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RUFUS WAINWRIGHT


BIO:
Rufus McGarrigle Wainwright is an American-Canadian singer-songwriter and composer. He has recorded seven albums of original music and numerous tracks on compilations and film soundtracks. Wikipedia Born: July 22, 1973 (age 39), Rhinebeck Spouse: Jörn Weisbrodt (m. 2012) Children: Viva Katherine Wainwright Cohen Parents: Kate McGarrigle, Loudon Wainwright III The last few years have been quite a journey for Rufus Wainwright. Creatively, he put pop music aside and concentrated on his other interests, from his Grammy-nominated recreation of Judy Garland's fabled Carnegie Hall concert to the 2009 premiere of his opera, Prima Donna. Wainwright's personal life has been even more dramatic, witnessing the birth of his daughter, Viva; the death of his mother, singer/songwriter Kate McGarrigle; and his engagement to partner Jorn Weisbrodt. All of these experiences inform his seventh studio album, Out of the Game, along with the input of a new collaborator, celebrated producer Mark Ronson. The results are the loosest, most accessible music of Wainwright's career, retaining his distinctive narrative sense and wry wit while adding classic pop pleasures. "What I wanted was a warmth and a depth in terms of quality of sound, and a certain clarity that's still easy on the ears," he says. "I've done that whole ponderous, pseudo-genius thing, so it was fun to get in there and work really fast and do something that was more about the songs." Wainwright and Ronson knew each other socially, but the idea of matching them in the studio was the idea of their mutual friend and publicist Barbara Charone (who, in turn, is paid tribute on the album's track "Barbara"). Ronson—winner of the 2008 Grammy for "Producer of the Year," known for his work with the likes of Amy Winehouse, Adele, and Christina Aguilera—says that initially he was unsure why the singer was turning to him, but that he was instantly inspired by the demo recording of the song that would become the album's title track. "Hearing 'Out of the Game' set this warm, '70s, slightly Laurel Canyon-meets- Young Americans tone," he says. "I started to hear sounds and ideas as soon as I heard that demo." Wainwright and Ronson both credit the influence of the great recordings of the 1970s on Out of the Game. They reference such giants as Elton John, Harry Nilsson, and Steely Dan, and the genre-blending and sense of songwriting ambition that characterized the best music of that era. "We were both born in the '70s and that's the first music that we heard," says Wainwright. "I think it kind of gives us a right to pull from that, because our generation really was the last one that was actually there." After the brief, initial demo session, they spent six months reviewing the new songs and listening to some of Wainwright's older, unreleased material. By the time the recording began, they had enough preparation and, as Wainwright says, “were getting along like a house on fire,” and found that they were able to work at a very productive pace, tracking sixteen songs in just eight days. "There was nothing precious about the recordings," says Ronson. "The band was playing live, with Rufus singing on a couch in the control room. For the most part the songs are what was recorded in that take, and it feels like you're sitting there with the band." The sounds on Out of the Game range from the grand horns-and-strings arrangement of "Jericho" to the sparse, hypnotic "Montauk." On “Rashida,” Ronson displays his signature love of doo-wop/girl group harmonies, while Wainwright says that "Bitter Tears" allowed the producer to "flex his dance muscles a little bit." He describes "Welcome to the Ball" as the rare pop song that "goes on a serious journey through different musical perspectives." "I know some stuff about pop music, but I'm really more centered in the classical world, so I was ready to deliver the goods to Mark and have him take over," says Wainwright. "I think I sound the best of any album I've made—I'm hitting a plateau with my voice that's very exciting." Ronson, who brought in many of the same players he used on sessions with such modern soul masters as Winehouse and D’Angelo—including the hardhitting Dap-Kings—plus guests like Sean Lennon and Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs says that Wainwright made an indelible impression. “These guys are the best musicians I know of my generation, but they don't get excited,” he says. “And they were saying, ‘This is the best album I've ever played on.’ For the backing vocals, we used three soul singers that I've used before, but having Rufus's ear for harmonies, they were kind of blown away, singing harmonies and chords they'd never sung before.” Wainwright’s relationship with Weisbrodt is explored in “Song Of You” and “Respectable Dive,” but the spirit that looms the largest over Out of the Game is Kate McGarrigle, who passed away in early 2010 following a long battle with cancer. “In a lot of ways, while my mother was still alive, I was singing to her,” says Wainwright. “She was my toughest critic and my biggest fan. With her not having been around for this album, there was a kind of release, a necessity to get to the next step. “There's a famous saying that your mother gives birth to you twice—once when you're born and once when you die. So having a slightly tougher, wiser attitude on this record, I think I only could have done that after her passing.” With grace and humor, craft and confidence, Out of the Game is a remarkable return to the pop world for Rufus Wainwright. The scope of sounds and styles is unified by both his incomparable voice and the lucidity of his vision. “Because I'm older and I’ve had different experiences, there's a diversity in my life that I wanted the record to express,” he says. “Maybe in the past, it would get a little confusing to people, but this time we were able to maintain that mountain range of an existence with something tying it together, a certain sound or warmth, which makes all the difference. “That's always been my mission,” Wainwright concludes, “to make albums with variety and a sense of perspective on all that music can be.”

