Dylan Parker is a comedian who built his craft around classic setup and punchline writing, pulling from everyday observations and real-life experiences and trimming each joke down until it hits as efficiently as possible. Growing up with a dad who exposed him early to stand-up, Parker’s influences shifted over the years, from Denis Leary’s shock comedy to George Carlin’s sharper, more thoughtful style, eventually landing on Rodney Dangerfield, Dave Attell, and Norm Macdonald as his biggest touchstones.
How would you describe your comedy style?
Generally a classic setup and punchline style. I love writing jokes about various observations or life experiences and working them down to be as efficient as possible.
I have a few stories, but I still try and keep the beats and have a similar laugh ratio as I would if I were to be laying out several jokes.
Who are some of your influences?
I would have to say Rodney Dangerfield, Dave Attell, and of course, Norm MacDonald are my biggest influences. Not just because I love their work, but also because they are the biggest influences to the comics whose writing style has inspired me the most.
I could list off a million comedians I love, but the common denominator between them all is those three.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
My dad exposed me to a lot of stand-up comedy growing up, so my favourites changed as I got older.
8-year-old me loved Denis Leary’s “No Cure for Cancer” (mostly because of the “I’m an Asshole” Song).
As a teenager, I started getting more into George Carlin, and he probably had the biggest presence in my house in terms of comics. I had listened to and watched his specials a million times and read his books while I was in some very formative years. He was kind of my introduction to the craft of comedy and not just trying to be funny on stage.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Sam Morril is my go-to and probably the comic whose style I relate to the most.
Honourable mentions go to Joe List, Ranaan Hershberg, Adrienne Iapalucci, Mark Normand, Sophie Buddle, Dan Soder, Rebecca Reeds and Jon Dore.
What is your pre-show ritual?
For very important shows, I take a super long shower and take my time getting ready.
In the green room, I’m often playing chess on my phone. It helps me focus on something other than the show and really relaxes me. Otherwise, I’ll pace around and mutter to myself like a crazy person.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
Being a part of this year’s Just for Laughs festival in Montreal was definitely a highlight of my comedy career. While the city and venue weren’t exactly new to me, the atmosphere was like nothing I had been a part of before.
As a Maritimer, I always love performing back home, and it feels really special to be able to take the stage anywhere on the East Coast.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
It changes all the time, but one that has stayed in my set for a long time is my joke about white people using chopsticks. I wrote it years ago, but I still get excited to tell it.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
I listen to comedy more than anything. I’m still big on albums, and even if I have a special on TV, I’m generally listening more than watching.
I find new comedians the most by talking to other comedians. I love it when comics tell me who they’ve been checking out or working with lately. It’s a good way to discover someone before they get big.
Tell us a joke about your city.
The fact that Ottawa is such an overlooked city in terms of comedy is frankly a joke. There is some amazing talent in that city, and the crowds are unreal. However, we get overshadowed by being sandwiched in between two bigger markets.
I’m very grateful to have come up in Ottawa, and I love the comedy community here.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
I co-produce a show called “That’s Rich! Comedy at Pour Boy” every Thursday at Pour Boy. We do a booked show at 8:30 pm and an open mic at 10:30 pm.
I’m very proud of what my co-producer Jeff and I have done there over the last 8+ years. We get some great crowd and have watched a lot of comics develop on both shows.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Got to go with Dustin Visser. Good friend and a great writer!
