Recently Chortle has voiced some great correspondence about comedians doing adverts, and whilst I see the value of both articles I feel an important point has been missed: Doing adverts isn't cool.
I wouldn’t presume to deconstruct Tim Minchins motives for turning down Pepsi's undoubtedly persuasive offer, but I'm sure the move can't help but bolster his own brand. I believe comedians at their hight are artists. It would no doubt have sullied the late Bill Hicks legacy to be associated with any product, even his beloved cigarettes. I have a tattoo of Bill's words 'it's just a ride' but I do so because, after his passing, I could securely isolate his words as a ball of inspiration.
A Comedians role and societies view of them is constantly shifting, and whilst many comics are now minor celebrities, presenting programs and staring in game shows, others don't fit this mould. Whilst it might be the norm for celebrities to sell products this can be commercial suicide for comics. Would anyone listen to Frankie Boyle if he advertised Stella?
It might seem like a double standard that a footballer can sell Burgers, but not a comedian, but we invest in comedians because of what they say, and how they say it. That is part of a comedians art. We can't then get uppity if a comedian using his talent for profit removes the veneer of his appeal.
Stewart Lee is one of my favourite comedians but I would still struggle to enjoy his wry wit if he did, say, a whiskey add. Not for any high minded principle but simply because it would feel hypocritical to me. He had shown his price, and however smart the advert the man that once spoke for me, let his voice for money.
Now I'm not saying advertising is wrong, I think it is a personal choice that depends on a comics voice and career goals. Recently I was given the business card of a voice agent, and whilst I could really use the money to pay off my still looming debt from Edinburgh I'm not sure I can define my voice whilst diluting it to sell products. So, for now, the card stays on my desk.
I'd dance for money though.
Twitter.com/JayCowle
Monday, 28 November 2011
Monday, 14 February 2011
The Tides of Change
"Every picture shows a spot with which the artist has fallen in love."
Alfred Sisley
The above quote is irrelevant.
well, hello,
I have always been rather fond of Hootie. In particular his joke about climaxing and the atomic heart. What I had not realised about Hootie is he bases most of his material on the lyrics of 1920's iconic female singers:
"It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul."
Judy Garland
I'd advice you go and see Hootie, listen carefully (he's very funny) whilst gently, but overtly, fondling yourself as reward for seeing such a good comedian. Seek him out after.
Try cornering him with an arm, still fondling yourself (if you're not too tired), but more vigorously. Congratulate him firmly (pun) for being the nearest thing you'll get to Judy Garland. At this point humming is always preferred. I like show tunes or maybe the funeral march for some close to ear warbling. Hootie will love it, and youll have a great comedian as a friend. In fact this tactic of expressing gratitude is a universal preference for all comedians. Try it.
If you're not going to corner me for a good old hum I personally like cold cash stuffed inside butter molded to the shape of an extinct animal species. The dodo is a good choice for extinct butter molding. Although I must acknowledge my taste for butter sculpting is not a universal amongst comedians. Michael McIntyre would probably prefer the intimacy of vigorous self fondling as a contrast to his cavernous gigs.
Yes, so that's how I've begun this blog, and believe it or not I have cleverly summarised my findings from doing stand up over the millennia since my previous blog. I have discovered I must start with connection.
In the above example of writing I utilise a subject only some of you may have been lucky enough to see (Hootie, sorry Hoots) and shift the parameters of discussion far too quickly for your average audience. Things are to complicated, too fast, it's too much.
In the last few months I have been playing with material that starts in the 'real world', and snowballs into my more surreal world. The idea being to take an audience with me, jumping from a simple premiss on steeping stones of observation into wild flights of fantasy.
My biggest struggle at present is figuring out these starting points. It is quite amazing how dim a group of collective minds can be. Take this video of the rather brilliant Marcel Lucont working with a crowd so dim you suddenly understand who watches 'Come Fly With Me':
Ok, yes you're quite right, It is harsh to call anyone dim, but I am, of course, only referring to the collective mind of an audience and not individuals. This has been my key revelation of recent times: AUDIENCES ARE QUITE DIM.
