Sugar

• Who is Sufjan Stevens?

  An American singer-songwriter
• What was the third single released from Sufjan Stevens' 2020 album?

  Sugar
• What genres is Sufjan Stevens known for?

  Folk, pop, indie-rock, and electronica
• Where did Sufjan Stevens originally live before moving to New York?

  Rural America (Michigan)
• How did Sufjan Stevens describe his experience of creating a life in New York?

  He found it quite hard and unnatural
• What does Sufjan Stevens identify as in relation to his lifestyle?

  He identifies as more of a naturalist
• What influenced the stripped-down nature of the album The Ascension?

  It was due more to circumstance than to design
• What did Sufjan Stevens have to use when recording The Ascension?

  A drum machine and things he could plug into a computer
• How does Sufjan Stevens feel about the influence of his Christian faith on his music?

  He claims it does not influence his music
• What does Sufjan Stevens think about discussing theological topics in music media?

  He feels it's not his work or place to make claims
• What themes does Sufjan Stevens explore in his work?

  Love, religion, and grief
• Who directed the video for Sugar?

  Ezra Hurwitz
• What is the main theme depicted in the video for Sugar?

  A family living a vintage life before their domestic bliss crumbles
• How does Sufjan Stevens suggest we should treat each other according to the song Sugar?

  With love, respect, and sacrifice
• How does Kyle Abraham describe his approach to choreography for the video?

  It blends elements of the everyday with moments of abstraction
• What does Sufjan Stevens say Sugar is ultimately about?

  The desire for goodness and purity
• How many views did the video for Sugar have at the time of writing?

  Over 550,000 views
• What do several comments on the video discuss?

  How the video adds layers of meaning to the song
• What does Sufjan Stevens say about societal expectations?

  We are expected to look good, feel good, and do good all the time
• What realization has Sufjan Stevens come to about his former self?

  There was a naivety to his former self
• How does Sufjan Stevens describe the gradual loss of faith in societal structures?

  It happens slowly, like watching a tree grow
• What narrative style does the video for Sugar employ?

  A fractured, non-linear narrative
• What motifs are repeated in the video for Sugar?

  Foodstuffs associated with sugar and the gradual destruction of the house
• How does the video communicate multiple meanings?

  Using elliptical editing, symbolism, and connotation
• How does Sufjan Stevens' presence in the video function?

  His vocals act as a commentary/narration/counterpoint
• What do the broken glass and spilled Coca Cola foreshadow in the video?

  The destruction that occurs as the video progresses
• What does the opening montage of the video introduce?

  The four characters and main locations featured in the video
• How are the characters presented in the video?

  As isolated and alone but also as a stereotypical nuclear family
• What lighting choice is used in the video to create a specific tone?

  A slightly sepia tone
• What aspect ratio is used in the video?

  A 4:3 aspect ratio
• What does the use of special effects towards the end of the video build up to?

  The apocalyptic climax
• What is the significance of the practical effects used in the video?

  They contribute to the themes and realism
• How does the video incorporate dance?

  As a mode of expression
• How does audience interpretation of the video vary?

  It can highlight the effectiveness of the video and choreography
• What does the lack of audience response suggest?

  It may indicate a lack of engagement with the video
• What ideological viewpoint is unclear in the video?

  How it reflects Stevens' viewpoint as of 2020
• What moment juxtaposes healthy and unhealthy choices in the video?

  Figgans' character stares at an apple while Pinto's character drinks Coca Cola
• What does the line "Wipe that writing off the wall" juxtapose with in the video?

  Figgans wiping cherry juice onto her face
• What does the line "Surrender with that colourful flag" correspond with in the video?

  Pinto dropping a bottle of Coca Cola and slumping against the wall
• What does the line "Yeah, they've been selling us this fiction as fact" focus on in the video?

  Figgans dancing while the family eats