David Byrne Shares New Seasonal Playlist For 'People Who Hate Christmas Music'

Unless you’re casting your mind back to his 2003 guest appearance on The Simpsons, Talking Heads’ frontman David Byrne isn’t a musician who is traditionally associated with Christmas music.

In fact, while Byrne can be viewed as both a beloved and occasionally divisive figure in the world of music, so too can seasonal music favourites. While the very fact that Mariah Carey still makes millions from All I Want For Christmas Is You each year is proof of how ubiquitous Christmas music is, it does bring it with its fair share of detractors.

Thankfully, that’s where Byrne himself has stepped in, taking to his website to offer a playlist which is aptly titled Christmas Music for People Who Hate Christmas Music.

“This playlist is not about the solstice, nor does it have some Pagan agenda,” Byrne points out. “It’s rowdy, fun songs that gently poke at and refer to the holidays. Enjoy!”

So what’s included?

Well, you won't be finding anything like Eartha Kitt's Santa Baby or Dean Martin's Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, instead, you'll be finding a solid batch of tracks from contemporary and veteran acts.

Launching with El GC Y Su Raza Alterada's Ya Llega La Navidad, it swiftly moves into songs by the likes of Run-DMC, Prince, Sufjan Stevens, FINNEAS, 100 gecs, Phoebe Bridgers, and Tierra Whack.

Names such as The Decemberists, Captain Beefheart, Neko Case, Willie Nelson, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, The Staple Singers, and Macy Gray also get a run, as does Australia's own Julia Jacklin, who appears with Baby Jesus Is Nobody's Baby Now.

Fittingly, the playlist wraps up with Byrne's own seasonal song, Fat Man's Comin’, which was originally released back in 2022. Byrne’s full playlist is available on both Apple Music and Spotify.

Byrne will be making his return to Australia next month as part of his Who Is The Sky? tour. Given it takes place in January, we can likely assume there will be an absence of seasonal favourites included.

David Byrne – Who Is The Sky? Australian Tour 2026

Saturday, January 17th, 2026 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane, QLD

Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 – ICC Sydney Theatre, Sydney, NSW

Thursday, January 22nd, 2026 – Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne, VIC

Saturday, January 24th, 2026 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena, Adelaide, SA

Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 – RAC Arena, Perth, WA