Jordan Wilson, the Vancouver-based comedian who fearlessly navigates the comedic landscape with a dash of brutal honesty, is known for his unfiltered approach to humour. Jordan’s wit cuts through pretences, offering a refreshing perspective. In a world where laughter is the best medicine, Jordan’s brutally honest comedic style brings an unapologetic edge to the stage, leaving audiences in stitches while challenging them to see the humour in life’s raw and unfiltered moments.
How would you describe your comedy style?
A big thing with me is self-awareness. So a lot of my stuff is self-deprecating, and I like to see how far I can take it. My goal is to be ruthless and honest with myself in a way that allows people to laugh, let their guards down and be more honest with themselves. There’s a quote I really like– “Drama helps us dream about who we’re capable of becoming, while comedy helps us deal with who we really are.”
Who are some of your influences?
There’s one comic who calls me “East Hastings Bill Burr.” I didn’t ask him to elaborate. But I study a lot of comics. In particular, comics like Sam Morrill, Taylor Tomlinson and Rory Scovel.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
Steven Wright. He might be the weirdest guy on the planet, but he’s brilliant and hilarious.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Hard to say, as I like to watch a lot of different comedians. I really enjoyed Ralph Barbosa’s recent Netflix special. It was my first time hearing his stuff and I was impressed. He’s got a very low-key delivery, so he doesn’t really sell his jokes all that much. But it still works because the joke-writing is that good.
What is your pre-show ritual?
I like to get to the venue early if I can. Relax, have a beer, go over my set but also not really. Just get into the right mindset. I always try to remind myself, “Have fun and get better.”
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
Underground Comedy Club. It’s a below-ground room in Gastown with a cool, intimate vibe. Just a great venue for comedy. I don’t know what it is, but there’s just something about going downstairs to watch a comedy show…
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
I have a bit about why I’d be a good person to murder. I like it `cause it really tests how far you can go with self-deprecation, and it’s about as brutally honest as a person can be with themselves. I wrote it when I was only a few months in, and the first time I tried it I was like, “These people are either going to totally get this, or they’re not gonna get it at all.” But they got it. And it was a breakthrough bit for me `cause it’s where I started to find my voice as a comedian. After doing the bit that first time, I was like, “Okay, more stuff like this.”
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
Good question… Probably Instagram and YouTube. I find the YouTube algorithm is pretty good. YouTube listens, it pays attention to you, while Netflix is that self-centred boyfriend who gives you gifts that are really for him. I get recommendations from Netflix where I’m like, “You don’t know me at all, do you??”
Tell us a joke about your city.
The traffic in Vancouver is terrible, but everyone’s to blame. Vancouver has four kinds of a-holes: motorists, pedestrians, cyclists… and cyclists a second time.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
Just the scene in general. Underground Comedy Club, Comedy After Dark, and the award-winning Comedy Ring all put on killer shows. The MOTN also puts on a lot of great independently-run shows. You can’t go wrong. There’s a lot of talented comics in this town, so go see ‘em!
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Abdul Ali & Hayley Renée Garceau.
