Meet René Risqué, a self-proclaimed international pop sensation who claims he was raised by a loving prostitute in a Paris brothel.
René Risqué is ready to rumba.
Details
Related Content
More About
Risqué is on a mission. "A lot of people live very dreary lives," he observes from an undisclosed New York location. "My performances allow audiences to experience a little bit of truth, raw sexuality and a taste of international pleasure."
Risqué and his rogue followers will perform on Saturday, February 14, at Love4Sale: Risqué, a fundraiser for the Museum of Contemporary Art/Denver. More than 100 regional and international artists were invited to create "risqué" works for the evening's auction; other enticements include a book signing, a fashion show and the annual MCA cake walk.
But first things first. Risqué absolutely denies that he's the satirical stage creation of New York artist and musician Andy Boose. As proof, he cites the Art Lovers, the tuneful, Euro-trashy globetrotters who tour the world with him, giving the culturally starved a taste of the high life.
Risqué and the Lovers plan to cut loose at the MCA bash with such hits as "I'm Gonna Give It (to You the Best)," a number that allows the bohemian brat pack to poke a little fun at themselves and at the socially elite who, according to Risqué, surround them incessantly. "The song is 'I'm gonna give it to you the best/Because I'm the motherfucking sexiest.' It's not subtle, honey," he sniffs. "I like to sing this song first, to introduce people to who I am."
Other tunes, like "Hotel Paradise" and "Giant Sexy Ocean," reflect Risqué's larger-than-life life. He cites the influences of drugs, prostitutes, music and fast cars as the pragmatic "realities" of his super-celeb existence. "I am very lucky, because I have so many people around me who allow me to float from pleasure to pleasure without ever having to think about the logistics of life," he says.
Those who haven't yet caught up with this super-hot snot can read up on the phenom in Interview, the New York Times and even Time magazine. But that coverage, Risqué boasts, is only the start.
He and his entourage have caught the fancy of Big Apple denizens as well as real pop star Moby, who reportedly jumped on a New York stage with the group last year. Rumors abound that Moby may be assisting Risqué in securing a record deal, but Risqué reveals a different opinion of the artist's apparent fandom.
"I think [Moby] has tried to attach himself to my coattails to increase his own popularity," he says. "We have already recently inked a deal with a major international entertainment conglomerate who is doing a movie and a record with us."
According to Risqué, that DVD/CD release is due in the fall and will be followed by a worldwide tour. "I provide people a little sunshine," sighs Risqué. "I live a free lifestyle and a lifestyle of honesty. I provide them with what they want, and people all over the world go crazy for it. They feel a need to connect to me -- in some cases, literally. If people call me a playboy, well, that's their prerogative."
But don't expect to get too close to the heart of the whirlwind this weekend. The self-involved one is only playing a one-night stand.
"Where is Denver, anyway? Is that sort of by Kansas?" Risqué asks as the conversation winds down. "Well, do me a favor, sweetheart: Just try not to distort the facts."
