and multiple shows at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Following the North American dates, Byrne plans to extend touring to Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The full list of North American dates spans from September 14 to December 6, 2025, with venues and dates provided by the artist’s team ahead of ticket sales.
Logistics and where to find more information
Details about the album release, complete track listing, collaborator credits, and the full tour schedule are available through official artist channels. The album will be released through Matador Records on September 5, and ticketing and routing for the tour were announced in conjunction with the single release.
Context and background
This album marks Byrne’s first studio release since American Utopia in 2018, a gap of several years during which the artist pursued varied projects. The new work reunites Byrne with contemporary producers and collaborators and places emphasis on orchestral arrangements and cross-genre textures. Early reactions to the new single note a blending of familiar Byrne traits with broader sonic references and complex arrangements, indicating an album that aims to bridge past work with new directions.
Key takeaways
- Single released: “The Avant Garde”
- Album: Who Is the Sky? — releases September 5 via Matador Records
- Producer: Kid Harpoon
- Arranger: Ghost Train Orchestra (New York)
- Collaborators: Hayley Williams, St. Vincent, Tom Skinner
- Tour: North American leg Sept 14–Dec 6, 2025; later dates in Europe, Australia, New Zealand
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the album Who Is the Sky? be released?
The album is scheduled for release on September 5 via Matador Records.
What is the new single and who worked on it?
The new single is titled “The Avant Garde.” It was produced by Kid Harpoon and arranged by the Ghost Train Orchestra.
How many tracks are on the album?
The album contains 12 tracks and includes several guest collaborators.
Which artists collaborated on the album?
Collaborators include Hayley Williams from Paramore, St. Vincent, and drummer Tom Skinner from The Smile.
When and where does the tour start?
The North American tour starts on September 14 in Providence, Rhode Island, and runs through early December with a final North American date on December 6, 2025.
Where can I find the full tour dates and ticket information?
Full tour dates, venue information, and ticketing details were released alongside the album announcement and are available through the artist’s official channels.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Single | The Avant Garde |
| Album | Who Is the Sky? (12 tracks) — Release: September 5 |
| Producer | Kid Harpoon |
| Arranger | Ghost Train Orchestra (New York) |
| Collaborators | Hayley Williams, St. Vincent, Tom Skinner |
| Tour (North America) | Sept 14 (Providence) to Dec 6, 2025 — includes Radio City Music Hall and other cities |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- NYS Music: David Byrne Drops The Avant Garde Ahead of New Album and Tour
- NME: David Byrne on Talking Heads Reunion
- Rolling Stone: David Byrne Interview
- JamBase: David Byrne The Avant Garde Single
- The Times: David Byrne Interview
- Wikipedia: David Byrne
- Google Search: David Byrne new album
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
