David Byrne drops a playlist made just for people who absolutely can’t stand Christmas music

David Byrne is kicking off the 2025 holiday season in the most David Byrne way possible, by curating a playlist for listeners who can’t stand traditional Christmas music. The Talking Heads icon has pulled together a lively, genre-spanning set designed to make even the grinchiest listener crack a smile.

Featuring artists from Run-D.M.C. and Prince to FINNEAS and 100gecs, the 32-track list offers a playful alternative to the usual festive fare. And as Byrne explains, this collection has nothing to do with holiday clichés, but everything to do with fun, as per a report by Consequence.net.

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What makes David Byrne’s playlist different from typical holiday music?

David Byrne’s new 32-track playlist, David Byrne Radio Presents: Christmas Music for People Who Hate Christmas Music, aims squarely at listeners tired of the usual seasonal sound. Spanning multiple genres and styles, it features everything from Run-D.M.C. and Prince to FINNEAS and 100gecs. Byrne described the concept clearly in his statement: “This playlist is not about the solstice, nor does it have some Pagan agenda – it’s rowdy, fun songs that gently poke at and refer to the holidays.”

Which songs and artists appear on the playlist?

While the playlist covers a wide musical range, Byrne’s focus is on creating a cohesive, energetic experience rather than leaning into traditional Christmas themes. The variety ensures there’s “something for everyone here,” offering a fresh alternative for listeners seeking a break from the standard holiday loop, as per a report by Consequence.net.

Here's the playlist:

What has Byrne been performing and promoting lately?

Just days before releasing the playlist, Byrne appeared on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, performing Talking Heads favorites “Nothing But Flowers” and “Life During Wartime,” along with “Everybody Laughs” and “Don’t Be Like That” from his album Who Is the Sky? He’s now in the middle of a massive world tour for the LP, with two remaining North American dates in Miami before continuing internationally next year.

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FAQs

What is David Byrne’s new playlist about?
It’s a 32-track collection of lively songs that “gently poke at and refer to the holidays.”

What else has Byrne been doing recently?
He performed a Tiny Desk Concert and is currently on a world tour supporting Who Is the Sky?