As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Matt Cole. The Orange County, CA native shares with us some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how he owns the laughs.
Name: Matt Cole
Hometown: Orange County/Los Angeles, CA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @MattColeComedy
Years in Comedy: Almost 8 years
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: Doubtful (Laughs) Everywhere I’ve been featured is canceled or out of business now. Laughs on Fox, Kevin and Bean on KROQ, & OC Weekly.
Comedic Influences: Dave Attell was the comic that got me interested in ‘Stand Up,’ Kyle Kinane is a hometown hero and absolute wordsmith, and Doug Stanhope is a comic I just want to share a few drinks and laughs with
Favorite Comedy Album: Dave Attell “Skanks for the Memories”
Favorite Comedy Special: Doug Stanhope “Beer Hall Putsch”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Too many to name just one – just rewatched Blazing Saddles and it still holds up.
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Changes weekly – What We Do In The Shadows is top-notch.
Favorite Comedic Character: Anything Chris Farley
Favorite City to Perform In: Vegas is always an absolute BLAST! oh, anywhere that isn’t LA.
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Relatable Folly’s of Life
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: A crowd not afraid to laugh at jokes.
Favorite Comedy Club: The Old Brea Improv
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
Early mid-life crisis sent me into a spiral of dive bars until I saw my first open mic.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
The first time I got on stage was still fuzzy, the 2nd time I got on stage I walked the room.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Mostly R-Rated short storytelling and crowd work.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I write down ideas in the shower/toilet then work them out on stage.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
Active open mic scene and with a good amount of independent shows. The 2 ‘big clubs’ do not help foster the OC scene.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
When I get there, I’ll let ya know…
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Sean Williams is hands down my favorite comic to watch and learn from. Absolute beast.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
Highest: My first standing ovation in front of 1200 people.
Lowest: 15 comics applauding as I rage screamed at some drunk heckler until she left crying.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
Bombing only makes you better if you’re willing to learn from it.
How do people react towards you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
I generally don’t tell people I’m a comic because of all the unnecessary small talk that comes with it.
Describe what it’s been like building a career in stand-up comedy:
When I get a career, I’ll let ya know…
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
I’d like to change the fact that I do not have the ability to change anything
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
“Slow down, be in the moment, and enjoy all the process, before you become jaded to it.”
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
Too Fat for Feet or BigPoppa69
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I got a very drunk Dennis Rodman to come with me to the Brea Improv and they eventually kicked him out for trying to repeatedly get on stage to promote his Vodka brand.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
Too many places to count 🙂 From an abandoned strip club in San Bernardino to what was referred to as the ‘Rape Dungeon’ in Fresno.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
I’d love to be able to pay all my bills doing Stand Up full-time. On the road/running shows however it manifests itself.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Advice is always the same. Get on stage as much as possible, listen to your bad sets, don’t be a dick.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
With the internet Comedy is now back in the hands of the comics, there is no real gatekeeper stopping you from putting out content. Because of that, there seems to be a lot more censorship on the platforms that let you share that content ie. YouTube, Instagram, etc.
It will get to the point that most of us will have to post content to our own websites or release it behind paywalls to keep it outta the hands of those that want to censor what we say.
If you could write one episode for one classic TV sitcom which show would it be and give a brief detailed sentence on the episode:
All in the Family – I’d reverse the Edith sexual assault scene.
If you could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
Kyle Kinane, Tom Segura, & Bernie Mac
What’s next for you:
Getting back on the road, starting back up some local rooms, and shaking the dust off my podcast Honest Ignorance now that I can have people back in the studio.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
.What other option is there? Laugh at it or get upset.. Choose to laugh.
Watch Matt Cole in Fat Comedian Drink Bargain Booze:
Follow Matt Cole’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @MattColeComedy
Youtube: Matt Cole Comedy
