Listen: David Byrne Talks 'American Utopia' on 'Design Matters with Debbie Millman'

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"What do you think about when you think about David Byrne?" asks Debbie Millman, introducing the guest on the latest episode of her podcast, Design Matters. "The Talking Heads, no doubt, and some of the most joyful pop music ever, but there’s so much more to the man. Over the years, he has collaborated with artists in dance, theater, film and television, which has resulted in him winning an Oscar, many Grammy awards, and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Before the pandemic hit, he had a Broadway show called American Utopia, which has been turned into a film directed by Spike Lee, and a book by the same name illustrated by the great Maira Kalman. He joins me today to talk about his extraordinary life, making so many extraordinary things." You can hear their conversation here.

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"What do you think about when you think about David Byrne?" asks Debbie Millman, introducing the guest on the latest episode of her podcast, Design Matters. "The Talking Heads, no doubt, and some of the most joyful pop music ever, but there’s so much more to the man. Over the years, he has collaborated with artists in dance, theater, film and television, which has resulted in him winning an Oscar, many Grammy awards, and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Before the pandemic hit, he had a Broadway show called American Utopia, which has been turned into a film directed by Spike Lee, and a book by the same name illustrated by the great Maira Kalman. He joins me today to talk about his extraordinary life, making so many extraordinary things." You can hear their conversation below.

Spike Lee's film of David Byrne's American Utopia on Broadway, which premiere on HBO Max last fall, is now available to rent and own on home video services. The critically acclaimed Broadway production is due to return to Broadway later this year. The cast album, available on Nonesuch Records, includes songs from his 2018 album, American Utopia, along with music from Talking Heads and Byrne’s solo career. Byrne shares the spotlight with a diverse ensemble of eleven musical artists from around the globe for an event that delivers "an experience unlike anything else," says Billboard. "Dazzling, rapturous and jubilant," exclaims the New York Times. "Astonishing," raves Hollywood Reporter. "A knockout celebration of music, dance and song. Pure bliss." Rolling Stone calls it "a tonic for our tumultuous times."

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David Byrne: "Design Matters with Debbie Mellman," March 2021
  • Tuesday, March 9, 2021
    Listen: David Byrne Talks 'American Utopia' on 'Design Matters with Debbie Millman'
    Jody Rogac

    "What do you think about when you think about David Byrne?" asks Debbie Millman, introducing the guest on the latest episode of her podcast, Design Matters. "The Talking Heads, no doubt, and some of the most joyful pop music ever, but there’s so much more to the man. Over the years, he has collaborated with artists in dance, theater, film and television, which has resulted in him winning an Oscar, many Grammy awards, and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Before the pandemic hit, he had a Broadway show called American Utopia, which has been turned into a film directed by Spike Lee, and a book by the same name illustrated by the great Maira Kalman. He joins me today to talk about his extraordinary life, making so many extraordinary things." You can hear their conversation below.

    Spike Lee's film of David Byrne's American Utopia on Broadway, which premiere on HBO Max last fall, is now available to rent and own on home video services. The critically acclaimed Broadway production is due to return to Broadway later this year. The cast album, available on Nonesuch Records, includes songs from his 2018 album, American Utopia, along with music from Talking Heads and Byrne’s solo career. Byrne shares the spotlight with a diverse ensemble of eleven musical artists from around the globe for an event that delivers "an experience unlike anything else," says Billboard. "Dazzling, rapturous and jubilant," exclaims the New York Times. "Astonishing," raves Hollywood Reporter. "A knockout celebration of music, dance and song. Pure bliss." Rolling Stone calls it "a tonic for our tumultuous times."

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