Raised Dagger

The world needs more straight men like singer/songwriter/actor/aspiring novelist Val Emmich.

In the fall, the adorable and incredibly talents Emmich showed up for three episodes of “Ugly Betty,” where he played Jesse, a new potential love interest for out heroine. Despite some flirtation with Betty, Jesse ended up making out with her co-worker and roommate, Amanda.

Alas, it seemed we had seen the last of Emmich on the show. But Jesse is back and Emmich will perform another of his original songs in the show.

When he appeared on “Betty,” many thought Emmich was the new kid on the block. He has been recording albums since 2003 and has been acting for 10 years. His fifth album, “Little Daggers,” was released in September, just before the season premiere of “Ugly Betty”.

“I just decided that I should do what I do, whether it’s music or acting or even writing fiction,” Emmich tells David. “If you do it long enough, people will accept it. The people who ‘knew me when’ will get it and the new people will eventually get it.”

Undaunted by the stigma against pop music in the U.S., Emmich feels even pop music can be art, citing The Beatles.

“[They] probably started the whole damned genre with some really generic lyrics - “I wanna hold your hand” - but their later stuff, which was just as catchy, was really poignant,” he says. “So I think there’s suspicion of pop music. It’s not high art. To serious music lovers, it’s a dirty secret to admit that you like it; but not me, it doesn’t have to be that way.

Emmich isn’t just a pop act though.

“My records vary in style as they go, and I am sure the next one will be much different from this,” he says.

Emmich divides his love for music and acting, but appearing in “Betty” is special for him because of the message of the show.

“I think what I love about it most is how over the top it is and how unafraid it is to be over the top,” says Emmich, who returns to “Betty” Jan 20.

“It’s like ‘Lost’ where they come back to at story months down the line,” he says. “The last time you saw me, I did something bad and I hooked up with her friend, so that’s finally getting resolved. We still love across the hall from each other and we finally meet and a lot happens to resolve that.”

In addition to his work on “Betty,” Emmich’s first feature film, “Fighting Fish,” is in post-production.

“I play a 21-year-old who is taking care of his little brother and little sister because his mom is in a mental hospital and his dad passed away, so he’s given more responsibility than he’s ready for,” he explains, calling the film ‘quirky,’ ‘touching,’ and ‘beautiful’.

As if having a critically acclaimed album a recurring role on one of the most popular shows on television and a lead role in an upcoming film weren’t enough to keep him busy, Emmich recently completed his first novel and is currently shopping ir around to publishers.

He is also getting ready to hit the road on tour, which will include Austin’s SouthXSouthwest music festival and a stop in Atlanta later in the spring.

Emmich’s stint on “Betty” and his music earned him a loyal gay following.

“It’s flattering,” he says. “it’s a mystery to me, but I welcome all comers…and I don’t mean that as a pun.[laugh] What I really like about that relationship {with gay fans] is that it’s playful. I think that, frankly, a lot of straight people are pretty uptight.[laughs] It’s been really playful, to be open with whatever you’re feeling or whatever you are.”

“I’m years away from being macho or anything like that. I am what I am and it’s nice.”