He’s a marquee headliner whose comedy can give you an empire state of mind or add a bounce to your thizzle dance. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Joe Hill. The Bronx, NY native shares some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how he always own the laughs.
Name: Joe Hill
Hometown: Bronx, NY/Bay Area, CA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @thisisjoehill/@comedy_comeup365
Years in Comedy: 15+ Years
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: Fox, Revolt TV, TBS, CW1, Comedy Central, Sirius XM Radio, and Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud Radio
Comedic Influences: Robert Townsend, Redd Foxx, Martin Lawrence, & Sinbad
Favorite Comedy Album: Moms Mabley ”Onstage: The Funniest Woman In The World” (1984) Vinyl*
Favorite Comedy Special: Mike Epps “Only One Mike”
Favorite Comedy Movie: I’m Gonna Get You Sucka
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Martin
Favorite Comedic Character: Martin Lawrence
Favorite City to Perform In: NYC/Bay Area
Favorite Topics to Joke About: My Children, Work, Observations, & Current Events
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: All audiences
Favorite Comedy Club: Miami Improv
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
Growing up I was always naturally funny. Watching comedy at a young age made me really want to become an entertainer. I often participated in school talent shows and community events as I explored the arts at a young age. Even throughout high school and my college days I always had jokes.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
The first time was exhilarating to say the least. So many emotions flowed through me being on stage for the first time. The fears of bombing and all but surprisingly I did well my first time out on stage.
How would you describe your comedic style:
My style is reminiscent of Sinbad, Bill Bellamy, & Martin Lawrence. I am a storyteller and observationalist to the heart. My style can be very clean or raw as hell. Either way I am capable of shaking up any room, anywhere, and any time. I am also not afraid to follow anyone. Steel, sharpens steel.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
When I first started in comedy I would write out the joke as it was in full. Realizing comedy is better memorized through a premise works better for me. Allowing me to change up my kadence for each joke. Also, this way allows me to never tell any joke the same way and still be refreshing.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
I was originally born and bred in NYC and the scene there is amazing. Performing on up to 20 shows a week in a lot of cases. NY never disappoints me as a comedian performing. I am now based out of the bay area and it’s a dope scene also. Very similar to LA and NY but the people really come out and support live comedy as well.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
I can only judge mine based on my accomplishments. Success can be defined in many ways. Over the last three years I’ve played at various clubs all around the country, produced 4 comedy eps, been featured on television and film, worked with comedic legends and found financial success as well in the industry. But to me I am just getting started. Writing tv shows, and feature films for me is where I wanna be successful more.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
I could name a bunch of comedians who have inspired me but I would prolly leave out someone lol. I will say what inspires me is any comedian going after their passions wholeheartedly. But if I had to name one, it’s Marshall Brandon. His guidance and gems given to me are priceless. I will be forever grateful for mentors like that.
I enjoy watching the growth in a comedian who you’ve seen put the work in. I am a go-getter so I love to see that kind of work ethic. Sometimes, when I go out and watch comedy it’s good to see someone else getting the success they were working towards.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
I opened for DL Hughley at Carolines on Broadway in 2019 and it was an amazing experience to work with him and chop it up about the game, comedy and life. Priceless conversation.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
I feel like without failures how would we ever grow? How would we measure success without those failures?
Failures for me are a test of how bad you want it. Nothing is supposed to come easy in this business. As a matter of fact, I don’t even want it easy. Failures keep us humbled. Failures allow us to grow. Failures are actually a great thing because If you can learn from those failures then you will sustain a long career in comedy.
How do people react towards you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
I love the reactions when I make someone laugh. It’s a good feeling. People have yelled, cried tears of joy, gasping for air, and one time a lady fell out of her chair.
Describe what it’s been like building a career in stand-up comedy:
It resembles a rapper’s, or singer’s career in a lot of ways. When I say it resembles it really does. But harder. A comedian has to build his or her career from the bottom and do all the necessary things needed to grow in this industry. Almost like a record label would do for you except, you’re making those moves solo. Until you grow and gain management or an agent to further your career. You are your own promotion and a lot of times you’re negotiating your own deals and contracts at the beginning, finding ways to promote yourself to the people. It’s a lot nowadays and you have to be committed and determined through it all.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
I would change how many opportunities are given to comedians. We should have a better system to be seen and heard. But a lot of times it all matters who the gatekeeper is at that said place or club.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Don’t give two shits about what anyone thinks of you. You’re a phenomenal comedian, writer and talent. You’ve helped so many comedians and put folks in position to be great. Continue to be you. Let your relationships speak along with your resume of your work. -Tommy Davidson
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“We Not The Same” written and performed by Joe Hill
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
Oct 2021 at Coliseum in Oakland, Mike Epps tour I was in the back chopping it up and we were talking about life and sharing stories and we were snapping on each other and Epps looked at me and said “Boy, you like 45 with a new nose ring, cut it out” whole room bust out in laughter. He’s by far my favorite comedian and most down to earth comedian I’ve ever been around.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
Sidewalk shows (SF), a drug rehab center (NY) and a Barbershop (NY)
A Joe Hill Fun Fact:
I enjoy physical contact. Whether is my resume of playing football, basketball, or baseball in high school and college. As well as taking Tae Kwon Do, to even boxing.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
My ultimate goal is to star on a television show or series. Also, land a big movie role or writer role.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
I would tell them that it takes at least five to ten years to feel like you’re owning your laughs. In certain cases it takes a little longer. Some comedians are still trying to own their laughs now.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
I think comedy will always be needed in our society. We push the boundaries and make people think. So because of this comedy will always be therapeutic. It will always help us laugh through whatever life throws at us. There are so many comedians on the way.
If you could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
Miami Improv! Headliner: Mike Epps, Features: Monique & Lunell. I am hosting. Super RAW SHOW!
What’s next for you:
I am into writing screenplays, and television shows. I find the science behind writing them both to be very interesting. Also, comedy tours are great and allow you to take your funny directly to the people. I find that there is longevity in writing more so than stand up. I have toured non-stop for the last three years performing at every possible comedy club a comedian can touch. I’ve headlined many weekends and also featured bigger names. Now that I have mastered and connected with the right people I want my legacy to be more in the writer’s lane in my career. The residual money is longer lasting in television and film. Slowly, is the fastest way to get where you are trying to go, someone once said .
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Think about it like this. Most of our lives are just one big social construct. Things “society” has made up. Like look at “breakfast” in itself. Who was the first person who decided that at this time of the day “you must eat only these items”!!!?? That bullshit. Sometimes I want dinner for breakfast. I say that because we must live a stress free life. To do that we need to laugh way more than we think. Laugh at your losses, wins and everything in between. Don’t take life too seriously.
Watch a clip from Joe Hill’s “Art Of Not Giving A F**k” Comedy Special:
Follow Joe Hill’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @thisisjoehill @comedy_comeup365
Youtube: The Comedy Come Up
Personal Website: www.thisisjoehill.com
