Jeevin Gill describes his comedy as a very chill, laid-back guy explaining why everything sucks, a style shaped by childhood performances of Punjabi sketch comedy from VHS tapes his parents had sent from Punjab—Bhagwant Mann, Jaswinder Bhalla, and Gurpreet Ghuggi becoming his earliest influences before he learned that comedy heroes have a tendency to become problematic (even The Bananas in Pajamas aren’t safe, apparently B2 has wild opinions on Israel/Palestine).
How would you describe your comedy style?
Someone once described me as a very chill, laid-back guy who explains why everything sucks. That’s a pretty good description.
Who are some of your influences?
I’ve learned in comedy that there’s a good chance your comedy heroes will later become problematic, so I’ll play it safe and say The Bananas in Pyjamas are comedic inspirations to me. That’s probably pretty safe pick, right? (Damn it, just found out B2 gave a pretty wild opinion on Israel/Palestine)
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
Growing up, my parents used to get VHS tapes of sketch comedians back home in Punjab sent to them, and I would perform those sketches for our family. Growing up those were my favourite comedians. So Bhagwant Mann, Jaswinder Bhalla and Gurpreet Ghuggi. Luckily, their problematic views aren’t actually considered problematic over there.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
If I’m not being honest about my own narcissism, I really like Taylor Tomlinson right now. If I’m being honest about my own narcissism, me. I’m my favourite comedian right now. Now. Before. And forever.
What is your pre-show ritual?
I have to pee, panic, curse myself for not preparing earlier in the day, scribble down my set quickly, and sip water. But the peeing is definitely the most important part. One day, I’m going to accidentally pee onstage, I know it.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
I once performed for an audience in a sex club. Audience members would periodically leave the show area to go to the back to have sex. The crowning achievement of my comedy career is that 6 audience members who were enjoying my set stayed until it was over before leaving to have sex.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
I wrote a long joke about my relationship. It’s the end of my debut comedy special. My partner and I come from different religious backgrounds, and it was a difficult situation with our parents. I wrote very vulnerable material that talked about the nuances between religion, family relationships, societal expectations and fighting for love. It was a year-long battle in my life, and therefore, the joke took years to write. As the situation in my life changed, so would the material. It was almost like a living piece of art that acted as a friend helping me through tough times. Anyways, to answer your question, I have this joke about a fart I once made after eating jalapeño poppers that I’m so proud of.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
I hang out by George Carlin’s grave. Every time I hear him rolling over in there, I know another crowd-work hack or alt-right edgelord has gone viral on TikTok.
Tell us a joke about your city.
I am from Vancouver, where they once held an anti-capitalism block party…on Commercial Drive.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
I think comedy is a lifelong journey that you continuously pursue without a goal in mind. The work is the reward; each set is a blank canvas on which you hone your skills. You paint your art using a brush called laughter. BUT PLEASE FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLEAASSEEEEEE. I NEEEEEDD ITTTTTTT SOO BAD. THE FOLLOWER COUNT ARE WHAT MATTERS IN COMEDY. IT’S THE ONLY THING THAT EARNS RESPECT.
Where can we follow you?
And Onlyfans.com/iwillpaytokeepyourclotheson
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Peter Saran is probably the worst comic I have ever seen. Please don’t follow him on Instagram
