Portfolio: Interview with Comedian Chris Hamilton

Originally Published on BestComedyTickets.com – November 2, 2015

Written by Gary Miller

Chris Hamilton: Producing, Performing, and Keeping It Real in the NYC Comedy Scene

Chris Hamilton is a New York-based comic on the rise. With a steady work ethic and an outspoken comedic voice, Chris has built a strong presence across New York’s comedy clubs — including New York Comedy Club, Broadway Comedy Club, Gotham, and Stand Up NY — as well as in local bar shows. He also hosts a show on Brooklyn’s BBOX Radio and brings media savvy to his growing comedy career.

Before diving into comedy full-time, Chris worked in the media world, which gave him a unique perspective on public speaking and performance. Since then, he's performed in festivals like Hoboken Comedy Festival, Laughing Devil, “Gandhi Is That You?” and “Commune Comedy,” among others.

We had a chance to chat with Chris about producing shows, what it means to hustle in New York comedy, and how his time in media continues to influence his work on stage.

BCT: You produce your own show. Any advice for up-and-coming producers?

Chris Hamilton:“When producing a show, really consider what you name it. Pick a name and stick with it — even if you change venues. If you promote the show online and then relocate, your internet presence follows you. You need that as much as your show needs an audience.”

BCT: What’s the difference between being on a comedian-produced show and performing at a club?

CH:“You’ve got nothing to worry about when you’re working a club. Just show up and be funny. But when you’re producing, you’ve got to handle everything — the lineup, the audience, and the vibe. It’s like throwing a party. If it’s someone else’s house, you can trash the place. If it’s your house, you’ve got to make sure it’s clean so you can throw another one. That builds a reputation.”

BCT: How did working in media shape you as a comic?

CH:“Media is all about public speaking. You learn how to be likable, often without realizing it. I was taught to perform without a live audience — now I use that to respond to live crowds in the moment.”

BCT: You’ve mentioned your comedy feels like presenting the news. Can you elaborate?

CH:“I stick to reality. That’s what comedy’s for — helping the audience escape their reality or make light of it. I try to inform and entertain. A great joke works like the news: introduce a topic, share your point of view, then hit with the punchline.”

BCT: What’s your take on political correctness in comedy?

CH:“Political correctness is dumb. It limits comedy. We’re the arbiters of what’s funny — but how do we know if we can’t try it first? Every comic has to test a joke. Sometimes it lands, sometimes it doesn’t. That’s part of the process.”

BCT: Who are some rising comics we should look out for?

CH:“Me, of course. Also: Nick Callas, Nick Whitmer, Cristian Duran, Andre Thomas, Jordan Raybould, Bret Raybould, and Mike Shvenderman. These guys are all funny and grinding in the New York scene.”

BCT: What's your writing process like?

CH:“I’m not big on writing material word-for-word. Louis CK talks about how writing uses one side of the brain and speaking uses another — and I agree. You might write it one way but say it completely differently on stage. So I write loose and work it out live.”

BCT: Who are your biggest comedy influences? Anyone funny in the family?

CH:“Patrice O’Neal, Dave Chappelle, Eddie Murphy, Bill Burr — legends. And no, no one in my family’s funny.”

BCT: How did you first get into comedy, and any advice for beginners?

CH:“I did my first open mic in Ohio, just for fun. I liked public speaking, but I didn’t think of comedy as a career. I didn’t get back on stage until two years later — only because a co-worker encouraged me. I eventually quit my job and went full-time into comedy… which, some weeks, feels like a bad decision — financially, at least.”

BCT: What are you listening to these days?

CH:“Casey Veggies. Just started bumping his stuff on Spotify. He’s dope. Highly recommend.”

BCT: Is there a difference in comedy styles across New York?

CH:“Absolutely. That’s what makes New York the comedy mecca — different people, different styles. You’ll meet comics who’ve been grinding for years that you’ve never even heard of. It just proves there’s more than one way to eat a steak — with or without sauce. This city breeds hustlers. Some people are still figuring it out, others will never get it — but most of us are funny and grinding. Check out Mike Shvenderman’s album Junkie on Spotify and this group Top of the Bottom Pile. You’ll see what I mean.”

Final Thoughts:

Chris Hamilton is one of those comics who doesn’t just do stand-up — he lives it. At the time of this interview, I was a young comic writing for Best Comedy Tickets and trying to shine a light on performers I respected. Chris gave me my first show in New York while I was still in college. I had no "material" and I had been on stage four times. Thanks Chris.