WIDELY regarded as one of the finest songwriters in the business, Canada's Rufus Wainwright is finally taking centre stage. spoke to the acclaimed singer songwriter ahead of his Kent concert.

After a hard-fought struggle for recognition, Rufus Wainwright is finally basking in his man-of-the moment status. It would be easy to imagine that the critically-lauded album, Release the Stars, marks a first foray into the pop arena – yet it is in fact his fifth.

Nearly 10 years on from his under-rated debut he has finally made it to the upper reaches of the top 10, thanks largely to decent airplay of its haunting lead single, Going To A Town.

Its politically-charged anti-US government sentiments have struck a timely chord.

The openly gay singer has endured a far from incident-free ascent to stardom, including battles with drug addiction, but there's a sense of vindication as he chats about his latest UK tour calling in Kent.

"I love England. It has been immeasurably kind to me and my career over the last three years and I am indebted for people's support," he explained from his New York home

"I wasn't really surprised at the reaction of Release the Stars. After making four albums I thought that there's something from all of them in this one. There's an immediacy and fluidity which will attract the listener. Some critics have hated it, saying it's simple, but I think there's still a lot of sophistication there."

At the heart of his often opera-inspired material lies a beguiling way with poignant, dark-edged lyrics. Add into the mix his assured vocals and it's clear to see just why he's regarded as a 'musician's musician'.

The last few weeks have seen him embark on promotional dates that include everywhere from his childhood stomping ground of Montreal to Glastonbury.

So perhaps it's fitting that his home these days is in such a frenetic environment. Exactly how is faring with life in the city that never sleeps?

"As long as you are sleeping with someone then it's easy," he quips. "There's a certain kind of excitement about New York that you don't find anywhere else.

"There's a paradox for me though – I hate the oppressive and imperialistic attitude of the States yet there is a sense of hope and positive energy about this city."

His songs have appeared widely on movie soundtracks, including Moulin Rouge, Bridget Jones, Shrek, Brokeback Mountain and The Aviator (in which he also had a cameo role).

He's recorded with Elton John and toured with Sting, Sean Lennon and Tori Amos, which have progressively eased him into the limelight. It appears the 33-year-old singer deals with fame in level-headed fashion.

"When someone says I am a good songwriter it's great to hear, but it's a lot like saying I am a great opera composer – where you are dealing with great dead men. You are never going to know how good you are compared to them – there's that sense of mystery there.

"One of the things about being a rock and roll subject is that there's only one way to go once you've reached the top and that's down. But with opera you don't have that kind of ceiling, and you know you'll never be as good as Mozart or Bach."

His father is songwriter Loudon Wainwright III and his sister Martha is also emerging as a talented folk artist and provides backing on Going To A Town.

Their mother Kate invited her talented children on tour with her sister Anna, performing as the McGarrigle Sisters and Family.

In his late teens Rufus studied classical piano in Montreal before dropping out in a bid to forge his career. Fortunately for him, his early demo tapes were picked up by a major label and he found himself with a record deal at 22.

"I have pictures of me when I was about two years old reaching out to a piano which is quite ridiculous when I think about it. I might have got that from my mum as she played a lot when she was a child. Music became the centre of my universe from a young age, which was obvious to everyone."

He is keenly anticipating his return to Britain. Having garnered a reputation for flamboyant live shows, his Kent debut is an event not to be missed.

* Rufus Wainwright plays Folkestone Leas Cliff Hall on Wednesday, June 27. Tickets are £25. Box office 01303 228600.