I am now working to set up my bits with an opening scene that is easy to understand, then i'll start shifting the goal posts.
The Goal: To take an audience paddling in the shallow shores of dick jokes and push them, with a current of logic, out in to an ocean of nonsense. They're happy because things looks vaguely familiar (dick joke callbacks), but all the while you're deepening the waters. Occasionally sailing ships of recognisable ideas to make them feel safe, but ultimately leaving them at sea.
In short: I want to drown audiences.
Follow me on twitter. If you're human or a bot why not share this? Such an action is just as valid as anything else you could do. Ok, arguably curing cancer is better, but then I heard 'laughing's the best medicine'. Humor's subjective so this blog may cure cancer.
Twitter.com/JayCowle
Alfred Sisley
The above quote is irrelevant.
well, hello,
I have always been rather fond of Hootie. In particular his joke about climaxing and the atomic heart. What I had not realised about Hootie is he bases most of his material on the lyrics of 1920's iconic female singers:
"It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul."
Judy Garland
I'd advice you go and see Hootie, listen carefully (he's very funny) whilst gently, but overtly, fondling yourself as reward for seeing such a good comedian. Seek him out after.
Try cornering him with an arm, still fondling yourself (if you're not too tired), but more vigorously. Congratulate him firmly (pun) for being the nearest thing you'll get to Judy Garland. At this point humming is always preferred. I like show tunes or maybe the funeral march for some close to ear warbling. Hootie will love it, and youll have a great comedian as a friend. In fact this tactic of expressing gratitude is a universal preference for all comedians. Try it.
If you're not going to corner me for a good old hum I personally like cold cash stuffed inside butter molded to the shape of an extinct animal species. The dodo is a good choice for extinct butter molding. Although I must acknowledge my taste for butter sculpting is not a universal amongst comedians. Michael McIntyre would probably prefer the intimacy of vigorous self fondling as a contrast to his cavernous gigs.
Yes, so that's how I've begun this blog, and believe it or not I have cleverly summarised my findings from doing stand up over the millennia since my previous blog. I have discovered I must start with connection.
In the above example of writing I utilise a subject only some of you may have been lucky enough to see (Hootie, sorry Hoots) and shift the parameters of discussion far too quickly for your average audience. Things are to complicated, too fast, it's too much.
In the last few months I have been playing with material that starts in the 'real world', and snowballs into my more surreal world. The idea being to take an audience with me, jumping from a simple premiss on steeping stones of observation into wild flights of fantasy.
My biggest struggle at present is figuring out these starting points. It is quite amazing how dim a group of collective minds can be. Take this video of the rather brilliant Marcel Lucont working with a crowd so dim you suddenly understand who watches 'Come Fly With Me':
Ok, yes you're quite right, It is harsh to call anyone dim, but I am, of course, only referring to the collective mind of an audience and not individuals. This has been my key revelation of recent times: AUDIENCES ARE QUITE DIM.
I am now working to set up my bits with an opening scene that is easy to understand, then i'll start shifting the goal posts.
The Goal: To take an audience paddling in the shallow shores of dick jokes and push them, with a current of logic, out in to an ocean of nonsense. They're happy because things looks vaguely familiar (dick joke callbacks), but all the while you're deepening the waters. Occasionally sailing ships of recognisable ideas to make them feel safe, but ultimately leaving them at sea.
In short: I want to drown audiences.
Follow me on twitter. If you're human or a bot why not share this? Such an action is just as valid as anything else you could do. Ok, arguably curing cancer is better, but then I heard 'laughing's the best medicine'. Humor's subjective so this blog may cure cancer.
Twitter.com/JayCowle
Monday, 26 July 2010
Edinburgh Awaits
Edinburgh, vibrant, tasty, spherical. No Sorry that's an orange.
