Singer/songwriter Sufjan Stevens has released two new songs for Pride month – “Love Yourself” and “With My Whole Heart.”
Stevens is probably most famous today for his songs he contributed to last year’s queer coming-of-age movie, Call Me By Your Name. The track “Mystery of Love” garnered an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song and a Grammy Award nod as well.
The new tracks are available now on all digital platforms and will be released in late June as a limited-edition vinyl.
The 43-year-old artist says “Love Yourself,” a euphoric synth-pop bop, is based on a musical sketch he wrote 20 years ago. Stevens plans on including the 1996 demo on the vinyl release as well as a short reprise.
“With My Whole Heart” is an entirely new song that came from a personal challenge: “to write an upbeat and sincere love song without conflict, anxiety, or self-deprecation.” Definitely more upbeat, the track is a bouncy, lo-fi affair with lots of layered vocals leading to a vibe-y, chill guitar solo.
In addition to the two tracks, Stevens has also designed a limited edition t-shirt for Pride month.
In addition to buying music you enjoy, purchasing the tracks will also aid two organizations that help LGBTQ homeless youth. A portion of the proceeds will go to both the Ali Forney Center in New York City and the Ruth Ellis Center in Detroit, Michigan.
