Photo by Kevin Mazur

​Written by Sam Sodomsky

David Byrne has shared a new playlist called “The Beautiful Shitholes” along with a political statement about its inspiration. “I assume I don’t have to explain where the shithole reference came from,” he begins. “Here’s a playlist that gives just the smallest sample of the depth and range of creativity that continues to pour out of the countries in Africa and the Caribbean.” He goes on to address Trump—whose racist comments have already sparked responses from Arcade Fire’s Win Butler, U2, and Logic—and the state of the Republican Party at large. He writes, “Their behavior makes them complicit and the same as he is... exactly the same, no difference. Remember that come voting time.” Listen to the playlist over at Byrne’s site, and read his full statement below.

David Byrne’s new album, American Utopia, is out March 9 via Todomundo/Nonesuch. Yesterday, he shared “This Is That,” a collaboration with Oneohtrix Point Never. Byrne’s world tour kicks off next month.

The Beautiful Shitholes

I assume I don’t have to explain where the shithole reference came from.

Here’s a playlist that gives just the smallest sample of the depth and range of creativity that continues to pour out of the countries in Africa and the Caribbean. It is undeniable. Can music help us empathize with its makers?

For me, Trump is not the issue. We know and have known for a long time that he is racist. That is a fact, borne out by plenty of evidence. It’s not news—we know what he is.

What is truly disturbing is the Republicans who go along with this person. Their behavior makes them complicit and the same as he is...exactly the same, no difference. Remember that come voting time.

The swells in Davos too—who are happy to get rich off Trump’s policies and are more than fine supporting a racist. None of them has risen to condemn his racism and to say that this man does not represent our values as human beings.

Got that off my chest, now maybe I can listen to some music.

Enjoy.

David Byrne