Devendra Banhart speaks out

(courtesy Getty Images)
In the past few days, there's been a lot of press circulating about Natalie Portman's ex man Devendra Banhart (pictured left).  Those who know the neo-folk artist and respect his musical contribution understand that there's more to the artist than his recent break-up or his beard or the recent nude photos of him from a Megapuss photo shoot with band member Greg Rogove (Priestbird) posted on PerezHilton.com.

Gay.com was fortunate enough to catch up with the duo, who are currently out on a West Coast mini tour, outside of San Francisco club The Independent -- as Banhart was giving Rogove a back massage -- and get an exclusive on the new project, the nudy pics and life after Natalie Portman.

Gay.com:  How did you guys come together to form Megapuss?

GR: Because he gives good massages.

DB:  I do give good massages. And I always want to take it to a different place.

GR:  Also, I was in Devendra's backing band, and was studying Tabla (an Indian percussion instrument) in India, and met Alma, a divine hugger, and when she hugged me, she whispered 'Megapuss.'

Gay.com: What inspired the 'Adam and Steve' song on your new album?

GR: Everyone knows about Adam and Eve, and this is the alternative story, where two male lovers took bites of the fruit of knowledge and were allowed to stay. 

Gay.com: But why are two straight men writing from the perspective of a gay couple?

GR: Because it's inspiring.  I mean, what kind of relationship would last?  Two guys.  We heard the other story and it didn't work out, so we wanted to be idealists.

Gay.com:  Devendra, how do you feel about Perez posting your nude photos on his site?

DB:  The thing about the pictures is that I just had someone say that they came out thanks to the pictures, which makes me feel justified.  Plus, I'm from S.F., where nudity is just an accessory.

Gay.com:  Are you satisfied with the way you were portrayed?

DB:  What can I say? It was a cold day.

Gay.com: Speaking of cold days, everyone imagines that you are totally distraught over your break-up with Natalie Portman.  But how are you actually doing?

DB:  It's beautiful.  We're like family and remain best friends. I'm not lying.  It's truly pure respect and love.