Latest Articles


Rufus Wainwright Shares 'Folkocracy' Album With Nicole Scherzinger, David Byrne & Mor Photo Rufus Wainwright Shares 'Folkocracy' Album With Nicole Scherzinger, David Byrne & More
by Michael Major - June 02, 2023

Folkocracy sees Wainwright joined by a spectacular lineup of friends, family members, and other special guest artists including Brandi Carlile, John Legend, David Byrne, Sheryl Crow, Nicole Scherzinger, Chaka Khan, Andrew Bird, ANOHNI, Susanna Hoffs, Van Dyke Parks, Madison Cunningham, and many more...

Rufus Wainwright Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Self-Titled Debut With Expanded Re-Re Photo Rufus Wainwright Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Self-Titled Debut With Expanded Re-Release
by Michael Major - May 19, 2023

Originally released on the same date in 1998, RUFUS WAINWRIGHT - 25th Anniversary Edition includes the original 12 tracks remastered from the original tapes plus three never-before-released songs from the album sessions and assorted tracks previously only available on his limited 13-disc boxset, Hou...

Rufus Wainwright Shares 'Harvest' Featuring Andrew Bird And Chris Stills Photo Rufus Wainwright Shares 'Harvest' Featuring Andrew Bird And Chris Stills
by Michael Major - May 03, 2023

Folkocracy sees Wainwright joined by a spectacular lineup of friends, family members, and other special guest artists including Brandi Carlile, John Legend, David Byrne, Sheryl Crow, Nicole Scherzinger, Chaka Khan, Andrew Bird, ANOHNI, Susanna Hoffs, Van Dyke Parks, Madison Cunningham, and many more...

Rufus Wainwright Shares 'Heading For Home (Feat. John Legend)' Photo Rufus Wainwright Shares 'Heading For Home (Feat. John Legend)'
by Michael Major - April 11, 2023

Folkocracy sees Wainwright joined by a spectacular lineup of friends, family members, and other special guest artists including Brandi Carlile, John Legend, David Byrne, Sheryl Crow, Nicole Scherzinger, Chaka Khan, Andrew Bird, ANOHNI, Susanna Hoffs, Van Dyke Parks, Madison Cunningham, and many more...

Rufus Wainwright to Release 'Folkocracy' Album in June Featuring David Byrne, Nicole Photo Rufus Wainwright to Release 'Folkocracy' Album in June Featuring David Byrne, Nicole Scherzinger & More
by Michael Major - March 07, 2023

The 2x GRAMMY Award-nominated singer-songwriter will be joined by a spectacular collection of friends, family members, and other special guest artists that includes Brandi Carlile, John Legend, David Byrne, Sheryl Crow, Nicole Scherzinger, Chaka Khan, Andrew Bird, ANOHNI, Susanna Hoffs, Van Dyke Par...

