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David Byrne writes original song for Alex Gibney's Elon Musk documentary

The track, co-written with Daniel Pemberton using Elon Musk's public quotes, will enter the 2027 Oscar race.

The short version

  • David Byrne and composer Daniel Pemberton created an original track, 'Let Me Sell You a Dream,' for Alex Gibney's upcoming documentary 'Musk.'
  • The song uses direct public quotes from Elon Musk as its lyrics and plays within the 235-minute film.
  • The documentary premieres at the Venice Film Festival in September before a U.S. theatrical release in October, qualifying the song for the 2027 Oscars.

Key facts

  • David Byrne wrote and performed 'Let Me Sell You a Dream' alongside film composer Daniel Pemberton for the documentary 'Musk.'[Variety]
  • Byrne derived the song's lyrics directly from public quotes made by Elon Musk.[Variety]
  • The track is positioned as an Oscar-qualifying entry for best original song at the 2027 Academy Awards.[Variety]
  • The 235-minute film, directed by Alex Gibney, premieres at the Venice International Film Festival on September 8 and enters U.S. theaters on October 16 via Bleecker Street.[Variety]
  • Elon Musk previously claimed on X that Gibney's documentary would be a 'hit-piece.'[Variety]

Sources