Interview with David Byrne

“Joy can be its own antidote.”

With a new album under his arm—a luminous, expansive and surprisingly optimistic work— David Byrne returns to a place that it has always defended: that of permanent reinvention. Unlike American Utopiatheir new material immerses themselves in a mix of creative freedom, brilliant orchestrations and a deep desire to find beauty in the midst of contemporary chaos. We spoke with the musician about his collaborations, his creative process, the balance between past and present, and the importance of continuing to surprise himself after so many decades of career.

Indie Rocks!: To start, this new album feels incredibly powerful: full of optimism, freedom, and these big, joy-filled choruses. How would you describe it compared to American Utopia?

David Byrne: I don't know how to describe American Utopiabut this one does have a sense of joy and possibility. Maybe it's an antidote to what's happening in the world. I think I wrote it as a kind of therapy for myself, and maybe for other people too.

Indie Rocks!: Maybe that sense of freedom comes from the desire to escape the chaos that surrounds us. Sometimes sharing ideas or lyrics can feel very intimate, but on this album you collaborated a lot—including with Pharrell Williams. What made you trust these songs to someone else?

David Byrne: I think I'm getting better at collaborating. If I can clearly communicate what I'm trying to do, then we're both aiming for the same thing. I don't need to give instructions: they bring their own creativity and we move in the same direction. I fully discovered that here.

Indie Rocks!: And in addition to Pharrell, you worked with Ghost Train Orchestra, producer Kid Harpoon and even with Camilo Lara, who made a version with Natalia Lafourcade…

David Byrne: Yeah! I don't know when it will come out, but it's very good. He turned the song into a cumbia. We once played together at Carnegie Hall; she is wonderful.

Indie Rocks!: You always mix many genres, but on this album the combination feels especially natural. Why choose that first single as the introduction to the project?

David Byrne: That song announces what the album is about. There is joy, but also realism: people laughing, crying, living, dying. With the orchestration and the rhythm, it felt like the right invitation. It tells you what's coming.

Indie Rocks!: The album goes from pop and orchestral arrangements to percussion and soul. How did you manage to maintain a common thread between so many sounds?

David Byrne: Kid Harpoon It was a great help. He maintained balance so that the orchestra did not overwhelm the voices. It was all about balancing the elements.

Indie Rocks!: In a world that feels ephemeral and disposable, especially on social media, why was it important for you to take your time with this record?

David Byrne: I'm in a lucky position: I made this record without a label. I paid for it myself, so we could take our time. I don't want to do something esoteric; I want something accessible, but in my own way. It took longer than I expected, but I'm happy with the result.

Indie Rocks!: What is the secret to keeping music exciting after so many years and avoiding monotony?

David Byrne: I guess I'm still curious. I listen to a lot of music, I go out to listen to music, and I'm not afraid to work with other people to see what happens.

Indie Rocks!: You've said that at this stage in your life you no longer care about external expectations: your songs are still adventurous. How do you balance feeling free while still being surprised?

David Byrne: I can't imagine doing it any other way. It's not always easy; Sometimes you think, “Maybe this isn't good, maybe it's terrible.” I had that moment with this album. But I was wrong. It's a delicate balance, but possible.

Indie Rocks!: On this tour you mix new songs with Talking Heads classics. How important is it for you to maintain a dialogue between the past and the present?

David Byrne: I've been able to rearrange some of the old songs to fit the new ones. They help tell the story we present on stage. It works: we achieve a good balance.

Indie Rocks!: Your albums are full of layers and textures, but your live shows are incredibly physical and theatrical. What is the difference between the David Byrne of the studio and the one on stage?

David Byrne: In the studio you have the microscope: you are seeing every detail. Live, you rehearse for a long time, but you don't really know what works until you're in front of the audience. They tell you if they like it or not.

Indie Rocks!: For someone who doesn't know your work yet, what would be the best song to enter your discography?

David Byrne: Wow… I don't know. Some songs are so different from each other. My gut says “listen to my new album,” but I'm not sure that's the best introduction. Sorry!

Indie Rocks!: I remember the tour American Utopia —I saw her in Mexico City and in ACL. The arrangement of “Once in a Lifetime” towards the new material was perfect.