Amardeep Singh is a local Vancouver comedian who tells jokes just to be funny. He self-describes his style as “pretty all over the place” and is only serious with the intention to be funny. We caught up with him to find out more.
How would you describe your comedy style?
I like to be really absurd and then horribly honest, it’s pretty all over the place. I do try and stay pretty goofy so that even when I’m talking about serious stuff it’s clear that I’ve only brought it up to talk about it funny.
Who are some of your influences?
I really like “jokey-jokes”, like stuff that isn’t intended to communicate a real point. Redd Foxx, Rodney Dangerfield. But I also love the opposite, people who are dripping with meaning and intention, like Jerrod Carmichael and Maria Bamford. I also also tend towards really improvisational crazy guys, like Rory Scovel and Eddie Peptone.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
Russell Peters had the first special that I watched all the way through, I was probably 10-11? I went and found everything else he had ever made and consumed it. I don’t think he’s still at the top of my list, but he was definitely my first favourite.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Toronto’s Chris Locke. Nobody does it like him
What is your pre-show ritual?
I used to throw up before sets but now I just sorta pace around and freak out. I’ll stare at my notebook and try to come up with new lines, which is dumb because I had all day to do that. Why am I starting now, right before the show? I’m an idiot
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
The old Little Mountain Gallery on Main and 25th. It’s not there anymore (they moved to Gastown), but it was such a cool spot! I spent a lot of time there learning to be funny. Great comedians were doing really wild, really weird comedy there. It was an entry point into a community that I am so happy to be a part of.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
I have an opener that’s about the very real fact that a pig’s orgasm can last up to half an hour. I’m proud of the joke because it is short and pointless. Plus, my comedian friends have complimented it, which is what makes me feel prouder than ever about something
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
My friends suggesting me YouTube videos! I don’t know where they find them, but it’s the only way I’ve been exposed to so much stuff I like.
Tell us a joke about your city.
No one who lives here will be honest about how bad it can be. I saw a guy smoking crack on the bus, and he was exhaling the smoke into my face. I told that to a friend who lives in town, and he said “Oh that actually means good luck here in Vancouver”
Do you have anything to promote right now?
I’m going to release a special called “Please Don’t Kill Me” on July 6th. It’ll also be available on all streaming platforms as an album. I’ll be doing a show to promote it in Vancouver, so keep an eye out for it!
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
My friend Kyle Patan should be an international sensation. He is one of the strongest comedians I have ever encountered. His special “Coming Home” is out on May 11th and you simply must watch it on Youtube.
