With a deadpan style built on rapid-fire one-liners and sharp non sequiturs, Vancouver comic Carson Eastveld is making a name for himself on the local standup scene. Influenced by comedy greats like Rodney Dangerfield, Steven Wright, Anthony Jeselnik, and Norm Macdonald, he blends tight joke writing with an understated delivery that keeps audiences on their toes. A former battle rapper turned standup comic, Carson performs regularly around Vancouver. We chatted with him to learn more.
How would you describe your comedy style?
Deadpan non sequitur one-liners. I’m trying to expand into more storytelling and observational humour to diversify my material, but a bulk of my stuff is rapid-fire jokes.
Who are some of your influences?
Mt. Rushmore of comedians would be Rodney Dangerfield, Steven Wright, Anthony Jeselnik and Norm Macdonald. Also a lot of cartoons growing up, like The Simpsons, King of the Hill and South Park. I used to battle rap before getting into standup, which implements a lot of jokes and punchlines.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
I wasn’t huge into standup growing up, but Rodney Dangerfield is my favourite by far. Joke writing, crowd work, delivery, he excels at every aspect of the craft.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Mark Normand. Arguably the best joke writer out there right now
What is your pre-show ritual?
A large feast. Can’t perform on an empty stomach lol. Maybe a beer to loosen up a bit.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
House of Comedy in New West. The Colombia Theatre has a rich history at almost 100 years old and the acoustics are unmatched. It was also the first place my family saw me perform, so it will always be a special place.
In Vancouver, it’s definitely the Underground Comedy Club. Good ambience that feels like an actual comedy setting, great staff, and plenty of shows every day of the week.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
I do a bit about milk cartons that I recently wrote. It’s more of an observational joke, which is a style of comedy I don’t usually do. It’s a bit that’s geared me into a new direction of joke writing that challenges me to test new styles and takes me out of my comfort zone.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
Usually, Instagram or just searching for new specials on YouTube. Also attending live shows over town to discover new comics or new material that friends in the scene have come up with.
Tell us a joke about your city.
“Vancouver is really expensive, but I signed up for this UNICEF sponsorship. For just 2$ a day, some kid in Africa covers my hydro bill”
Do you have anything to promote right now?
There is a new open mic/amateur night venue on Richards St at the Fable Diner called Comedy King. They host it every Tuesday night. It just started up and is basically unknown even to local comics. Really good venue and the employees and show runners are super friendly. It’s a great place to start if you are looking to try standup for the first time.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Kevin Appleby, James Trotter, Jirair Garabedian, Sage Hart, Nate Mercer