Pierce Turner Shares New Single 'Love Of Angels' from Forthcoming Album 'Terrible Goo Photo Pierce Turner Shares New Single 'Love Of Angels' from Forthcoming Album 'Terrible Good'
by Michael Major - February 08, 2022

Today, the internationally acclaimed Irish performer, Pierce Turner, releases a new single titled “Love Of Angels.” Set over a rocking guitar arrangement, the philosophical track combines the teachings of acclaimed The Power of Now author Eckhart Tolle and the idea of the psychological “ego.” Listen...

SummerStage Jubilee Benefit Concert Film Nominated for NY Emmy Photo SummerStage Jubilee Benefit Concert Film Nominated for NY Emmy
by TV News Desk - July 23, 2021

Along with CPF, SummerStage founder Joe Killian is nominated as the Executive Producer of the film with Director Jake McAfee and Producer Jonathan Olson. Killian created SummerStage 35 years ago and is a music and entertainment powerhouse, a two-time Emmy award winner (both as Executive Producer). ...

Ampersounds Reveal New Single 'Solitude of Heart' Photo Ampersounds Reveal New Single 'Solitude of Heart'
by Sarah Jae Leiber - July 16, 2021

In addition, the EP features a new remix of the Raw Silk classic, 'Do It To The Music' by Fred Falke and Zen Freeman....

Fred Falke & Zen Freeman Remix 'Do It To The Music' Photo Fred Falke & Zen Freeman Remix 'Do It To The Music'
by Sarah Jae Leiber - June 22, 2021

Speaking about the remix, Fred Falke and Zen Freeman reveal, 'We were really honored when West End Records asked us to do a remix of Do it to the Music, because it has always been a go to floor filler in our DJ set....

Ampersounds Release New Single 'Technopera' Photo Ampersounds Release New Single 'Technopera'
by Sarah Jae Leiber - June 02, 2021

Zen and Fred add, 'Rufus is an exceptional talent and we had a fantastic time collaborating with him on this project. We created rich textures with strong electronic elements which we feel resonated perfectly with Rufus' depth and intensity.' ...

VIDEO: Rufus Wainwright Discusses 'Road Trip Elegies', Wanting to Star in ANNIE, and Photo VIDEO: Rufus Wainwright Discusses 'Road Trip Elegies', Wanting to Star in ANNIE, and More!
by Stephi Wild - January 03, 2021

Wainwright’s latest album, “Unfollow The Rules” is nominated for a Grammy but it’s his unique audio autobiography, “Road Trip Elegies,” a conversation with his therapist on a road trip from Montreal to New York City, that delivers insight about his musical journey and the relationships that shaped h...

VIDEO: Rufus Wainwright Performs 'You Ain't Big' on JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE Photo VIDEO: Rufus Wainwright Performs 'You Ain't Big' on JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE
by Sarah Leiber - October 13, 2020

Rufus Wainwright performs the song You Ain't Big on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Watch Rufus perform a live stream from his living room each Friday tickets at https://rufuswainwright.com/. ...

Rufus Wainwright and Choir! Choir! Choir! Share Cover of 'Across The Universe' Photo Rufus Wainwright and Choir! Choir! Choir! Share Cover of 'Across The Universe'
by Kaitlin Milligan - July 27, 2020

Choir! Choir! Choir! and Rufus Wainwright share a powerful new version of 'Across The Universe' featuring virtual contributions from around the world....

VIDEO: Rufus Wainwright Performs Socially Distanced Concert in LA's Paramour Mansion Photo VIDEO: Rufus Wainwright Performs Socially Distanced Concert in LA's Paramour Mansion
by Stephi Wild - June 28, 2020

Grammy Award-nominated singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright recently performed “Unfollow the Rules: The Paramour Session,” a concert performed acoustically with a socially distanced string section, piano and guitar to accompany him....

Rufus Wainwright Shares Video for 'You Ain't Big' Photo Rufus Wainwright Shares Video for 'You Ain't Big'
by Kaitlin Milligan - June 08, 2020

GRAMMY® Award-nominated singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright has shared a video for 'You Ain't Big' a song off his highly anticipated upcoming album Unfollow The Rules, out July 10 through BMG....

