David Byrne Drops New Single ‘What Is The Reason For It?’ ft. Hayley Williams

David Byrne teams up with Paramore’s Hayley Williams on his vibrant new single ‘What Is The Reason For It?’ ahead of his upcoming album.

A Fresh Collaboration That Sparks Curiosity

If you’ve been following the legendary David Byrne, former frontman of Talking Heads, you know he never fails to surprise and intrigue. His newest single, ‘What Is The Reason For It?’, is no exception. Featuring the unmistakable vocals of Paramore’s Hayley Williams, this track bursts with energy and a playful spirit that’s impossible to resist.

Byrne is gearing up to release his fresh album Who Is The Sky? on September 5 via Matador Records. This record marks his first solo outing since 2018’s American Utopia, and it promises to build on the optimistic vibes that fans have loved from his recent work.

A Danceable Soundscape with a Classic Byrne Twist

The new single showcases a dynamic back-and-forth between Byrne’s and Williams’ vocals, weaving through a rich tapestry of swirling strings, joyful brass, and a rhythm that invites movement. This isn’t just a song; it’s a vibrant conversation between two artists exploring the essence of love and connection.

What makes it even more special is the creative music video, featuring Byrne’s line drawings brought to life by artist Dustin Yellin. It’s a visual feast that pairs perfectly with the song’s infectious groove.

Check out the official video below:

Behind the Scenes: How the Collaboration Came to Be

Byrne shared with People the spontaneous magic behind the track:

“When we were finishing up the record, the producer Kid Harpoon and I were wondering, ‘Oh, maybe this song, it’s a love song, or at least it’s asking what is love, what it’s about? Why do we do this? Why do other people do it? Do we know anything about it? (...) And I knew that [Williams] was in town, so I just texted her and said, ‘Do you want to come by and sing on this?’ And she said yes. And she killed it.”

It’s those organic moments of artistry that make this duet feel so genuine and electric.

More from Who Is The Sky? and Byrne’s Touring Plans

Hayley Williams isn’t the only notable collaborator on the album. Byrne also joins forces with St. Vincent and Tom Skinner, the drummer from The Smile, creating a fascinating mix of musical talents.

The twelve tracks on Who Is The Sky? were arranged by New York’s Ghost Train Orchestra. Byrne’s discovery of their tribute to the blind composer and street poet Moondog in 2023 clearly inspired a fresh orchestral flair throughout the record.

David Byrne will be hitting the road worldwide in support of this album, starting with U.S. dates this September and continuing to the UK by March 2026. If you’re eager to catch him live, tickets are still available for both regions.

A Look Back and What’s Next for David Byrne

Remember when American Utopia became a defining moment for Byrne, not just as a solo artist but as a visionary performer? His Grammy-winning Broadway show and the Spike Lee-directed concert film rejuvenated interest in his work and the Talking Heads legacy.

Though Byrne has made it clear there won’t be a Talking Heads reunion tour (“you can’t turn the clock back”), his solo material continues to push boundaries and inspire.

Recently, Byrne shared a heartfelt instrumental playlist ahead of his wedding to financier Mala Gaonkar, reaffirming that his creative journey is as vibrant as ever.

The Artistic Pulse of a Legend

David Byrne's latest work is a testament to his enduring ability to blend thought-provoking themes with infectious rhythms. ‘What Is The Reason For It?’ isn’t just a single—it’s a danceable philosophical musing wrapped in the warmth of collaboration and creativity.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or just tuning in, this track offers a glimpse into Byrne’s evolving soundscape and his knack for bringing artists together to create something truly special.

FAQ

• How does ‘What Is The Reason For It?’ compare to David Byrne's older work?
  It retains Byrne’s signature quirky, danceable style but introduces fresh vocal interplay with Hayley Williams, adding a new dynamic to his sound.
• Who else features on the album ‘Who Is The Sky?’?
  Besides Hayley Williams, the album includes collaborations with St. Vincent and Tom Skinner from The Smile.
• What inspired the orchestral arrangements on the album?
  Byrne was inspired by the Ghost Train Orchestra’s tribute to Moondog, which led to their involvement in arranging the album’s 12 tracks.
• Will David Byrne tour to support the new album?
  Yes! Byrne will tour the US starting in September, followed by UK dates in March 2026.
• Where can I watch the official video for ‘What Is The Reason For It?’?
  The video is available on YouTube and features animated line drawings by Dustin Yellin that complement the song’s vibe.

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