During October 27 I celebrated the one year anniversary of my comedy "career." Veteran comics would probably say that I went from the embryonic stage to the fetal stage, but given my age and my extensive education I think that I'm qualified to discuss the comedy scene as I view it.
A recent podcast has caused me to reflect about some things: Chris Rock's interview on WTF.
As Chris Rock states on WTF, many/most(?) young or new comics tend to hang out and shoot the shit at comedy clubs as opposed to studying other comedians. I have noticed it time and again. I think that it's probably typical of most art scenes now-- music, comedy, film, etc-- as more and more people tend to drift away from the development of their craft and toward self-promotion. When self-promotion is used in excess it is beyond masturbatory to me. I understand the need for it in moderate doses, and "fortunately" for me I hate myself far too much to engage in it extensively. But the delusions of grandeur that some artists are putting out there is causing them to lose whatever edge or focus they have. Again, I have even seen it with young musicians and filmmakers, as well. The concept of denouncing someone for "selling out" probably died a bit too soon.
If you are an artist, I urge you to study even the people who you consider "mediocre." You will learn from them. A couple of nights ago at The Comedy Store I watched Chris D'Elia as he struggled during the first few minutes of his set then went balls-to-the-wall with acting, inflections, accents, etc. He just didn't care about the audience's silence anymore. He went out on his terms-- and to loud applause. It was definitely a learning moment for me-- and inspiring.
So.... stop jerking off, and start learning, ya bastards. :)
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