Edinburgh. A city that holds mystery on each corner, unless you use Google maps. A place that every year comedians migrate to. Hundreds of comedians of all comedic styles from genitalia enthusiasts to individuals who prefer their comedy without jokes.
In August Edinburgh can be seen as the home of humor for the western world. It could also, more tentatively, be seen as spiritual Mecca of the Jazz Jelly movement who's members live by the strict code: 'if it's not wobbly, or involving trumpets, it's of little cultural worth'. Admittedly the latter is a considerably less likely association. Sorry Jazz Jelly patrons, but an extreme view on what constitutes art, and a preoccupation with oscillating food groups is yet to truly grip Edinburgh.
August acts as an intense gestation period for comics to shape their thoughts, and present them to their peers, the media, and most importantly an audience.
The optimist would wonder at the magic of the worlds greatest comic minds being drawn to one rainy city. From Emo Philips's classic off kilter wordplay to Al Murray hosting a meat based pub quiz.
The pessimist would ask why these great minds would accept paying considerably more for everything.
However, I for one will happily pay more for my Guinness knowing it'll be washed down with some sweet, sweet, witticisms. They have less calories then nuts. See you at The Fringe.
Jay
Jay Cowle Is Performing his show Universe Shaped Colouring Book at The Edinburgh Fringe, 5-29 August (Excluding Wednesdays), 5.20pm, The Newsroom, 5-11 Leith Street, EH1 3AT
Edinburgh. A city that holds mystery on each corner, unless you use Google maps. A place that every year comedians migrate to. Hundreds of comedians of all comedic styles from genitalia enthusiasts to individuals who prefer their comedy without jokes.
In August Edinburgh can be seen as the home of humor for the western world. It could also, more tentatively, be seen as spiritual Mecca of the Jazz Jelly movement who's members live by the strict code: 'if it's not wobbly, or involving trumpets, it's of little cultural worth'. Admittedly the latter is a considerably less likely association. Sorry Jazz Jelly patrons, but an extreme view on what constitutes art, and a preoccupation with oscillating food groups is yet to truly grip Edinburgh.
August acts as an intense gestation period for comics to shape their thoughts, and present them to their peers, the media, and most importantly an audience.
The optimist would wonder at the magic of the worlds greatest comic minds being drawn to one rainy city. From Emo Philips's classic off kilter wordplay to Al Murray hosting a meat based pub quiz.
The pessimist would ask why these great minds would accept paying considerably more for everything.
However, I for one will happily pay more for my Guinness knowing it'll be washed down with some sweet, sweet, witticisms. They have less calories then nuts. See you at The Fringe.
Jay
Jay Cowle Is Performing his show Universe Shaped Colouring Book at The Edinburgh Fringe, 5-29 August (Excluding Wednesdays), 5.20pm, The Newsroom, 5-11 Leith Street, EH1 3AT
Thursday, 22 July 2010
Monday, 21 June 2010
Taking Offense
The last few months we've seen a number of comedians and broadcasters come under fire for offensive material. The latest offenders being Frankie Boyle, South Park, and even Channel Fours Comedy Gala in aid of Great Ormond Street.
Boyle's gag about Palestine was deemed by the BBC to be a 'serious breach'of standards.
More than a hundred viewers complained about the sick humor in Channel 4's Comedy Gala. The show, featuring an A-list of British stand-up, was the most complained-about show on the channel in April, with 111 viewers contacting the channel, some questioning whether the 'adult and sick humor' was appropriate for the cause.
In light of all this it's easy to forget that 16,000 tickets were sold for C4's Comedy Gala, deemed a critical success, and now poised for a DVD release. Frankie Boyle is touting a sold out national tour, best selling book, and Live DVD. Whilst South Park is airing its 14th series.
Its seems there is some discrepancy between the uproar highlighted in the media and the demands of the mass market. Now, of course, its important to voice the plight of the few, but mounting media pressure against (what is deemed) offensive material is a futile battle when the numbers clearly suggest such humor is not only acceptable, but in demand.
