Going Gold or Platinum is a huge accomplishment no matter how long it takes. For Sufjan Stevens the news that he went Gold came over a decade after his classic album Illinois was released.

In a note on his Tumblr, Stevens writes, “I just heard the news. All respect ALL CAPS to everyone out there hustling for a better world. Make it your greatest. Stay productive. Stay positive. Stay creative. Stay sane.”

Illinois is Stevens’ first full-length album to earn either gold or platinum certification. Listen to it below. Recently, Stevens previewed a snippet of a new song from his upcoming mixtape, The Greatest Gift. The project, due out October 20 via his own label Asthmatic Kitty. Stevens also released a snippet for a new song called, “Mystery of Love”. That song will be apart of the movie Call Me By Your Name directed by Luca Guadagnino and starring Armie Hammer and Timothée Chalamet.

Photo credit: Sharon Alagna