Meet Zephyr, a Vancouver-based comedian whose style is rooted in personal stories and everyday anecdotes—often inspired by his family (whether they like it or not). His first spark came at 16, when Pete Davidson’s early stand-up lit the path toward comedy, and since then, he’s drawn influence from names like John Mulaney, Chappelle, and most recently, Lenny Marcus, who left him laughing harder than ever at the Comedy Cellar. Zephyr has performed across the city, with one of his most meaningful sets taking place at the now-closed MOTN, the venue where he landed his first show. These days, you can find him every Wednesday hosting at the Underground Comedy Club.
How would you describe your comedy style?
I guess I would describe it as anecdotal or personal. I mostly talk about stuff that has happened in my life.
Who are some of your influences?
My biggest influence is definitely my Mom; she doesn’t exactly make me laugh in the moment, but a lot of what I write comes from things she does or puts me through. I’m also very inspired by my sister.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
When I was 16, I remember my Mom showed me Pete Davidson’s infamous YouTube Stand-Up set from when he was 16. It was the first time I’d seen Stand-Up Comedy, and it made me want to do it, probably because I thought it was cool we were the same age. I then went on to become a big John Mulaney and Chappelle fan in high school; however, that video of Pete got me into Stand-Up so I’ll say he was my favourite growing up.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Last year, when I went to New York, I saw a comedian named Lenny Marcus at the Comedy Cellar, and he immediately became one of my favourite comics. I was very inspired by the way he did Comedy, and I’d never laughed so hard at a show. He’s an older comic and doesn’t really exist on the internet, but since seeing hi,m I’ve bought most of his comedy albums on CD. Now I just need to buy a CD player to listen to them. In terms of more mainstream comics, that I like right now are Conan, Larry David, Sam Morril, & Tim Heidecker.
What is your pre-show ritual?
Cry.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
My favourite place I’ve ever got to perform was at The MOTN before it closed down. The MOTN was a super cool venue I always wanted to perform at. I used to watch shows there before I started comedy. It then ended up being the venue where I got booked on my first show and where my girlfriend saw me do comedy for the first time. I never did another show there as it closed shortly after, but the whole experience was super exciting and felt really significant. RIP The MOTN and shout out to Efthimios Nasiopoulos for putting me on my first show.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
I don’t write jokes; I ask people in the crowd what they do for a living because I’ve been told that’s how you make it as a comic right now.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
I’d say at shows in Vancouver, every week I usually get to meet a new comic who is from out of town, which is fun.
Tell us a joke about your city.
The rent. HAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAA……… I’ll be here all night.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
Right now, I host a show at the Underground Comedy Club every Weds, so if you’re looking for something to do midweek, come to that.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Another Vancouver comic you should know is Amar Singh!!!!
