Sufjan Stevens: California or bluff?
During an interview with Rafter Roberts, Sufjan Stevens hinted that California may be the theme of his next album. The mention of California sparked a flood of speculation over whether or not this was a hint or a bluff. Sufjan Steven's gimmick of recording an album for every state in the US started out as a joke but has worked all too well.
During the interview, Sufjan asks Rafter about his experience as a producer, being a father, what his favorite microphone is, and the process he went through to write and record his latest album, Music for Total Chickens, which was released in January of 2007.
The last question that Stevens asked Rafter was: "Being a native of the Golden State, do you want to collaborate on a record about California?"
Rafter responded with: "Yes! I think we could probably have a really nice time making a great record."
Whether the question was serious remains to be seen. If this is any indication of the direction Stevens will go, expect the next album to be heavily experimental.
Lowell Brams of Asthmatic Kitty confirmed with Puddlegum that Sufjan Stevens "will be writing and recording in 2007," though this also means that "no tours are planned."
Rafter is the co-founder of Singing Serpent, a recording studio in San Diego, California. It was there that Sufjan engineered Soul Junk's 1958 album. Roberts has since released his solo albums on Stevens' Asthmatic Kitty.
Stevens won the 2007 Male Artist of the Year Plug Award for releasing the Avalanche b-sides album, and the five disc Songs for Christmas. In 2006 Sufjan won three Plug Awards for Illinois.
Sufjan Stevens – Concerning the UFO Sighting Near Highland, Illinois
Sufjan Stevens – The Avalanche
Sufjan Stevens – Holland
Sufjan Stevens – Jason
Sufjan Stevens – Year of the Dog
Rafter Roberts – Gentemen
Rafter Roberts – Merchandise (David Stith remix)
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