'Going To A Town' by Rufus Wainwright

'Going To A Town' by Rufus Wainwright

Author: Mercury Studios March 5, 2024 Duration: 37:23
For our last episode of this current series we celebrate the brilliant 'Going To A Town' by singer, songwriter Rufus Wainwright. The song, which was the first single from Rufus’s 2007 album 'Release the Stars', has garnered huge critical acclaim and has been covered by artists from George Michael to Lily Allen however its critique of the United States and the war in Iraq provoked strong negative reactions in audiences and when he performed it he says “I would sing it often and get booed”. Listen to Jake and Rufus' insightful conversation where they cover the meaning and making of the song, it's reception, what it means to be a gay artist, his influences and his encounter with George Michael. Rufus' first musical of John Cassavetes’ 'Opening Night' opens on the 26th of March at the Gielgud Theatre in London - it is directed by Ivo van Hove and stars Sheridan Smith. Thank you to our sponsors... Factor’s delicious, ready-to-eat meals make eating better every day easy. Head to factormeals.com/queerthemusic50 and use code queerthemusic50 to get 50% off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Queer The Music: Jake Shears On The Songs That Changed Lives, the Scissor Sisters frontman hosts a series of intimate and revelatory conversations that go far beyond a simple playlist. This Mercury Studios podcast is built on a powerful premise: that certain songs aren't just hits, but lifelines and cultural turning points. Jake Shears sits down with fellow artists, writers, and cultural figures to explore the specific tracks that provided a soundtrack for survival, defiance, and joy within the queer community. Each episode digs into the personal and historical context behind these anthems, uncovering the often-hidden stories of the queer artists who created them, frequently at great personal and professional risk. Listeners will hear passionate breakdowns of musical craftsmanship alongside deeply personal testimonies about how these songs provided courage in closeted times, forged connections in underground clubs, and ultimately helped shape identities. The discussions are as much about social history as they are about melody, offering a rich, song-by-song excavation of how music can build a world where you finally feel seen. It’s a celebration of resilience and the enduring power of a perfect beat, hosted by someone who has lived that journey both on the dancefloor and the stage.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 30

Queer The Music: Jake Shears On The Songs That Changed Lives
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