David Byrne regrets not working with women on his new album

Talking Heads frontman is releasing his first solo album in 14 years

David Byrne issued a statement after being criticised for the all-male collaborations on his latest album (Press image)

David Byrne has apologised after it was pointed out that he only worked with male musicians on his upcoming album American Utopia.

The Talking Heads frontman's solo album - his first in 14 years - includes collaborations with the likes of Brian Eno, Sampha, Mauro Refosco and Dev Hynes.

He shared a playlist ahead of its release on 9 March featuring music by all of the artists he worked with. But people were quick to notice the glaring lack of any women on that list.

Journalist Lauren Martin tweeted: "David Byrne has a special place in my heart, but it seems like women don't have a place in this American Utopia."

She added: "Imagine being David Byrne. Having the resources and the enduring appeal for artists, young and old, that romance and joy and appreciation. You could literally pick anyone to work with, and they'd scream a yes off the rooftops, and it's all guys? Like, come on."

Alicia Walter, a performer and composer based in New York, replied to Byrne and said: "It saddens me that you named this album American Utopia and then made it with a cast of 26 or so men, and no women (as far as I can tell). Is this the picture of 'American Utopia' you want? If so, I don't want to be a part of it - nor CAN be, apparently."

Responding to the criticism with a statement on his Instagram account, Byrne wrote: "I'd like to thank those of you who wrote for calling attention to this - this matters a lot to me.

"The image in the post clearly reveals this problem in a way that mere words do not. This lack of representation is something that is problematic and widespread in our industry. I regret not hiring and collaborating with women for this album - it's ridiculous, it's not who I am and it certainly doesn't match how I've worked in the past."

He continued: "I am happy that we live in a time that this conversation is happening. It's hard to realise that no matter how much effort you spend nudging the world in what you hope is the right direction, sometimes you are part of the problem. I never thought of myself as being 'one of those guys', but I guess to some extent I am. Your responses serve as a corrective. Thank you."