Sufjan Stevens released an incredible new album today called Javelin. As our review explains, it plays like a breakup album, full of songs about a romance falling apart. With a new message released today, Sufjan has significantly changed the context of this.
In a post on Instagram, Sufjan Javelin dedicated “to the light of my life, my beloved partner and best friend Evans Richardson, who passed away in April.” He attached a photo of Richardson to the post. Sufjan is a notoriously private person who has always kept his private life and sexuality top secret. Therefore, his decision to let the public into his world in so much detail is surprising and significant. His revelation also brings new levels of emotional impact to these Javelin songs.
Here is Sufjan’s full message:
JAVELIN is available today. Thanks for listening. I love you.
This album is dedicated to the light of my life, my beloved partner and best friend Evans Richardson, who passed away in April. He was an absolute gem of a person, full of life, love, laughter, curiosity, integrity and joy. It was one of those rare and beautiful specimens that you only find once in a lifetime – precious, flawless and absolutely exceptional in every way.
I know that relationships can be very difficult sometimes, but it is always worth working hard and taking care of the people you love, especially the beautiful people, of which there are few. If you happen to find this kind of love, hold onto it, hold it close, enjoy it, take care of it and give it everything you have, especially in difficult times. Be kind, be strong, be patient, be forgiving, be energetic, be wise and be yourself. Live each day as if it were your last, with fullness and grace, with reverence and love, with gratitude and joy. This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in this.
Thank you very much. I love you. XOS
Between this news and Sufjan’s updates on his recent battle with Guillain-Barré syndrome, he’s had a difficult year and has been unusually open about it. As for his medical issues, it sounds like he will be released from the hospital today. I hope he’s well.