The Gemini: Emancipation

22 - Righteous One

March 1997

Sunglasses over his eyes. Roger's playing with the patch of hair on his chin, absently tugging at it to give himself something to do while he waits. Buffered nailbeds catch and reflect the rather harsh key-light that bathes this set. He thought about requesting an adjustment, via wry wit, but he forwent. His new do is no doubt reaping the benefit.

If nothing else, it makes the auburn look good.

Slightly so, his brows hike in agreement with the thought. Just one of the many that streamline through his multitasking mind.

Another rambling? An observation of the person that's just settled in the chair opposite his own. Brother Nature – S-Curled, brown, and kinda round – wearing an evergreen mohair sweater that shouldn't be anywhere in anybody's lighting.

Lord forgive me, but word on the street is you don't like ugly...

The guy flashes a chummy gapped toothed smile as though his interviewee is supposed to be impressed.

"I don't really step outside my box, but I got inspired by you and dressed for the occasion. How'd I do?"

"It's definitely something." Roger returns the faintest upturn before settling deeper into his nonchalance.

"Shall we?" Brother Curl asks. A telling that filming's all set to go.

Out of habit Roger's brows round once more as his chin juts to lead the motion of a single nod.

Tape roll, here comes the play.

"Five years ago you flipped the script. You did something that was both the bravest and most outlandish thing that, not only a mega star, but any person could do. You changed your name for the second time."

The lead in was different, Roger would give the guy that. But regardless of the structure, it's still the same damn subject he can't escape. It's as if it's all they know. He's sat through two other interviews today and each of them revolved around a symbol. It's the reason he's in a mood now. Yes he understands the cause of fascination. However, he doesn't understand the hang-up.

"And now you're The Artist."

"To you. I myself don't refer to me as that. I go by this," he lifts the symbol baring chain hanging around his neck. "This is my name. It has an unpronounceable sound."

"But for ease, The Artist?"

"Whichever sea floats."

"That's why you did it this time? The waters at your former label weren't so smooth anymore?"

"No. No, they weren't, but it wasn't cause to change my name. That was a decision orchestrated by something beyond me. And to be clear, I've only ever had one name. That old name. Anything else was ease and assumption."

That chummy smile is shown again. "Another creation of the media? Is that why you've been reluctant to talk with journalists over the years? It seems like your relationship has been rocky with them as well."

"Because of their set agendas, yes. They tend to highlight the negatives. I don't need psychoanalysis from a journalist nor criticism on my music from someone who is not a musician. It's strange, isn't it? I don't write books, that's why you don't see me critiquing them."

Brother Ugly Sweater chuckles. Roger remains serious, offering up a shrug as a nonverbal it is what it is.

"My want is to promote the positivity I feel. That kind of thing doesn't appeal because you can't soundbite that. That's not the line they're looking for. I refuse to be a pawn."