David Byrne and Hayley Williams Collaborate on New Single "What Is The Reason For It?"

David Byrne, the former frontman of Talking Heads, has released a new single titled “What Is The Reason For It?” featuring Hayley Williams, the lead vocalist of Paramore. This track is part of Byrne's upcoming album, *Who Is The Sky?*, set to be released on September 5, 2025. The collaboration marks a significant moment in Byrne's career, as it is his first solo album since 2018's *American Utopia*.

David Byrne shares Hayley Williams collaboration from new album ‘Who is the Sky?’ – Lakes Media NetworkDavid Byrne and Hayley Williams: be careful of those twoAV ClubNME | New Musical ExpressUPROXXDavid Byrne taps Hayley Williams for “What Is The Reason For It?”

Byrne described the song as an exploration of love and its complexities, stating, “When we were finishing up the record, the producer Kid Harpoon and I were wondering, ‘Oh, maybe this song is 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?’” He reached out to Williams, who was in town, and invited her to contribute to the track, to which she enthusiastically agreed.

David Byrne has shared ‘What Is the Reason for It?’ featuring Hayley Williams, from his new album ‘Who Is the Sky?’David Byrne releases ‘What Is The Reason For It?’UPROXXDavid Byrne and Hayley Williams Team Up for “What Is the Reason for It?”David Byrne Returns With New Album Who Is The Sky? , Teams Up With Hayley Williams On New SingleDavid Byrne shares Hayley Williams collaboration from new album ‘Who is the Sky?’ – Lakes Media Network

“What Is The Reason For It?” features a vibrant and danceable sound, characterized by the interplay of Byrne and Williams' vocals. The production, led by Kid Harpoon, incorporates elements of orchestration arranged by the Ghost Train Orchestra, enhancing the song's lively and reflective nature. The accompanying music video, directed by Dustin Yellin, utilizes AI technology to animate Byrne's original line drawings, creating a visually engaging experience that complements the song's themes.

David Byrne Returns With New Album Who Is The Sky? , Teams Up With Hayley Williams On New Single

The partnership between Byrne and Williams began to take shape after Paramore covered the Talking Heads classic “Burning Down the House” for a tribute album linked to the re-release of the concert film *Stop Making Sense*. This collaboration has been described as a natural progression of their artistic relationship, with both artists expressing admiration for each other's work.

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Byrne has expressed his excitement about the collaboration, noting Williams' impressive contribution to the track. He stated, “She killed it,” highlighting the synergy between their artistic styles. The song's lyrics delve into the philosophical questions surrounding love, reflecting Byrne's signature cerebral approach to songwriting.

David Byrne has shared ‘What Is the Reason for It?’ featuring Hayley Williams, from his new album ‘Who Is the Sky?’

*Who Is The Sky?* will feature a total of 12 tracks, including previously released singles such as “Everybody Laughs” and “The Avant Garde.” Following the album's release, Byrne will embark on a worldwide tour, beginning on September 14, 2025, in Providence, Rhode Island, and continuing through major cities in North America, Australia, and Europe.

David Byrne Returns With New Album Who Is The Sky? , Teams Up With Hayley Williams On New Single

While the collaboration has been largely well-received, some critics have noted the challenge of merging Byrne's avant-garde style with Williams' pop sensibilities. However, many have praised the track for its life-affirming energy and the seamless blending of their voices.

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With the release of *Who Is The Sky?* imminent, fans are eagerly anticipating the album's full tracklist and the subsequent tour. The collaboration between Byrne and Williams not only showcases their individual talents but also represents a bridging of musical generations and styles, promising an exciting chapter in both artists' careers.

NME | New Musical Express

• “What is the reason for it? Why is it there? Is it my body or my brain?,” — David Byrne

Rolling Stone

• “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.” — David Byrne

AV Club

• “, Byrne says: “At my age, at least for me, there’s a ‘don’t give a shit about what people think’ attitude that kicks in.” — David Byrne

David Byrne Shares Video for New Song “What Is The Reason For It?” (Feat. Hayley Williams)