We had the good fortune of connecting with Kendall Roy, Jr. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kendall, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
The entire essay of “Self-Reliance” from Emerson particularly sticks out to me. Part of the essay highlighted the notion that “success” can mean anything, but that it particularly falls upon whoever wishes to define it, within the realm of their own personal existence, and no one else’s. I’m probably butchering that aspect of it, but in a strange and abstract way, that is the point. It is up to us to decide how we will live, just as it is up to us to decide what “success” truly means in our realities. It’s not Walt Disney’s version of success, and neither is it Elon Musk’s. There is your version, and there is mine. One of the word-for-word quotes from Emerson’s Self-Reliance, is: “Its the not the Destination, It’s the journey.” To say that’s inspired my perspective on life, would be an understatement.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Recently, I just submitted a full-feature screenplay for an competition called the “Six Feet Apart Experiment”. The screenplay goes by the name of “S‡ockholm, USA” and it encompasses the Allegory of the Cave, told within a slight-multiverse amidst a Hermetic Tragedy. Originally, it was to be a 30 minute short-film, however when this competition came about, it gave me much inspiration. Part of the inspiration, was the fact that it stemmed from the current pandemic of COVID-19. Ironically, every character in S‡ockholm, USA hardly leaves their home; much was to consider, mostly since the story itself was birthed from allegories of allegories, including the theories of Schrödinger’s Cat. It became entirely too clear to me that I should immerse myself into the story once again, and morph it into a full-feature film. Another part of the drive to complete this, was the notion of resilience itself. Through my own struggles, I have been a part of many failures, and many triumphs; this perspective is due in part by many philosophies, teachings that have been instilled in me since I was a curious kid interested in all this weird stuff. It is partly because of these weird stories, these weird theories, the reason I am alive, and still creating to this day. Where I am professionally, is probably not what another might label “successful,” and I have come to cherish this in ways. I don’t necessarily find myself apart from others, especially within the current state of society, the chaos that seems to be pumping through it. I am a human that loves to make art, and that’s about it. If there’s one thing I want the world to know about my art, it is that you should forget my art in this moment, and realize that you have a place in this world too, to do whatever you so please; so long as it doesn’t put yourself, or others, in danger. Nothing is easy, and that’s part of the reward. The possibilities are endless. That is another reason why the story of S‡ockholm, USA is relevant. We should all mold our perspective into a perspective that makes room for contentment. It is time for seeds to be planted, anew. This, is what I am currently attempting to create with my work: a fresh perspective; one that is open, one that is willing to learn. Or else, we will all begin to feel captive in a society such as ours, one that doesn’t want to let us go, one we feel sympathy towards… If it is freedom we deserve, then it is freedom we should work for, day in, and day out.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would first take them to the Burger Joint near Montrose. Oh, MY that place is complete fire. Another great food place is Barnaby’s. Place is definitely top notch. I also feel like anyone visiting should check out Herman Park, and potentially roll down that big hill in front of the triangle Pavilion. And if you can’t find it, then ask anyone around, they will know! I’m probably a horrible Houstonian, but I do know a thing or two about a thing-or-two. The Menil is also a lovely art museum to check out. If I had friends, I would definitely take them there.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Abel Sanchez, of Red Dagger East Downtown. He’s my brother, and probably the largest part of the reason why I create. He’s the reason I first picked up a guitar, the reason I first picked up a pencil to draw (we would draw our favorite rappers constantly), and he’s the reason also why I have the trait of a particular level of perseverance. He is an evolving OG, and must be protected at all costs. Oh, and given a little shoutout as well.

Website: rahusgem.bandcamp.com
Instagram: @rahusgem