As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Artie Valenzuela. The Vallejo, CA native shares some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how he always owns the laughs.
Name: Artie Valenzuela
Hometown: Vallejo,CA/Sacramento,CA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Tik-Tok: @artie.valenzuela/@artielaughs/@artievalenzuela
Years in Comedy: 3+
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: KillTony Mania, Roast Battle, extra in some stuff, & Right Hand in Melissa Villasenor’s music video
Comedic Influences: Robin Williams and Rex Navarette
Favorite Comedy Album: My personalized Stand Up Pandora station
Favorite Comedy Special: Eddie Murphy “RAW”
Favorite Comedy Movie: The Other Guys
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Saturday Night Live
Favorite Comedic Character: Mrs. Doubtfire
Favorite City to Perform In: Yours!
Favorite Topics to Joke About: I like to laugh at myself, once you’re laughing at me, then you’re laughing with me. Then, I want to make you laugh at yourself. It’s an Artie Jedi mind trick.
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: One where the laughs are loud.
Favorite Comedy Club: Sacramento Punch Line
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
When I was 7, my teacher asked the class to draw what they wanted to be when they grew up, I drew a brick back drop with a neon light that said “Comedy” and a mic stand- f*ckin weirdo-ass-annoying-kid shit. Then 21 years later, my wife finally pushed me into attempting to stand up, forever grateful for my better half.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
It was St. Patrick’s Day, I was the only one sober in the room, thank God- so it went alright. Bombed the next set, and quickly realized I want to figure out every audience.
How would you describe your comedic style:
I grew up with the funniest family member being in the middle of the living room telling stories for the whole house, murdering. That’s what I want my sets to feel like, like you’re laughing at home with family.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
Once you got your funny, work every angle.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
THRIVING. BAY AREA/ SAC-TOWN RISE UP.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Did the people in front of you laugh? Then, you’re good.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Johnny Taylor, KLJ, Robert Omoto, Drew Absher, Josh Means, Buddy, Morgan Anderson, Ashley Monique, Ruby Setnik, Ellis Rodriguez, Kiry Shabazz, Mike E. Winfield- the list can go forever.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
Most recently, winning a Roast Battle at The Comedy Store and Jeff Ross telling me that I’m funny. Still riding that high.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
That failures inevitably happen, they’re more-so areas for opportunity.
How do people react towards you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
They usually want to laugh more, but if you’re tagging with me, we’re gonna have some fun.
Describe what it’s been like building a career in stand-up comedy:
Satisfaction is subjective. Enjoy who you are before you force others to try.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
Price of sparkling waters. Change it, now.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
“Stop not being funny”
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“Tall Enough”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I once sold a $100 white tee to Baby Bash, he told me to call him Bash. Thanks, Mr. Baby Bash, sir.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
A bar with four people in it, none of whom were expecting comedy.
An Artie Valenzuela Fun Fact:
In middle school, I was able to lead a “Music in the Quad” thing where I had a microphone for announcements throughout lunch, I chose to roast my Vice Principal which led him to Fireman carry me to the office. He had no rebuttals and zero laughs in return. First public win. 🙂
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
I can’t wait to be Old Artie that looks back at Past Artie and makes fun of him- if there’s hella more people laughing with me, that’d be dope.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Bring the Funny. Don’t forget it.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
I’m excited to see it. I’m hopeful I can just enjoy whatever is in store.
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:
I’d write a spec of The Rugrats where they get dropped off at a YMCA and get bullied by real ass hood babies.
If you could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
San Francisco Punch Line: Robin Williams, Patrice O’Neal, and Eddie Murphy.
What’s next for you:
The Roast Battle League is going intercontinental! Hopefully Team Bay Area can rep tough. That and hopefully more. I’m hoping for just hella “more”.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Life can be tragic, it can be joyous, and it can be confusing, but one thing is always consistent, laughing whatever’s going on, better.
Follow Artie Valenzuela’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Tik-Tok: @artie.valenzuela @artielaughs @artievalenzuela
