Simple get using a variable... scalar value error?

I'm using a GET to obtain the id value of a table reference - the id, That value happens to be 14 as int.
I'm validating that it exists in a conditional before using the value (14) in a subsequent GET request. The second GET request

matching the table record id to the value obtained in the first GET - 14. I'm getting this error:[scalar value.jpg]The query is kinda duh...
[scalar value 02.jpg]testing in 'Stop & Debug' artist_id is 14. A single entity. Why am I ending up with two entities (first image)? This query works as expected using the numerical 14 value, but not the var field_value artist_id

Debugging