So, naturally, we all now ask ourselves-was it too much to ask? Are we wrong about how humans can be? Is there another way? Can we start over? The project seems on the verge of complete and utter failure. Now it seems we are seeing that hope, those possibilities, be withdrawn. Though it never did succeed in all its aims enough were realized in the brief history to give hope to many. There is a longing for possibility- and I have a feeling that is what these songs touch on.Īmerica-or to be correctthe United States-was founded as a Utopian Experiment. Surely, we ask ourselves, it doesn't have to be like this. The title is not so much about a utopia, as it is about our longing, frustration, aspirations, fears, hopes regarding what could be, what is possible. The songs are sincere-the title is not ironic. And what drives us to ask those questions. This group of songs is indirectly about those questions. These songs don't describe this imaginary and possibly impossible place, but rather they attempt to describe the world we live in now-and that world, when we look at it, as we live in it, as it impacts on us-immediately commands us to ask ourselves- is there another way? A better way? A different way? The album was recorded in New York City at DB Spare Bedroom, Reservoir Studios, Oscilloscope, XL Studios, and Crowdspacer Studio and in London at Livingston Studio 1. Vincent producer, aka Doveman), Jack Peñate, and others. American Utopia morphed during the writing and recording process, beginning with longtime collaborator Eno, and eventually growing to include collaboration with producer Rodaidh McDonald (The xx, King Krule, Sampha, Savages) alongside a diverse cast of creative contributors including Daniel Lopatin (aka Oneohtrix Point Never), Jam City, Thomas Bartlett (St. Vincent over the past decade, American Utopia is Byrne's first solo album since 2004's Grown Backwards, also on Nonesuch. While David Byrne has collaborated on joint releases with Eno, Norman Cook (aka Fatboy Slim), and most recently St. A “Reasons To Be Cheerful” hub, where Byrne shares these items, can be accessed here. Just as the album questions the current state of society while offering solace through song, the content of the series recognizes the darkness and complexity of today while showcasing alternatives to the despair that threatens us. Over the last year, Byrne has been collecting stories, news, ideas, and other items that all either embody or identify examples of things that inspire optimism, such as a tech breakthrough, a musical act, a new idea in urban planning or transportation-something seen, heard, or tasted. American Utopia was released March 9, 2018, via Todomundo / Nonesuch Records, accompanied by a world tour that will bring a choreographed concert that Byrne has called "the most ambitious show I've done since the shows that were filmed for Stop Making Sense." The album track "Everybody's Coming To My House"-co-written with Brian Eno, featuring contributions from TTY, Happa, Onyx Collective leader Isaiah Barr, Mercury Prize winner Sampha, and others-also was released.Īmerican Utopia fits hand-in-hand with Byrne's vision for his series "Reasons To Be Cheerful," named for the song by the late Ian Dury. The presentation was given at New York's New School to a live audience, as well as livestreamed via his Facebook page. Grammy Award Nominee: Best Alternative Albumĭavid Byrne announced his forthcoming solo record, American Utopia, during a presentation of "Reasons To Be Cheerful," an ongoing series curated by Byrne of hopeful writings, photos, music, and lectures.
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