Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend David Byrne
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Jul 24, 2023 David Byrne, the iconic frontman of the Talking Heads, joins for a vibrant discussion on his Scottish heritage and the inspiration behind his distinctive oversized suit. He dives into the creative process of his Broadway musical 'Here Lies Love,' which tells the complex story of Imelda Marcos against a backdrop of disco culture. The conversation also touches on the evolution of performance art and the humor found in the relationship between artists and audiences, all while intertwining anecdotes from his eclectic career.
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Byrne's Childhood
- David Byrne's family moved from Scotland to Canada when he was two, then to Baltimore at seven or eight.
- Kids couldn't understand his thick Scottish accent, making him feel like an outsider.
Outsider Advantage
- Feeling like an outsider can be painful, but it can also be advantageous for developing an interior life.
- This can lead to discovering personal interests, like music, which can be healing.
Early Musical Explorations
- Besides guitar, Byrne experimented with a tape recorder, cutting and rearranging audio.
- He also played violin, ukulele, and briefly accordion, even performing on the street while standing on one leg.