Singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright was born in the States and spent much of his childhood in Canada. Son of two folk singers, Wainwright also plays the piano and guitar. Known for his eclectic taste, he loves the opera and esteems Elton John, whom he refers to as “the greatest songwriter on the planet”. The versatile singer opens up in this special interview with The New Yooxer.
Wainwright recently wrote his first opera, “Prima Donna”, which premiered at the Manchester International Festival to the applause of spectators and critics alike. His latest album, All Days Are Nights: Songs for Lulu, loosely based on Louise Brooks in “Pandora’s Box”, will be released on April 10th. The ironic songwriter’s interests are far-ranging, including a fascination with sinister and dangerous female characters. He spends his free time pursuing his second passion, painting, and dreams of a striped suit with Miss America’s sash. The singer opens up to The New Yooxer in an entertaining vis–à–vis.
Read the interview with Rufus Wainwright
Your latest album is called ‘All Days Are Nights: Songs For Lulu’ – can you disclose who Lulu is?
Louise Brooks from Pandora’s Box, or any destructive source that you love to hate or hate to love.
What is the difference between a good guy and a bad guy?
Their eyebrows.
You are inspired by dark and brooding women like Louise Brooks from Pandora’s Box – how do you imagine the look of such a woman?
Well-defined features – in a smoky environment.
What do you feel is the best invention in life?
The toilet. Thank God for the toilet.
If you had a bad day, how would you spend the evening?
Sleeping or bad TV – there’s a show in England about horrible youtube videos that goes on forever. I’d watch that.
What is your second passion, after music?
Painting – it’s quiet!
What can’t you live without on tour?
I have no idea! That’s probably why I’m still alive!?
Your best look ever is set up by….?
Myself. Think of a stripper outfit with the Miss America sash. And Tinkerbell wings.
You love opera and you composed the music for ‘Prima Donna’ – if you were an actor, which character would you like to play?
Myself. Think of the stripper outfit with the Miss America sash and the Tinkerbell wings! (Laughs).
Surfing, shopping, reading or listening; what is the best way to use the web?
Surfing.
Rufus Wainwright Dream Box
Tour Dates
Apr 13, 2010 – London, UK
Apr 22, 2010 – Manchester, UK
May 03, 2010 – Paris, FR
May 05, 2010 – Madrid, SP
May 07, 2010 – Lisbon, POR
May 11, 2010 – Barcelona, SP
May 12, 2010 – Lyon, FR
May 15, 2010 – Milan, IT
May 19, 2010 – Berlin, GER
May 27, 2010 – Stolkholm, SWE
Jun 03, 2010 – Amsterdam, HOL
Jun 17, 2010 – Toronto, ON
Jul 11, 2010 – Westhampton Beach, NY
Nov 22, 2010 – London, UK
The new album by Rufus Wainwright ‘All Days Are Nights: Songs For Lulu’ will be released on April, 10th
Milwaukee at Last!!!
