http://perezhilton.com/to...070614.php
Even More Reasons To Love Rufus


An excerpt from Rufus Wainwright's new interview in Spin magazine:

Spin: Are you sick of cult success?

Rufus Wainwright: I wouldn't say that I'm sick of it. I go to the opera three times a week, I hang around in my bathrobe reading Susan Sontag, and I get foot massages from my German boyfriend - I'm going to be fine. That being said, I want to be part of culture. I'm scared of what young people are being force-fed. I'm sick of trash culture.

Anything specifically?

I'm really sick of Beyonce. All of her songs are formulaic and produced in a way that's utterly mesmerizing in the basest way. There's no enlightenment. Like most mainstream pop these days, it's more of a scientific experiment than an artistic experience. But hey, it's your life, you know?

You beat an addiction to crystal meth. What do you think about artists like Pete Doherty and Amy Winehouse who seem to turn their substance abuse problems into part of their appeal?

I just can't fathom that for myself. I was so unhappy and confused and in grave danger, really. It's very sad. It's rock 'n' roll in a fun way, but it's also hell.

Do you read PerezHilton.com?

I think Perez actually likes me, which I don't want to change. So please be kind.

What do you think of him outing closeted celebrities on his website?

Well, it's important for famous people to be an example for gay teens. But if they stay in the closet, they're going to make a lot more money. I go to the same gym as Anderson Cooper. When I look at him lifting those five-pound weights [laughs], it makes me think, "He's just trying to live his life and be all that he can be." But he still goes to the gayest gym in New York.

Posted by Perez on June 14, 2007 12:18 PM | Permalink

daPrettyman said:

I don't know what it is about Rufus... I'm trying to like him, I really am. I have been trying to work out what is about his complete self-adoration that bugs me.

In other artists - see: Prince, as a good example - I highly admire that. He obviously knows he's the shit. He has this huge self-awareness and unflinching self-belief that I'm im awe of. But it has never come off in that smug, narcissistic, holier-than-thou attitude that Rufus Wainwright displays. Or at least to me, it doesn't. Every article or interview I read with Rufus, I end up disliking him even more.

I saw him on Jonathan Ross, which confirmed it slightly; then I read this.


Sorry, I know that this is not the topic of conversation - forgive me - but I just had to get that out there. I am not going to say whether he is better or worse than Beyonce - they both have their place - but, Rufus, gimme a break.


.
[Edited 6/16/07 10:00am]

[Edited 6/16/07 10:05am]

onenitealone said:

The difference is in the delivery.

Prince makes no bones about letting you know he thinks -- no, he knows -- he's the shit. He doesn't beat around the bush with it. Rufus, on the other hand, knows he's talented but thinks he's more talented than he is. Rufus presents his ego in some undercover manner. Or at least he tries to. On one hand he acts as though he's a great just-under-the-radar kind of songwriter and he's content, then on the other hand he lets you know he thinks he's the hottest thing this side of the sun. And frustration at his lack of commercial success shines through like ugly lights at closing time. He only hates pop culture because he's not a part of it.

PapaSmurf said:

Indeed. His bitterness rivals his talent. Perhaps it's justified, but it's unappealing. And if the bit about opera and Sontag is supposed to be sly humor it failed; it feels more like intellectual pomposity.

RipHer2Shreds said:

Thanks, guys - bingo! You hit the nail on the head, there.

I'll admit: I have hardly heard his music; this is based on personality alone, which may be a bit unfair. But it's that pomposity - backed up with that desperation he so wishes to hide - that irritates me.

HE IS CORRECT!

Beyonce sucks and not in the good way

Boo-Fuckin'-Hoo!

He's fallen into the image driven industry just like everybody else.

I think he's dissing Beyonce and cult success to present this idea of himself as the "authentic musician" who won't put his guns down(so to speak) in order to gain some kind of credibility, I guess. One of the oldest tricks in the book if you ask me.

Make no mistake, he's guilty of the same thing those artists he dissed are guilty of; catering to image instead of substance.

Is there really such a thing as an authentic musician anymore?

COMPUTERBLUE1984 said:

Yes they're still around,,,,but there're others who would like to think of themselves as such(like him).
[Edited 6/16/07 12:39pm]

Harlepolis said:

This may be wrong to state, but I jusge most of these new musicians as just manufactured "cult stars/musicians".

A generation ago , when the term was used, it had more teeth to it. Now, with the internet, MTV and other media outlets, it seems like being underground/cult/"authentic" music thing is a gimmick. This Rufus dude (I plead ignorance to his music) just seems like a clone of the JOhn Mayer variety. I could be wrong though.

COMPUTERBLUE1984 said:

Well in my opinion all these guys like Rufus or John Mayer and others are all biting RYAN ADAMS. The problem i have with someone like RUFUS talking about what he doesnt like about the industry is, well if you dont like it then leave it. I have always said practice what U preach, but to go into a magazine like SPIN which first of all is nothing more than the "trendy" artist of the month magazine and bitch about industry and other artists who arent even in your Genre. I used to feel this way about Rage Against the Machine, who were all ANTI corporation and yet were signed to SONY the biggest label at the time, so if you are such a rebel, then walk off the job. So yeah its cool to bitch about Beyonce and the state of Industry, but how about trying to change things as to just sitting back and talking about it in a magazine that just promotes the crap you complain about. At least someone like Ryan Adams just puts his shit out and says fuck you, doesnt interview, doesnt care just does his music and shuts up.

Harlepolis said:

I'll say that's all a bit harsh.

Rufus is full of himself (and full of shit, most times) but his talent shouldn't be overlooked for his attitude. He manages to incorporate classical and operatic styles into a pop-folk execution, and he manages it well.

His substance should not be underrated just because his ego is over-inflated.
[Edited 6/16/07 14:09pm]

PapaSmurf said:

His talent and substance is far from underrated, and he's in no position to point the finger.

I like Rufus

UCantHavaDaMango said:

finally get a face with the name
I've been getting this man's name
when searching for RUFUS & CHAKA in the past
always thought he was black
don't ask me why

You know what?
I really really really REALLY can NOT fucking STAND Rufus. He is SO FUCKING BORING. He fucking moans in the microphone, makes elevator music for albums, and acts fucking slow when he's being interview. And it's some other shit too. He's one of those people that if I was around him in real life, I would not be able to fucking be around him. What does he have to be so self centered for? He plays a lil geetaw and pieano and makes boring music. Very impressive.
End Rant.

I liked drunken mess Rufus who actually got kicked out of Sidetrack in Chicago back in the early 00's. He is the only person I've ever seen removed from that bar. That was fun to watch.

He actually was asking the bouncer if he knew who he was. He was being such a diva.

rufus and john myers have nothing in common musically...and i give credit to rufus for being able to write and play his own music...so for that he gets oodles and oodles more respect then beyonce...

but...his music is too pompous and same-y for my taste. liked "want one" and that's it.

I'm really sick of Beyonce AND Rufus.