Michael Pecker is a Montreal comedian whose raw, unapologetic storytelling walks the fine line between edgy and outrageous. Drawing from a life filled with unique experiences, from his Russian roots to overcoming addiction and time in the justice system, Michael brings authenticity and dark humour to the stage. As the co-founder of the Canadian Comedy Cartel, he’s been producing standout shows across the city, including the Old Montreal Stand-Up Comedy Night at Pub St. Paul and McLean’s Public Comedy Night.
How would you describe your comedy style?
I’d say I fit more into a storyteller. I’m unapologetically dirty and edgy, but most of what I do on stage is either something that has happened to me or someone I know. I try to walk right up to the line of race, gender, penis size, etc. and at times I do end up crossing it which audiences either love or hate. I am relatively new to the game with only 3 years in, so I am still working on finding my voice on stage, but I am happy with the progress I have made thus far. These days, I am challenging myself to write more clean material (it’s going horribly).
Who are some of your influences?
Besides my mom? Ouf, tough question. Like I said, most of my comedy does come from my own life experiences. I have lived a very exciting and interesting life by layman’s standards. From being born in Russia, attending a private English school in Quebec, coming from a broken home with 2 siblings, having 3 social workers growing up, going through a decade long battle with drug and alcohol addictions, experiencing jail in both juvenile and adult institutions, the war in Ukraine, toxic relationships, etc. I would say these are all my primary influences for my comedy.
On a more positive note, I do enjoy nature a lot! Especially when I am writing, I like to write in nature,e whether it’s parked up leaning on a tree in a city park or by a lake somewhere in the woods up north. I find nature opens my mind and lets my creativity really go wild. There is something soothing about it you just cannot get from anywhere else.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
The one who made me laugh the most was probably Chris Rock, especially the specials that came out in the 2000s. A close second was Kat Williams and Bernie Mac’s Kings of Comedy tours.
When we first moved to Canada we lived in the Little Burgundy area (back in the late 90s/early 00s this was a predominantly black neighbourhood, but I do believe the demographics have changed these days) and even when we moved to the West Island most of the kids I played with on my street were black. With my mother studying/working long days, I spent a lot of time at their houses, and that’s where I first saw comedies like The Chappelle Show, How High, the Friday movies and so forth.
I remember thinking to myself as a very young kid, “I wish I were black so I could be a comedian just like Richard Pryor”.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Casey Rocket for absurd, new age hilarity. Louis CK for being the absolute GOAT. Shane Gillis because Shane Gillis. Joey Diaz and Ali Siddiq for their storytelling and to give an ex-con and ex-drug addict like me hope for a career in comedy.
What is your pre-show ritual?
I need to eat, and it gets specific. If I’m doing a set at the 3rd Floor Comedy Club, I’ll grab a salami sandwich at the dep across the street. If I drive to a gig in Ottawa, there’s a McDonald’s in Casselman I always stop at. If performing at McLean’s Public House, it’s the cheeseburger with bacon. If I’m hosting, I need to do it in jeans, and I only perform in white Air Max shoes. I have convinced myself that if I don’t do these things, I will not have a good set.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
Definitely the second floor of McLean’s Public House at 1420 Peel. I created this show alongside my co-producer, David Zuniga. He did most of the design of the show in terms of layout and seating, and it’s nothing short of perfect. We have had some really great shows there, even when the room is not sold out.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
That I can write about on here? Probably the dildo story.
It’s based on a true story of how I went on vacation once and left my friend a car to sell while I was away. I had forgotten that there was a double-ended 24-inch pink dildo (secret Santa present from the previous year) in the glovebox of the car when I had told him to sell the car.
He finds a buyer, the buyer goes for a test drive, opens the glovebox, out comes the dildo. My friend takes the dildo and throws it out of the window. Looks at the guy and says, “That does not come with the car”.
It’s a bit that I started with the first time I got on stage. I am proud of it because it is the bit I have put the most work in, and it is not too dirty or edgy. At first, it was a 3.5-minute-long story, but now it’s down to about a minute. I actually just recently thought of a couple of new punchlines for it that I cannot wait to try out.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
Going to open mics. When I am at mics, I’m not only there for myself to improve my craft, but I am also there as a producer who’s scouting new talent, who’s trending up or down, who’s improving, etc. I find it’s the best way to decide who to put on a lineup. You can really improve the quality of a show you produce if you spot the truly talented comedians before anybody else does.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
Yes, I am indeed the handsome face behind the Canadian Comedy Cartel, which I founded with my business partner David Zuniga. We produce shows all around the city and work with other independent producers and clubs. Our most notable shows are the Old Montreal Stand-Up Comedy Night at the Pub St. Paul on Thursdays and McLean’s Public Comedy Night on Wednesdays.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
