We caught up with K.C. Novak, a stand-up comedian whose style is best described as writing forward, angry, dry, with a touch of misandry. With influences like Paula Poundstone, Dave Attell, and Tig Notaro, K.C. brings a unique voice to the stage, resonating particularly with women who appreciate her sharp wit and candid observations.
How would you describe your comedy style?
Writing-forward, angry, dry, with a touch of misandry. There’s nothing more meaningful than when women come up to me after shows and say they laughed so much. Women need to laugh more (see: life).
Who are some of your influences?
Paula Poundstone, Dave Attell, Tig Notaro, Maria Bamford, Dylan Moran
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
Conan O’Brien. I think it’s why my bedtime is 2 AM to this day.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Jordan Jenson. She’s incredible.
What is your pre-show ritual?
Oh, feeling like a loser and comparing myself to everyone I admire who’s farther along than me at this age.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
The place happened to be House of Comedy in New West but specifically it was for Matteo Lane’s audiences. I was fortunate enough to host/feature for him that weekend and I can’t tell you how wonderful it was to perform for his crowds. Those shows were vibrating with positive energy, which is a testament to all the great work Matteo’s done. It was a real lesson in what can happen when your audience finds you. He was a gem to work with and very gracious and generous.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
My favourite bit… *spirals*. Okay, I have a new-ish bit that’s unfinished that I’m proud of because it’s about a health topic that was driving me insane I didn’t know how to talk about for about two years: decreased libido as a side effect of birth control. I have a million nuanced thoughts and feelings about this subject, and I also 100% agree with the stance I take in the bit: “There’s nothing more powerful in the world than a woman who doesn’t want to fuck anything. You can’t sell me shit. You gonna to sell me a dress? Why? To put over this hoodie?” I want to keep focusing on women’s health topics (said no doctor, ever).
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
I agree with everyone who says standup needs to be experienced live, so my favourite way for finding new comics is at a show. Was super grateful to work with Emily Catalano for the first time this May at The Commonwealth Sanctuary in Dayton, KY (this venue is doing amazing work in the Cincinnati region!). Her jokes and deadpan delivery are killer. She had the crowd from the jump. I think deadpan humour is some of the hardest to pull off because you’re not resorting to any high-energy tools to hook an audience, but she holds it down with ease.
Tell us a joke about your city.
My go-to about Vancouver is: “This city has made me autistic. I can’t make eye contact with anyone anymore, showing expression on your face is illegal, and I want to get into tech for some reason.” I mean the real joke here is my impending late-in-life autism diagnosis. I’m just waiting for enough Tiktok doctors to confirm it.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
Yes, please! My humble debut album, BURGER, SHE WROTE, came out in November 2023 and it’s available on Bandcamp. I should be… *checks calendar, disgusted it’s not still 2023* uploading the video of that special ASAP to Youtube. Please check it out and leave weird comments!
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Jane Stanton and Katie-Ellen Humphries are my hometown favourites. Steev Letts and Sam Tonning are also hilarious. Kelsey Hamilton is also so funny and I keep waiting for her to accept my friend request.
