Erik Intrevado set out to be Montreal’s hyper-critical funny soothsayer, the kind of comedian who skewers the world with sharp observation — but somewhere along the way, his act turned into more of a self-deprecating roast of himself than anyone else. Equal parts comedy nerd and “media junkie,” Erik draws less from famous stand-ups and more from the people in his own life, the family and friends who taught him what funny actually sounds like.
Who are some of your influences?
I don’t think I am specifically influenced by any specific famous comedian. I would say that my biggest humour influences have actually been all the people in my life: my mother, my father, sister, girlfriends, friends, you get the picture. It’s always been the people around me who I either made laugh or made me laugh, and that’s what taught me “what funny is”. I will say that I grew up watching all the sitcoms, cartoons, comedians, skit shows, etc. I’m a self-proclaimed media junkie, so all mainstream media and the internet as a whole, I guess.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
I used to really like the George Carlin stuff when he was hyper-critical of the world, but in hindsight, I’m not so sure it was even funny!
Who is your favourite comedian now?
These days, I often wonder if I like the comedians I like more as podcasters than I do as stand-up comedians. Comedy is the art of personality. I like a lot of comedians with strong podcasting careers and good banter. Bobby Lee, Stavros Halkias, the guys from “Are You Garbage?”, Ian Fidance, Jordan Jensen, Ari Shaffir, Rick Glassman, Dan Soder, Neal Brennan. Those are the current ones I have in my rotation. But I also really like what Pat Burtscher is doing on stage. He is hilarious but weaves a little bit of commentary into his bits, too.
What is your pre-show ritual?
When performing at a proper booked show, I usually just go over my set way too often at home and then I go to the venue too early and pace around outside. When producing, it’s not much different; I deal with any last-minute details, and then I show up too early and pace around and fret that the show isn’t going to work out. I actually consider that an important part of the process… by wearing that pessimism on my shoulders, I sort of guarantee that things will work out, and then I look foolish for fretting. It’s a perfect system!
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
McKibbin’s was the first place I performed and is still one of my favourite spots to do. The crowds are always great, and Ben Cardilli is a fantastic host who knows how to keep people energized.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
I wish I had an answer, but I don’t think I am particularly fond of any of my material. I’m always working on it, but sometimes (often) I feel I am way funnier off stage. We call that version of me “Street-Erik”. He’s great, he’s cynical and judgmental and quick. On stage, I become almost too much of a “nice guy”. “Stage-Erik” is a dork.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
YouTube podcasts are great for finding new personalities to follow. Locally, going to open mics and seeing what kind of crazy is out there is always the best.
Tell us a joke about your city.
It’s more about Quebec than Montreal. You see, growing up as an Anglo in this province has always been a bit tough. The government has always been really aggressive and pedantic with the language laws, and I find it hilarious that they are so strict with their language laws that they often don’t consider the practicality of some of the impositions. Like one time I literally saw a poster on a wall advertising for beginner French classes… written entirely in French!
Do you have anything to promote right now?
Yes! I currently run two shows. Burgundy Lion Comedy Nights on Wednesdays at 8 pm and Peel Pub Comedy Open Mic on Thursdays at 9 pm. I also help co-produce with others, such as Comedy on Mackay on Tuesdays at 8 pm. They have been simply incredible at helping raise the bar for production standards in this city. Also, depending on when this comes out, I am also performing at Just For Laughs this year on one of the outdoor stages on July 26th, the last day of the festival.
Where can we follow you?
MTLOL.ca for info about shows I produce and my website for my podcast appearances and stuff like that.
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
I’d like to pay it forward to the entire Montreal scene. I personally think the scene as a whole needs to be taken in fully to truly understand it. There is such a strange tapestry of people, some are kind, some are absolutely awful, but all of them are really interesting. Check out ALL the shows; every producer offers something a little different.
