As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Joe Fenti. The Boston, MA native shares some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and explains how he always owns the laughs.
Name: Joe Fenti
Hometown: Boston, MA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @FentiFriedChicken
Years in Comedy: 2
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: N/A
Comedic Influences: Mitch Hedberg, Demetri Martin, & Nate Bargatze
Favorite Comedy Album: Mitch Hedberg “All Together”
Favorite Comedy Special: Demetri Martin “Standup Comedian”
Favorite Comedy Movie: 21 Jump Street
Favorite Comedy TV Show: It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia
Favorite Comedic Character: Charlie Kelly (It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia)
Favorite City to Perform In: Boston, MA
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Relationships & Friendships
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: Ones that laugh loudly
Favorite Comedy Club: White Bull Tavern (Boston MA)
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I remember watching Mitch Hedberg on Comedy Central when I was about 6 years old and thought that it was the coolest thing someone could do. I loved how he made silly observations about things that we’ve gone “blind” to, like an escalator being broken would just make them stairs.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
I don’t really remember much, but I do remember when I got a “pop” after one of my bigger jokes. Looking back, I realize that I talked right over the laughter, but I was just so nervous I was going to forget one of my jokes. I didn’t want to stop.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Mostly storytelling mixed with observation.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I must go for a run or workout and be completely occupied by something. Once I’m in that focused state, I pay attention to what my internal monologue is saying when I get distracted. Usually, there’s a premise or a joke in there. I’ll write that down or text it to myself and then refine, refine, refine.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
There are a lot of barshows, but there is definitely a lot of room to start up your own show and get some stage time under your control!
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
If you get a few people to really, really like your set. It doesn’t matter about winning everyone over. It’s more important to be one or a few people’s favorite comics out of the lineup.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
In the Boston scene, I really enjoy watching Peter Martin or Dan Boulger. They both have such a natural way of telling jokes so that it seems like they’re coming up with the material in the moment. Yet, their stuff is so precise and carefully constructed.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
So far, it was getting to headline at Northeastern University and do 35 minutes of material. It was the longest I’ve ever done in one go, and it felt great the whole way through. They were a great crowd, too!
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
To always seek out the next show or next opportunity. You can never truly fail at something if you keep trying, because eventually, hopefully, you’ll succeed. All of those failures along the way were just growth opportunities.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
They usually ask me to tell them a joke, which is a weird response because when you’re not “ready” for comedy, it’ll probably suck (Laughs).
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
It’s all a product of your own effort, which I really love. You can get as much out of it as you put in, and whether that looks like going to more open mics/shows or producing sketches, the world is your oyster.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
I would hope for more “workshopping” sessions rather than open mics. Right now, it seems like mics are the only way to get better or test out material. But I think a lot of people would benefit from having a group of 4-8 other comedians and getting to hash out your ideas for 15 minutes.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
This advice came from Will Noonan: “Do one thing every day to help your comedy career.” Meaning, you should try to get on stage, spend 30 minutes writing material, watching someone’s special, reaching out to bookers, or anything else that flexes that comedy muscle. It’s all about getting reps, and forcing yourself to do something every day will help.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“Boom Boom Uh Oh”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I haven’t run into any celebrities yet!
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
In someone’s backyard. They were gonna let me do 10 minutes, and I wasn’t gonna say no to that.
A Joe Fenti Fun Fact:
I used to be a big breakdancer, but I can still spin on my head.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
Ideally, headlining a big theater!
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Keep trying and getting on stage! It takes a really long time to find a style that works for you.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
It’s only going to get bigger! The prevalence of humor/comedy in all forms of media seems to be on the rise.
If you could write an episode for ONE classic TV sitcom, which show would it be:
I would love to write an episode of It’s Always Sunny. I think a funny route to go down would be having the guys trying to donate sperm, but having it be a competition to see who would be more “valuable.”
If you could choose ONE comedy club and THREE comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
Probably the Wilbur in Boston. I love the size and feel of the place. I would love to see Demetri Martin, John Mulaney, and Hannibal Buress all on the same show.
What’s next for you:
Just seeing where comedy takes me! It’s best to be open to where the next thing is, and keeping your eyes open to what could be the next step. If you get tunnel vision, you might limit what could really work.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Because if you don’t laugh, you’ll probably cry, and nobody wants that.
Follow Joe Fenti’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: Joe Fenti
Youtube: Joe Fenti
Personal Website: Joe Fenti
