An effective artist engages you emotionally; connects you with something unfamiliar, provides a certain comfort in something that isn’t yours and is yours all at the same time. Sufjan Stevens [4] is one of those artists. The multi-instrumentalist and folk composer creates music that is emotionally engaging. His music is woven with autobiographical anecdotes and historical events to form larger narratives; narratives that are raw and dynamic.
His style is notably simplistic with complicated overtones. There’s tension between childlike nuances and sophisticated composure. Sufjan Stevens has been compared to other musicians like Elliott Smith and Bright Eyes, but stranger, quirkier. Whimsical.
His sixth studio album, “Carrie & Lowell [5]”, released earlier this year. Pitchfork rated the album a 9.5 in Best New Music claiming it to be “his best” work. The album, named after his mother Carrie and stepfather Lowell, touches on themes of mental disorder, drug abuse, and other anecdotes of the two. Sufjan is more broadly known for “Michigan [6]” and “Illinois [7]” two albums produced as part of his 50 states project.
Sufjan Stevens is performing at The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts [8] this Thursday. Tickets are still available and can be purchased here [9].
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