The legend, the comedian, my new best friend.
From a snow clearing fiasco to the stage of Yuk Yuk’s, Matt Wright is becoming a part of the Newfoundland language. Soon you’ll be buying shirts with a cartoon version of his face with his own quote on the back. In no time, people will be using his punch lines in cliché Newfoundland catchphrases, rather than “Whadda ya at?”
Wright’s first album Vasectomy Baby is topping the charts in Canada, rubbing metaphorical shoulders with Weird Al Yankovic and that ain’t something to shake an ugly stick at. His celebrity status has grown in the last few months. Even though, he considers himself just a guy from Gander trying to make it in the biz- he is actually already there. When I was given the chance to speak with him, I was so nervous because he was so damn cool.
Comedy is more than simply telling a joke, but it’s all in the delivery. Wright’s ability to be honest actually produces more laughter. Sometimes he expresses such disappointment in a questionable joke, his reaction is the actual creation of laughter. He shakes his head in shame when he delivers a hard to conceive pun but it’s his own rejection of his punchline that makes the audience laugh wholeheartedly. I am talking a gut-wrenching laughter in which you find yourself trying to not pee your pants. That is not an exaggeration; Kegels are exercised to the max during one of his performances.
His unique style allows him to protect himself from plagiarism because if you attempt to repeat his joke, you sound as if you are simply making a matter-of-fact statement. Wright takes life simplicities into deep consideration and presents them in a relatable and hilarious manner.
Wright gives the audience some credit though. He seems to cut himself off from over-describing, begins smiling, gives the crowd a nod, a coxing of sorts as if to say “you got this, come on, think about it, it’s funny as hell.” The viewers burst into laughter and then Wright himself gives a confirming laugh (an almost snort) to seal the deal- or the joke, in this case. His act is more than a comedic experience, he creates a relationship, and a dedication to him from the audience is part of the overall experience. He even allows us to have our full-blown reaction, waits for it and then proceeds.
As Wright continues to hit the stage he does hope to increase his presence.
“I just want to have a better year this year than I did last year. I try not to get ahead of myself, more so just trying to do everything I can to put one foot in front of the other. It’s a grind. It’s fun. It’s the best,” said the comedian. “I find the idea of writing and acting for film and TV really appealing and I’m starting to break into a bit more of that now. I premiered my first short film at the Nickel Film Festival this year. I’ve shot another and I’m shooting another one in September.”
Wright is predominantly working with comedians within St. John’s.
“Steve Coombs and George Price are the names I always bring up. Very kind, talented, dedicated guys who I wouldn’t be in the stand-up scene without. Check out local comedy whenever you can,” advises Wright. “Brock Ballard isn’t a comic but in terms of advice and support, he’s massive. He owns Yuk Yuk’s.”
Sometimes with a guitar in hand, Wright drops quick puns into the mix of realistic jokes. Making a mockery of his situation as a child born after his father had a vasectomy. He downplays the awkwardness of passing out resumes and then slips in a wordplay here and there to add to the show.
Wright has a fun-loving feel in which he takes the worst of a bad situation and makes it worth laughing at, a ‘when life hands you lemons’ kind-of analysis with an amusing twist.
When he posted Eulogy for A Lost Car in March of this year, his story was well liked and shared throughout social media. If you are unaware of the incident, Wright’s ‘luxury 2007 second-hand Toyota Corolla’, as he calls it, came to a tragic end after being plummeted by a garbage truck that had difficulty maneuvering through the snow-covered street.
“People were mad about the entire snow clearing fiasco and I tried to spin it into a positive. Also, people are bored on the internet and it’s more fun to laugh at a terrible situation than to be sad,” said Wright concerning the attention his piece received.
Wright took a negative and laughed at himself, made others laugh with him and got some respect throughout the process- much like his performance. He just takes what life throws at him and makes it funny. Not just funny but (insert swear word here) FUNNY. Second on iTunes Canada funny. Wish you were his friend so you can be entertained all day long funny. Wait, did I just think that aloud?
So, Wright is doing his part and giving Newfoundland and Labrador an awesome representation- do yours and check him out. It will make your day better, nope scratch that, your year better. Pick up Vasectomy Baby today.
For a hilarious life-changing experience watch:
Check out Matt Wright in all his glory:
You can download his album here:
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