Watch Sufjan Stevens’ video for New Song “Video Game”

Sufjan Stevens has shared the latest single from his new album The Ascension. This is called ‘Video Game’. It comes with the following Nicole Ginelli-directed video starring and choreographed by Jalaiah Harmon (creator of the viral “Renegade” dance). Stevens said of the song and the video in a statement:

It is unfortunate that we live in a society where the value of people is quantified by likes, followers, listeners and views. So many people are seeking attention for the wrong reasons. I think we should all do our best work, without seeking accusations or seeking rewards.

The most important takeaway from ‘Video Game’ to me is: your worth (invaluable) should never be based on other people’s approval (ever). Just be yourself. Keep it real. Keep moving. Do all things with absolute purity, love and joy. And always do your best.

Jalaiah marks all of this and I am truly inspired by her. So I thought, ‘what if we could get Jalaiah to die in a’ dance video ‘over not wanting to die in a’ dance video? ” I’m so honored that she agreed. She owns the property clearly, and her work here is beautiful, gripping and true.

“This was my first time being asked to do choreo for a whole song,” Harmon said in a statement. ‘That I was a little nervous at first, but once I really broke the song into parts and kept listening to the lyrics over and over again, I just put together movements that were connected to the words and felt natural to do. I think I’m still really trying to get used to this kind of success, so I just can not define it yet. I just know that if you work hard and treat your others with kindness and honesty, good things will come back to you. ‘

The singer-songwriter’s new album is out September 25th via Asthmatic Kitty. The sequel to 2015s Carrie & Lowell has the previously shared 12-minute single “America.” He recently released a single about that non-album B-side “My Rajneesh,” Wild Wild Country subject and founder of the Rajneesh movement, Bhagwan Shri Rajneesh.

Read “Following Sufjan Stevens’ Fascination with Outer Space”.