Aaron Read is a Vancouver-based comedian known for his wildly goofy, shape-shifting style that blends voices, act-outs, music, and cleverly hidden dark edges. We caught up with him to talk about influences, rituals, favourite bits, and the places and people that continue to shape his comedy.
How would you describe your comedy style?
It’s always shifting, which is cool. I’d say right now it’s really goofy and lots of jokes with voices and acts out and stuff. There’s definitely some darker elements, but those are hidden. I sing a lot, which is unfortunate! My next special is going to be called, “The Singin’ Comedian!”, and it will only be available on CD for grandmas who take the bus (respect!)
Who are some of your influences?
Chris Locke, Andy Kaufman, My uncle Dave Miller, Christine Bortolin, the Dog from Cujo (absolute respect!), Conan O’Brien, The Simpsons, Chris Farley, Gilda Radner.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
My Uncle, Dave Miller and Chris Farley.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Brody Stevens. Maria Bamford. Chris Locke. Rory Scovel. And all my Friends.
What is your pre-show ritual?
I used to smoke cigarettes for the first eleven of my now twelve years doing stand-up Comedy. So, my old ritual was ducking in and out of the venue to smoke until I smelled and felt insane. Now I just sit there and talk to the other comics backstage, stretch a bit, sip some soda, the classics.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
Little Mountain Gallery on East 26th and Main in Vancouver. I started going there when I was like 17! I performed music there, comedy, taught classes, you name it. It used to be an auto shop, then a butcher shop, then artist studios and a gallery headed by my friend and local Art Whiz, Ehren Salazar. My other friend, Ryan Beil, took it over to keep it serving art and gradually converted it into the best indie comedy theatre this city has ever had. It’s gone now, but the new Little Mountain is awesome too, I love it. The last few years were run by my boss, Brent Constantine and Abdul Aziz, and Brent has done some amazing stuff to keep comedy alive in this city. Go check out the new L.M.G (110 Water St.)
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
I got a new bit about pure ol’ Obsessive Compulsive Disease that I like. Thank you for asking why I am proud. I am proud of it because it conveys a complex and challenging subject in a humorous and accessible way.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
There’s an awesome scene here again in Vancouver, so I like to just see people live at shows.
Tell us a joke about your city.
“I live under the sink at the Jamba Juice at Cambie station, next to the Fresh Slice. Me and a small, foul-mouthed creature – my roommate – share turkey slices and frozen raspberry ice clusters that fall during working hours. We use receipt paper to wipe our mouths. The creature will not tell me its name or species. We do not get along, and time here feels slower.”
Do you have anything to promote right now?
Duffins Donuts is awesome, on 41st and Knight! Main Convenience at Main and Broadway, run by Ashad. It has a great cola selection, and Ashad is a funny and nice man! I recommend going to a trail around Burnaby Lake. I’m a huge Ba Le Banh Mi fan, go to Ba Le Banh Mi for a Vietnamese sub and then bask in the beauty of the sub with a walk around Burnaby Lake.
Where can we follow you?
Just my Instagram for now. I’m not good at social media, but that is where I put my shows and drawings, etc.
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Christine Bortolin, Kelli Ogmundsun, and Ese Atawo. James Lebuke, Crystal Asham, and Zac Young crack me up, too; they’re all local.
