Sufjan Stevens previews new album with third single "Sugar"

"Sugar" follows on from earlier releases "Video Game" and "America", and is accompanied by a video directed by Ezra Hurwitz that features dancers Raymond Pinto, Samantha Figgins, Celeste Mason and Walter Russell III.

Stevens says of his new single, ""Sugar" is ultimately about the desire for goodness and purity (and true sustenance). On the surface the song is just a string of clichés, but the message is imperative: now is the time to gather what is good and pure and valuable and make it your own, and share it with others. Feed your soul and speak new life into those around you. Give each other love, respect and sacrifice. Relinquish all the old habits, all the old ways of thinking and doing, all former practices - ‘business as usual’ - and bring new life to the world. This is our calling."

The Ascension will be Stevens' first album since releasing Aporia in March - a collaborative LP with his stepfather Lowell Brams. It will be Stevens' first solo album since 2015's Carrie & Lowell.

As well as preparing to release his new album, Stevens has also shared the "America" b-side "My Rajneesh", and featured on Mina Tindle's recent single "Give A Little Love".