Daniel Carin is a comedian whose multifaceted style defies simple categorization. Described as a tapestry woven from boundary-pushing political humor, anarchic punk theatre, Carin’s comedic touch is as eclectic as it is unique. Yet, he humbly sums it up as mostly making bad puns about the Oscars and complaining about his weight. Carin’s comedy extends beyond the stage as he hosts “Advice By The Fireplace,” a live radio show on CJLO 1690AM that offers a blend of comedy and practical advice. Ever self-deprecating, Carin finds humour even in the perils of performance, proving that his greatest skill might just be turning the everyday absurdities into laugh-out-loud experiences for his audience.
How would you describe your comedy style?
Hmm. That’s quite a difficult question but I’d have to say it’s a blend of boundary-pushing political humour, very Lysistrata influenced, with a mix of anarchic punk theatre, sort of art-nouveau, almost neo-impressionistic, with shades of Punchinello clowning and Swiftian satire and sorry what was the question again? My comedic style? Oh. I mostly make bad puns about the Oscars and complain about how fat I am.
Who are some of your influences?
Ok, I’m going to be sincere now. Scott Aukerman and Paul F. Tompkins on Comedy Bang! Bang! for sure. I’m basically stealing their essence but I’m lousy at it so nobody’s noticed yet.
I feel like I’m taking from everything and everyone! All those 90’s sketch shows like Mr. Show, the Upright Citizens Brigade and The State. The Chris Gethard Show on New York public access television. Steve Martin’s stand up. The films of Mel Brooks, the Zucker Brothers and Woody Allen (sorry).
Also I remember sneaking into the Paul Provenza documentary The Aristocrats and having the number one best theatre going experience of my life. I laughed so much, I actually fell out of my chair. I definitely dreamed of being involved with something like that one day.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
My first love was Robin Williams in Aladdin. I think I watched that movie everyday for like a year. Then The Simpsons. Whose Line Is It Anyway blew my mind as a kid. So did Jackass. I loved Saturday Night Live and owned a bunch of the best-of DVD’s. As I got older, the one hour block of Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert was very formative. Should that go in the influence section? Also, The Ricky Gervais Show with Stephen Merchant and specifically Karl Pilkington was a big one. Karl Pilkington is still my hero to this day. Ricky? Less so.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Does it have to be a stand up comedian? I’m obsessed with Alex Horne and Taskmaster in general. He’s endlessly creative. It’s such a good show. Sometimes when I’m deciding between two things to watch, I won’t watch either and I’ll just watch Taskmaster instead.
It seems like the most fun gig in the world. I’d strangle a baby dolphin to death with my bare hands to be a contestant on that show.
What is your pre-show ritual?
Sweat. Pace around backstage. Regret how much/little I ate in the day. Look at the audience and think “they’re not going to like my stupid jokes. These are proper adults in this audience and I’m a little child”. Look at my set list. More sweating. More pacing. Regret how much I drank/smoked in the day. Try to evade a conversation with another comedian who doesn’t seem nervous for some reason and won’t stop talking to me. Look at my set list again and while I’m looking down, overhear a conversation with other comedians about some cool show I’ve never heard of and think “why didn’t anyone ask ME to be on that show?” and then the host will say “you’re next” and then I’ll think “God, I hate stand up. Why did I choose to be here? I could be at home relaxing with my cat right now. I chose this!” Panic. Self loathing. One last look at my set list. A bit more sweat.
Then … it’s showtime, baby!
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
In Montreal, I always loved when I had the chance to perform at The Katacombs on St Laurent which is unfortunately closed now. L’Escalier on St Catherine was such a cool venue but that also closed. I enjoyed performing at The Diving Bell which is now closed and Divan Orange which is also now closed. Damn.
Well, Burritoville on Bishop had a great show for many years but that closed. Oh, and the coffee shop where I produced and co-hosted The Ladies & Gentlemen Comedy Show for four years, Shaika Cafe, luckily that one is still open no I’m kidding it’s closed.
Hmm. I think we have a venue problem in this city.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
Proud? Of something I wrote? Not likely. I do remember once writing a dialogue scene between two men at a coffee shop as they discussed the death of Jack Nicholson and every single line they spoke had a different Jack Nicholson film title in it. That was clever. Sadly, the website it was posted on is gone now so no one can prove if it was actually clever or not.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
I’m reminded of a quote from a great Canadian, the philosopher and media theorist Hungry Hungry Marshal McLuhan.
“The medium is the message … but I’ll take the large!”
So two things: first let’s go back and re-answer that ‘favourite bit’ question and second, I’ll answer this question and it’s podcasts.
Tell us a joke about your city.
I think it’s what I said earlier about the closed venues, actually. Was that funny?! That’s technically a joke I think.
I’ve never actually had any Montreal material in my act. I should get on that. Just like how Denis Coderre … got on … the tax … committee … budget … gimme a minute…
Do you have anything to promote right now?
Yes! Advice By The Fireplace! It’s my easy listening comedy advice show that I host every Wednesday from 5-6pm on CJLO 1690AM live on the actual radio (and then put on Spotify and stuff). I bring on wonderful comedians and artists from Montreal and abroad and we answer real advice letters from listeners. It was voted #1 Radio Show by Cult MTL’s Best Of Readers Poll 2024! Sounds insane but it’s true. Look it up!
Where can we follow you?
@danielcarin on Instagram. I’m not a TikTok man myself. Find me on YouTube? Also, @danielcarin on Twitter but that’s dying any minute now, thank GOD. I don’t have a website. Just email me. Daniel@Carin.gov. Is that one still working? Actually, gimme your phone number, I’ll call you. What’s your address?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
There are SO MANY funny people in this city! I’m inevitably going to leave a bunch of funny people out (especially the ones who left ME out of THEIR article) so i’ll divide them into three categories for limited left-out-ness.
1) comedians I kind of started comedy with – Brad MacDonald, Shawn Stenhouse, Mariam Khan, Molly Brisebois, Alo Azimov, Steve Patrick Adams, etc.
2) younger comedians who started after me but are already funnier which is honestly infuriating – Sadie Moland, Quinn Laguë, Mason Terry, Zak Kik, Serag Meletian, Oren Shbiro, Marianne Mandrusiak, etc.
3) comedians who started before me and who’s validation I will always crave – David Pryde, Rodney Ramsey, Paul Baluyot, Carly Greaves-Guertin, David Acer, Joey Elias, etc.
And that’s just stand up! There are improvisers and storytellers and sketch troupes all killing it around the city with little to no attention or money and they all deserve a lovely article like this!
