Byrne launched his “Reasons To Be Cheerful” project in 2017 as a cross-platform outlet meant to counter the constant flow of doom and gloom in the mainstream media, and his 2018 Grammy nominated album American Utopia was released as part of “Reasons to Be Cheerful.” During his SXSW presentation, in addition to some discussion of his music projects (both with Talking Heads and solo), he spoke about the importance of positivity and hope in the world.