David Byrne is working on a new solo album, Hamilton Leithauser confirms
Former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne is officially working on a new solo album, according to The Walkmen’s frontman Hamilton Leithauser.
The news came as Leithauser admitted to The Line of Best Fit that he will be featured on Byrne’s upcoming release after selecting Talking Heads song ‘Heaven’ as one of his favourite all-time songs. “Amazingly, I’m working on his new record right now. I’m going to sing on it, and so I’ve got to know him a little bit and he’s really cool,” he said.
Recently, Byrne turned his attention back to Talking Heads. In 2023, the legendary group celebrated the 40th anniversary of their concert film, Stop Making Sense. A24 re-released the critically acclaimed film. In May 2024, the support for Talking Heads continued, with a tribute album containing 16 covers of their biggest hits.
The album included an eclectic mix of performances from the likes of Kevin Abstract, The National, Lorde, Miley Cyrus and Paramore. Byrne’s last release was a cover of Paramore’s disco-funk ‘Hard Times’.
This will be Byrne’s first album since his 2018 LP American Utopia. Byrne teamed up with Spike Lee to create a documentary about the accompanying tour, which took place from March until November 2018. The set was futuristic and bare, and Byrne was joined by twelve musicians who were barefooted and wearing grey suits.
Leithauser also noted his excitement to work with Byrne on the new untitled solo album, stating, “He didn’t disappoint, meeting him was amazing. He’s very polite… When I got the first message from him, I thought I was being punked.”
Last month, Leithauser also announced his new album This Side of the Island and released new single ‘Knockin’ Heart’. Leithauser told his fans on social media that the new material has been eight years in the works. This Side of the Island is set for release on March 7th via Glassnote Records. He will play Earth in Hackney on February 17th.
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