Page 51 - SS Magazine - Digital

FOLLOW:
@brettforte
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PHOTOGRAPHY:
2 CREATIVE CO.
LOCATION:
CALGARY, AB.

Do you remember your first experience with Your website says your comedy comes from
standup comedy? frustration—if something rubs you the wrong
When it wasn’t Married With Children or Beavis way, you’ll be sure to get a laugh out of it. Do
and Butthead, my dad had the comedy channel you think your sense of humour has changed
on. I didn’t grow up on the usual reading or over the years?
viewing materials. When it comes to nursery Yeah, I’m constantly bothered, but I like it. It makes
rhymes, I only know Andrew Dice Clay’s naughty things more interesting. I really relate to Larry
versions. I never watched a Disney movie, and David’s way of thinking in Curb Your Enthusiasm.
I don’t know what Rapunzel and Aladdin did. I I constantly look for breakdowns in etiquette, and
know that Jack and Jill went up the hill, both with it’s all I can focus on. And I love the confrontation
a buck and a quarter. Jill came down with $2.50. of saying something that others wouldn’t. I live for
Aayyyyeee, she needed the money. those truthful moments. If you can be funny, you
can get away with a lot. I mean if these people can
How do your parents feel about you being a get away with living the way they do, I should be
standup comedian? Did they ever tell you to go able get away with making fun of them? Right?
to college to get a “real” job?
I did go to college, and I did have a real job. I What makes a routine work?
worked in radio for four years and was rarely Forget laughter or applause breaks. I know a joke
rewarded or trusted for my content, so I moved is good when a white girl says, “OMG, that’s so
on. I’m sure my mom looks at my radio training as true!” That’s the bar I set my comedy at. My best
a ‘safety net’ in case things don’t work out, but the material is the material that relates and is more
truth is I don’t have one. I burnt that bridge. I don’t funny than shocking. That’s important. Sometimes
want a safety net. In radio you would get listeners I start on the wrong side of that equation and
emailing complaints to the boss, which could and have to work on making it more appealing—less
often did lead to suspension or termination. In roasty, more bug-on-the-windshieldy. Less dad,
comedy, those complaints come in and you have a more mom.
laugh about it with the club owner while he books
you for New Year’s, the biggest show of the year. What comedians inspire you to keep pushing?
That actually happened, and that’s when I knew The ones I want to be better than, so most
standup was the right lane. of them.

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