Dylan Rhymer has a knack for taking a complex, serious social issue and giving it a comedic spin, in a way most people would understand. He is not afraid to be critical or edgy making him a very unique comedian today. He has an impressive resume, and has toured all over Canada and has headlined in many places in Europe.
How would you describe your comedy style?
I’ve been described as “political”, which I’ve never been comfortable with because I find politics tedious and depressing. I’m far more interested in social issues and how they affect average people.
Who are some of your influences?
When I started in 1993 there was a great local comic named Monty Cohen. He was a bad-ass truth-teller in a leather jacket who smoked constantly. He was absolutely the bravest comic I’d ever met and challenged me to push the envelope. Sadly, he was killed by a drunk driver while out on tour. Not a show goes by without Monty’s ghost whispering in my ear to do better.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
I was obsessed with Lenny Bruce. When I was starting out in comedy back in high school I saw an interview with him on A&E and he was just so damn cool. Like Rod Serling but for stand-up. A lot of people write him off as too dated and political, but if you listen to his act it’s full of great act-outs, characters and impressions. He was an incredible showman.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
The UK’s Stewart Lee is a genius. Do yourself a favour and listen to Carpet Remnant World. I’ve never seen a comic quite like him.
What is your pre-show ritual?
Empty pockets. Tie shoes. Go to the bathroom about 17 times.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
I did a tour of Croatia. On the last night of the tour, we did a show on top of a department store called KONSUM. Not on the top floor, it was on the roof. They had constructed a bar with a stage up there. Onstage there was practically no fence, so if I’d tripped I would have fallen 5 stories to my death. It was surreal. Comedy on the edge!
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
At the moment I have an extended piece about Roe V Wade and reproductive freedom that I feel compelled to get out there. I wrote it 20 years ago and was hoping it wouldn’t be relevant today, but sadly here we are. And if anyone finds it offensive, I’ll stop performing it when they stop forcing me to.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
Live.
Tell us a joke about your city.
Vancouver is so expensive that even homeless people are paying rent.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
I have a new album called MACRODOSE that I’m pretty darned proud of. It was produced by the great Kevvy Maher who has been behind many great Vancouver comedy albums. It’s on the usual platforms.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Shirley Gnome’s album Decoxification is regularly on my playlist. She’s brilliant. Nobody is doing what she does.
