Hi Brandon. Who are you and what do you do in comedy?
I'm originally from The Ozarks in the States and moved to London last year. I'm a stand-up comedian, an actor, a Coors Light drinker, a Dolly Parton lover, a hell of a good time and a big ol' gay.
Tell us about how you first became involved in the comedy world.
Before ending up in England, I moved to California working as an actor. I booked regularly in small parts and music videos but was type cast as a "wife beater", "crooked cop", "creepy uncle", "criminal"...which was fine, since it kept me working and I had my Uncle Carl to draw inspiration from. I wanted to do comedic roles but was told I had "angry eyes". A friend suggested stand-up comedy.
While pacing outside the venue a veteran LA-Open micer asked me if it was my first gig. He then said, "welcome to hell". I thought then he meant the venue. Later I thought he meant the other open micers, then comedy promoters, then hecklers, then the "hustle"... now I just think he had angry eyes.
My first gig went great and I was hooked. Have you ever heard the phrase, "the worst thing to happen to a young man is to win big his first day betting on the ponies"? It's been a slow down hill since. Not that my jokes are worse, but the first thrill of laughter from something you wrote is never equaled.
Tell us about your comedy favourites.
Comedian Maria Bamford changed me. Bamford's tendency to "lean into" her mental illness through charming and funny stories was a revelation to me. Like Maria, and many comedians, I struggled to find my place in this world. Loneliness, depression, mental breakdowns, and addiction can be comedy gold.
I headline all my comedy writing now with, "be honest".
How has your act evolved, for the better, since you started out?
While working in LA most of my act was straight forward U.S. based, "grab the mic and tell some funny stories". The UK comedy circuit is surprisingly diverse. Europe's comedy history of absurdity, slapstick and clowning breaks open the door of what traditional Stand-Up can be. On any night I might be on the bill with a musical act, a middle-aged man doing puns, or Britain's Most Unsuccessful Mexican Wrestler (Jerry Bakewell). It's comedy freedom.
While working on my new show I've embraced this freedom. I still do traditional stand-up, but now incorporate much more joy. From getting an audience member on stage to lip-sync to George Michaels to tricking audience members to line-dance with me, this has made my show much more thrilling to perform.
What's the best advice you've ever been given, read or heard?
"The audience is smarter than you think". I was warned that the "British Humor" is different and I was nervous that my act wouldn't translate. Though I have had issues with my mid-west accent and being mistaken for a "character act". (after a gig a lady was convinced that I was German doing a "cowboy" accent) I have found that "funny is funny". I no longer feel I need to check on references; Dukes of Hazard, Amy Grant, life in the Ozarks... When you trust the audience is smart, they find their own humor in a story even when the reference isn't totally relatable.
Where would you like to be in 10 years' time?
I want to produce and host a talent search program. I'd love to go into a small town in Texas, a business meeting in Japan or a job center in Ireland and find artists, singers, poets and comedians and partner them with professionals for a chance to shine. If not that, then a chicken ranch would be fine.
What's been the most significant plot twist in your own life?
When I was 35 I came out of the closet. It wasn't fabulous. It was frightening and very, very slow. I would have preferred a big glitter party with Wilson Phillips playing in the background. I admitted it to myself, after years of praying to God to change me, then went man hunting. And yes, that was kinda fabulous.
If a genie offered you one wish, what would you ask for?
I would like to be re-incarnated as a big haired, big breasted, brassy female country music singer. Yes, I want to be Dolly Parton.
Published: Friday 21st August 2020