Taking offense to a joke is as subjective as finding it funny. Whilst people should always have the right to complain its important their objections are assed fairly and in light of the overall picture. 111 complaints for C4's Comedy Gala may seem significant, suggesting deserved distaste, until you factor in that 16,000 people saw the show live and many more watched it
broadcast. Percentage wise, and not even not including the home audience, this meant a tiny 0.7% of the viewing population felt the need to complain.
Its crucial to find a balance between protecting peoples sensibilities and allowing comics to do there job in voicing the unspeakable.
It is often the humor that challenges our values, and risks offending them, that provides us the most thought for discussion. Bill Hicks, one of the most cherished and lionised comics of the 21st century was famously banned from Letterman for his routine lampooning Pro Life campaigners. Lenny Bruce,
who's broadly seen as the father of modern stand-up, was banned from performing entirely due to his 'sick' material. Yet its arguable that without these comics efforts modern stand-up as we know it wouldn't exist.
Hearing Frankie Boyle's Palestine joke it's difficult to deny it as an excellently concise way to state his opinion on the subject.
When South Park challenged Islam's immunity from ridicule they earned even the public support of their rivals The Simpsons when Bart wrote on the school blackboard: "South Park - we'd stand beside you if we weren't so scared."
Watching the trailer for Four Lions It's hard not to be moved by Chris Morriss's depiction of Suicide Bombers as misguided individuals.
All these jokes offended people, but all provide food for thought, and a chance to rethink our approach to a topic. Perhaps it is time to take a less sensational and more scientific approach towards offense. It is, after all, ok to be offended. You can always take your important money elsewhere.
There are plenty of other comics seeking your time. We could make Michael McIntyre the first comic live from space.
Jay Cowle
Twitter: JAYCOWLE
Boyle's gag about Palestine was deemed by the BBC to be a 'serious breach'of standards.
More than a hundred viewers complained about the sick humor in Channel 4's Comedy Gala. The show, featuring an A-list of British stand-up, was the most complained-about show on the channel in April, with 111 viewers contacting the channel, some questioning whether the 'adult and sick humor' was appropriate for the cause.
In light of all this it's easy to forget that 16,000 tickets were sold for C4's Comedy Gala, deemed a critical success, and now poised for a DVD release. Frankie Boyle is touting a sold out national tour, best selling book, and Live DVD. Whilst South Park is airing its 14th series.
Its seems there is some discrepancy between the uproar highlighted in the media and the demands of the mass market. Now, of course, its important to voice the plight of the few, but mounting media pressure against (what is deemed) offensive material is a futile battle when the numbers clearly suggest such humor is not only acceptable, but in demand.
Taking offense to a joke is as subjective as finding it funny. Whilst people should always have the right to complain its important their objections are assed fairly and in light of the overall picture. 111 complaints for C4's Comedy Gala may seem significant, suggesting deserved distaste, until you factor in that 16,000 people saw the show live and many more watched it
broadcast. Percentage wise, and not even not including the home audience, this meant a tiny 0.7% of the viewing population felt the need to complain.
Its crucial to find a balance between protecting peoples sensibilities and allowing comics to do there job in voicing the unspeakable.
It is often the humor that challenges our values, and risks offending them, that provides us the most thought for discussion. Bill Hicks, one of the most cherished and lionised comics of the 21st century was famously banned from Letterman for his routine lampooning Pro Life campaigners. Lenny Bruce,
who's broadly seen as the father of modern stand-up, was banned from performing entirely due to his 'sick' material. Yet its arguable that without these comics efforts modern stand-up as we know it wouldn't exist.
Hearing Frankie Boyle's Palestine joke it's difficult to deny it as an excellently concise way to state his opinion on the subject.
When South Park challenged Islam's immunity from ridicule they earned even the public support of their rivals The Simpsons when Bart wrote on the school blackboard: "South Park - we'd stand beside you if we weren't so scared."