Grandstand Artists Join SMITHSONIAN PRIDE Photo Grandstand Artists Join SMITHSONIAN PRIDE
by A.A. Cristi - May 29, 2020

The Smithsonian Pride Alliance, whose membership spans all of the Institution's 19 museums, 21 libraries, nine research centers and the National Zoo, will kick off “Pride month for all” with PROJECT PRIDE, a virtual concert and digital time-capsule celebration of LGBTQ+ heritage, culture and history...

Smithsonian Pride Alliance Announces 'PROJECT PRIDE' Photo Smithsonian Pride Alliance Announces 'PROJECT PRIDE'
by Kaitlin Milligan - May 26, 2020

The Smithsonian Pride Alliance, whose membership spans all of the Institution's 19 museums, 21 libraries, nine research centers and the National Zoo, will kick off a?oePride month for alla?? with PROJECT PRIDE...

Rufus Wainwright's Upcoming Album Moves Release Date to July 10 Photo Rufus Wainwright's Upcoming Album Moves Release Date to July 10
by Kaitlin Milligan - April 02, 2020

The much-anticipated 9th studio album by Rufus Wainwright Unfollow The Rules has moved to July 10 by BMG. ...

Rufus Wainwright Unveils 'Unfollow The Rules' Photo Rufus Wainwright Unveils 'Unfollow The Rules'
by Abigail Charpentier - February 27, 2020

Singer-songwriter supreme Rufus Wainwright has announced the release of his long-awaited new album. UNFOLLOW THE RULES arrives via BMG on Friday, April 24; pre-orders are available now....

Audible Originals Announces New Titles from Common and Rufus Wainwright Photo Audible Originals Announces New Titles from Common and Rufus Wainwright
by Kaitlin Milligan - January 02, 2020

Audible Inc., the world's largest producer and seller of spoken-word entertainment and audiobooks, today announced that Oscar, Grammy, Emmy, and Golden Globe-winning artist, actor, activist and two-time New York Times best-selling author Common, and Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and composer R...

Rufus Wainwright to Release Limited Edition EP on Record Store Day Photo Rufus Wainwright to Release Limited Edition EP on Record Store Day
by Kaitlin Milligan - November 27, 2019

Rufus Wainwright is set to release an A/B side 7' EP, Come A Little Bit Closer, on November 29, Record Store Day Black Friday. The limited edition EP arrives ahead of Wainwright's forthcoming 2020 album via BMG, and consists of two live performances of Neil Young's 'Harvest Moon' and Arcade Fire's '...

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by Sarah Jae Leiber - August 22, 2019

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Forgetter Announces New Album PARTS OF ANYTHING Out 8/2 Photo Forgetter Announces New Album PARTS OF ANYTHING Out 8/2
by Tori Hartshorn - June 20, 2019

On August 2 Forgetter, the project of multi-instrumentalist David Klinger, will release Parts Of Anything via Blight Records (pre-order). This week We All Want Someone To Shout For premiered teh album's first single 'Maple Seeds.' We All Want Someone To Shout For says, 'The track has a fragile heart...

Brandi Carlile, Glen Hansard, Norah Jones, James Taylor and More Pay Tribute To Joni Photo Brandi Carlile, Glen Hansard, Norah Jones, James Taylor and More Pay Tribute To Joni Mitchell On 75th Birthday
by Tori Hartshorn - February 05, 2019

Honoring musical icon Joni Mitchell's legacy and 75th birthday, Decca Records will release The Music Center Presents Joni 75: A Birthday Celebrationon March 8, 2019. On Joni's 75th birthday last November, a star-studded roster of musicians gathered together to pay tribute to the legendary singer-son...

The Music Center Honored Joni Mitchell with Two Sold Out Concerts Photo The Music Center Honored Joni Mitchell with Two Sold Out Concerts
by Kaitlin Milligan - November 08, 2018

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