‘David Byrne’s American Utopia’ Teaser Trailer Drums Up A Bit Of Hope

Commenting on the monotony of suburbia and life in general has been part of David Byrne’s calling card. Directed by Spike Lee, David Byrne’s American Utopia gives viewers access to the former Talking Heads frontman’s sold-out Broadway show. The teaser trailer has Byrne drumming, dancing and quoting James Baldwin. What’s not to love?

David Byrne’s American Utopia played on Broadway from October 2019 to February 2020 at Broadway’s Hudson Theatre. One would assume the bicycle was the artist’s favorite mode of transporation to work, as his music, though teeming with irony, inspires listeners to connect with the world and other people.

The production, featuring music from his 2018 album American Utopia, also has a cover of Janelle Monáe’s “Hell You Talmbout” and the Talking Heads classic “This Must Be the Place.” Eleven musical collaborators are on stage to perform Byrne’s music, as they dance and perform songs that touch on a plethora of sociopolitical topics.

That said, even an ignoramus like me has enjoyed Byrne’s music on a surface level, as his albums Everything That Happens Will Happen Today and My Life in the Bush of Ghosts are sonic landscapes that never fail to keep me engaged.

David Byrne’s American Utopia premieres on HBO and streams on HBO Max starting October 17 at 8 pm. For viewers in Canada, the film will air on CRAVE.

What are some of your favorite albums/work from David Byrne? Feel free to comment below!