Watching the trailer for Four Lions It's hard not to be moved by Chris Morriss's depiction of Suicide Bombers as misguided individuals.
All these jokes offended people, but all provide food for thought, and a chance to rethink our approach to a topic. Perhaps it is time to take a less sensational and more scientific approach towards offense. It is, after all, ok to be offended. You can always take your important money elsewhere.
There are plenty of other comics seeking your time. We could make Michael McIntyre the first comic live from space.
Jay Cowle
Twitter: JAYCOWLE
Wednesday, 16 June 2010
Post Match Analysis
So my heat for SYTYF? is done, and my first Edinburgh preview too. Phew. SYTYF? was fun mainly because I got to hang out with Paul Duncan McGarrity and Kishore Nayar, but also because I managed to pull a tentative audience into my world. So, not bad, we'll see if the judges permit me to progress. I did what I wanted to do.
As for my show: Universe Shaped Colouring Book, now that was a pleasure. A great receptive audience who lapped up my 'classic's compilation' at the start, and enjoyed the philosophy heavy conclusion. I may have used my notes, but knowing that people can connect with the show gives me a great boost for Edinburgh. I managed to squeeze in some rifts too which will be essential for keeping things fresh. Matthew Highton loved the show, and his enthusiasm has helped fuel my own to improve it. It's great to have his approval and thoughts on board.
As for last night I did five minutes at the eclectic Party Piece. A gig I haven't played at for a long time. Historically I've found it a tough spot for me. Although my reception was mixed, it was good to note a considerable improvement in my confidence and delivery since the last time I visited. Last time I wouldn't have had the courage to rift new material, or air such a choppy set of trial ideas.
Post gig the comic George Ryegold was encouraging offering the opinion that if my 'bankers' weren't working as well as usual maybe it just wasn't my audience. Plus, In hindsight, a rant on Mario isn't the most inclusive of topics.
What to correct?
I think I'll ask to play Party Piece again. The question is if an audience is unresponsive to my humor would a polished set, and the assurance it gives to an audience, be the best course? Or should I try to simply talk to them?
I am tempted to write what I see as accessible material, but this seems counterproductive when it's my deeper material that truly effects. Even if it's only the few.
My aim is to be a professional comic (with a flannel), I hope to do that with no compromise.
In parallel to this artistic stance I shall work on some material about cats.
As for my show: Universe Shaped Colouring Book, now that was a pleasure. A great receptive audience who lapped up my 'classic's compilation' at the start, and enjoyed the philosophy heavy conclusion. I may have used my notes, but knowing that people can connect with the show gives me a great boost for Edinburgh. I managed to squeeze in some rifts too which will be essential for keeping things fresh. Matthew Highton loved the show, and his enthusiasm has helped fuel my own to improve it. It's great to have his approval and thoughts on board.
As for last night I did five minutes at the eclectic Party Piece. A gig I haven't played at for a long time. Historically I've found it a tough spot for me. Although my reception was mixed, it was good to note a considerable improvement in my confidence and delivery since the last time I visited. Last time I wouldn't have had the courage to rift new material, or air such a choppy set of trial ideas.
Post gig the comic George Ryegold was encouraging offering the opinion that if my 'bankers' weren't working as well as usual maybe it just wasn't my audience. Plus, In hindsight, a rant on Mario isn't the most inclusive of topics.
What to correct?
I think I'll ask to play Party Piece again. The question is if an audience is unresponsive to my humor would a polished set, and the assurance it gives to an audience, be the best course? Or should I try to simply talk to them?
I am tempted to write what I see as accessible material, but this seems counterproductive when it's my deeper material that truly effects. Even if it's only the few.
My aim is to be a professional comic (with a flannel), I hope to do that with no compromise.
In parallel to this artistic stance I shall work on some material about cats.
