Crossword Genius

Performer makes a start that is different (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

artiste

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'performer makes a start that is different' is the definition.
'artiste' can be an answer for 'performer' (an artiste is a performer or entertainer). I'm not sure about the rest of the definition.

'performer makes a start' is the wordplay.
'performer' becomes 'artist' (eg a musician).
'makes a start' becomes 'e' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'artist'+'e'='ARTISTE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for artiste that I've seen before include "Attires like entertainer" , "Attires (anag.)" , "Performers" , "One entertaining" , "nightclub entertainer?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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