For one of Toronto’s top comedians, 2013 has been quite the year. From his sold-out Mother’s Day Comedy Show, to hosting our very own Dead Wit Laugh, to Three The Hard Way – another sold-out show featuring Jean Paul and Trixx – Jay Martin has been taking over the city, one joke at a time.
We were lucky enough to catch up with Jay for a quick interview – check it out!
What drew you to comedy?
Comedy, at an early age, it was therapy. I went through some hard situations, and I required some means of outlet to cleanse myself. I was isolated with some depression and didn’t think people wanted to be around me. But when I started telling jokes, people started to gravitate towards me. With that being said, I was doing comedy from early on. I didn’t know you could do it as a job and make a living until much later in life, and I was kind of scared, but this is my 10th year anniversary – I love it, and can’t see myself doing anything else. I’m glad, because I also have a support system that wouldn’t want me doing anything else.
What are the best and worst things about comedy/being a comedian?
I’ll tell you the best thing about doing comedy first – the best thing is that the gratification comes instantly. You don’t have to wonder “Was that good?” – the audience tells you immediately. There are also the perks of walking into a room and 80% of the room knows who you are before you know who they are. Off-stage, I’m a bit more reserved or to myself, but you know, everyone knows you and you’re trying to get everyone’s name right, so it’s hard. The negative part about comedy for me personally – and it’s almost a blessing and a curse – is for example, I write a new set to last me through the year. And I do a weekly report of my shows and how many people have seen me perform. I’ve hit 19,000 since February. So, the negative is people saying, “Oh, but I’ve heard Jay!” So now I’m planning on writing a new set every six months. I just want everyone to be able to hear the jokes and enjoy them.
What’s the strangest thing that’s ever happened to you at a show?
Oh, THAT list is long. Sometimes we get stalkers. Yeah. I’ve seen guys get booed to the point of almost fighting. Or, there are the times when one comedian catches another comedian doing their jokes…it hasn’t happened to me, per se. And it’s hard, because we hang around together, our consciousness is together – not to make an excuse for it – but you can see why some concepts can come out very similarly.
How does Toronto’s audience compare to audiences in other cities?
Well, Toronto’s audience is DIVERSE. If I perform in Atlanta and do a Caribbean joke, you can actually hear 1/4 of the room laugh. But in Canada, White people know the joke, Chinese people know the joke, we all know the joke. We’re so diverse and we’re more in depth in Toronto. It’s just sad that more comedians here can’t get to the top rank in the industry, because we have the perfect market for diversity.
A genie grants you a wish: You can create your own show, and it’s guaranteed to be a sell out. Who are the 3 people you’d have on the bill with you?
To perform with me? Are you serious? That is an AWESOME question. OK: Bill Cosby…the next 2 will be weird…Martin Lawrence – and that’s not everyone’s favourite but I love him. Lastly, if alive – Bernie Mac. That show would be wicked. People would be STABBING people for a ticket.
Jay Martin is celebrating his birthday party this Friday night at The Vue! Follow him on Twitter (@comicjaymartin) for more info!