Tuesday, 8 June 2010
Quiet Before The Acroynm Storm
Hello future me,
First off I / past you thought I would write a quick reminder of what you/we/ I need to do for JayCowle.co.uk:
1) Rename the Videos section as Media. This will allow you to store press shots, artwork, and quotes there.
2) Get a Blog tool (like Magpie) to facilitate a archive of writing bits like Descartes, scripts, and, on a different page, blogs.
3) Film a blazing stand-up recording to lead the homepage.
P.S. You need a haircut. Even your dad thinks so.
Right, now that's said I can get back to some comedy nerdery.
I thought I'd blog today as tonight I perform in the SYTYF? Competition, and tomorrow I play the first outing of my show Universe Shaped Colouring Book. I was excited and surprised to discover that only half my material fits into the 30 minute time slot of USCB.
Its great that material bits like Shoes, Colours, and Children (which makes another 15 minutes or so) doesn't fit as It allows me to chop and change material each day at Edinburgh. Add in improvisation, plus new stuff, and the show could become really loose and fun.
I've created a new ending 15 minutes including my latest version of Shakespeare, with a much stronger second half, and a new version of Uncertainty Principle which builds to the USCB's conclusion.
The show now has a theme to explore the meaning of life, our attitudes to life, and finally the existence of God.
In 2011 I plan to do a follow up show entitled: We The Universe. This will expand on USCB to look at free will and our tangible relationship with the origins of the universe. Guess I better get this show dialed first though huh?
The biggest worry for me is that the USCB hangs on a concluding ten minutes of half tested and new material. I've done this to create a solid conclusion, and create a show which builds from whimsy to more philosophical comedy. It's a risk to do so much new material, but I feel if I have 30 minutes of time I want to use it say something I believe in. I'll see if it works. Hopefully the end is poignant, but still funny. If it works brilliant, If not, I have time to rework it. I guess that's what previews are for.
So, It's a busy couple of days. hopefully I'll do my best and say what I want to say. If not at least I'm trying. I'll leave you with a strangely comforting thought:
we're all dying.
Jay
First off I / past you thought I would write a quick reminder of what you/we/ I need to do for JayCowle.co.uk:
1) Rename the Videos section as Media. This will allow you to store press shots, artwork, and quotes there.
2) Get a Blog tool (like Magpie) to facilitate a archive of writing bits like Descartes, scripts, and, on a different page, blogs.
3) Film a blazing stand-up recording to lead the homepage.
P.S. You need a haircut. Even your dad thinks so.
Right, now that's said I can get back to some comedy nerdery.
I thought I'd blog today as tonight I perform in the SYTYF? Competition, and tomorrow I play the first outing of my show Universe Shaped Colouring Book. I was excited and surprised to discover that only half my material fits into the 30 minute time slot of USCB.
Its great that material bits like Shoes, Colours, and Children (which makes another 15 minutes or so) doesn't fit as It allows me to chop and change material each day at Edinburgh. Add in improvisation, plus new stuff, and the show could become really loose and fun.
I've created a new ending 15 minutes including my latest version of Shakespeare, with a much stronger second half, and a new version of Uncertainty Principle which builds to the USCB's conclusion.
The show now has a theme to explore the meaning of life, our attitudes to life, and finally the existence of God.
In 2011 I plan to do a follow up show entitled: We The Universe. This will expand on USCB to look at free will and our tangible relationship with the origins of the universe. Guess I better get this show dialed first though huh?
The biggest worry for me is that the USCB hangs on a concluding ten minutes of half tested and new material. I've done this to create a solid conclusion, and create a show which builds from whimsy to more philosophical comedy. It's a risk to do so much new material, but I feel if I have 30 minutes of time I want to use it say something I believe in. I'll see if it works. Hopefully the end is poignant, but still funny. If it works brilliant, If not, I have time to rework it. I guess that's what previews are for.
So, It's a busy couple of days. hopefully I'll do my best and say what I want to say. If not at least I'm trying. I'll leave you with a strangely comforting thought:
we're all dying.
Jay
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