NEWS: Rufus Wainwright returns with 'Sword of Damocles' a powerful warning about the Trump Presidency

NEWS: Rufus Wainwright returns with ‘Sword of Damocles’ a powerful warning about the Trump Presidency

Just prior to important Midterm Elections in America, Rufus Wainwright returns with his new single ‘Sword of Damocles’ a powerful political parable underscored by Rufus’s poignant vocals. Its inspired by the famed ancient expression, which foreshadows impending doom of and to those in positions of power. This tale points out that with great power, comes great  responsibility, and for all concerned, and great danger if not used wisely, its given greater pertinence in the era of a Nationalistic Trump presidency that threatens freedoms, unity and equality. Watch the video below, the project is packed with  talent – featuring Emmy winner Darren Criss,  wardrobe from Vivienne Westwood, and direction from Andrew Ondrejcak.

Of the single, Rufus said “This is my artistic response to what is currently transpiring within the American government and how its collapse is affecting every aspect of existence for us all. With the Midterm Elections around the corner, it’s important for everyone to take a stand and contribute in some way, whether it’s bringing awareness to issues in your community, protesting/demonstrating, watching the news to formulate your own opinions, creating, yelling – it’s all hands on deck. VOTE.”

Ondrejcak said, “Often my work is concept-driven but for Damocles, I knew that I wanted to focus on a more traditional narrative storytelling. I’ve also been playing with a more formal approach to color – and I wanted to experiment with a Wizard of Oz effect – to begin the story in brownish tones, and then once Dorothy lands in Oz, the creamy sepia tones of Kansas turn into the candy-colored Technicolor of Oz. I think this also speaks to this duality of reality and imagination, of the Real and Unreal.”

A portion of the proceeds from ‘Sword of Damocles’ will benefit the Swing Left Organization.

The song comes off the heels of ‘Hadrian,’ Rufus’ second opera that premiered to much fanfare in Toronto on October 13th. Next up is the ‘All These Poses’ Anniversary Tour 2018 which kicks off in Los Angeles on November 9th, followed by the legendary Rufus and Martha Wainwright Christmas show, ‘Noel Nights,’ which returns to New York City for the first time in four years at Town Hall on December 16th.

www.rufuswainwright.com

God is in the TV is an online music and culture fanzine founded in Cardiff by the editor Bill Cummings in 2003. GIITTV Bill has developed the site with the aid of a team of sub-editors and writers from across Britain, covering a wide range of music from unsigned and independent artists to major releases.