Sufjan Stevens has released a new song, “No Shade In The Shadow Of The Cross”. This song is the first song from Sufjan Stevens new album Carrie & Lowell which is set for release on March 31 via Asthmatic Kitty Records.

To celebrate the upcoming album, Asthmatic Kitty Records will be hosting listening parties at local independent record stores and venues. Additionally, Sufjan Stevens has a North America tour scheduled to begin in April to promote the new album as well.

Stevens recently collaborated with Justin Peck on Year of the Rabbit and Round-Up. This collaboration for the Brooklyn Academy of Music led to a classical orchestra and instrumental accompaniment far from what is expected of Stevens’ music.

Stevens’ new song begins with a calming feeling. His voice floats softly over the soft strum of guitars. In more of a folk style tradition, Stevens’ song almost takes on the same tone as hymn as it continues. In an interview with Pitchfork, Stevens said that this song deals with some of the hurt and confusion that he experienced throughout his relationship with his mother.

During that interview Stevens stated, “With this record, I needed to extract myself out of this environment of make-believe.” He went on to say, “It’s something that was necessary for me to do in the wake of my mother’s death—to pursue a sense of peace and serenity in spite of suffering. It’s not really trying to say anything new, or prove anything, or innovate. It feels artless, which is a good thing. This is not my art project; this is my life.”

Sufjan Stevens new song “No Shade In The Shadow Of The Cross” is available below for fans to listen to. Additionally, the current dates and locations for the planned viewing parties are listed below. More information on Sufjan Stevens can be found on his official website.

SUFJAN STEVENS LISTENING PARTIES

Feb 21-22 – Tokyo – Shinkiba Studio Coast with Hostess Club Weekender
Mar 5 – Indianapolis, IN – Indianapolis Museum of Art with Indy CD & Vinyl
Mar 10 – London – Rough Trade East
Mar 10 -Nottingham – Rough Trade
Mar10 – Bristol -Rise
Mar 10- Dublin -Tower/Douglas Hyde Gallery
Mar 10 -Hamburg – Michelle
Mar 10 – Berlin- Bis Auf Messer