Sean Patton [Interview]

Welcome to 2018 folks! We are kicking things off this year in a major way with an amazing interview from one of the finest comedians working today. And with the controversial year that the world of comedy had in 2017, I think it is important to continue the conversation of the importance and cultural relevance of comedians in our modern era. And I can not think of anyone better to kick off this conversation with than the brilliant Sean Patton.

Sean Patton is a brilliantly funny comedian with jokes that will hit you harder than that girl hit her mom in the face with that ArkAngel laptop in Black Mirror. A very specific reference, I know. But, it is very true. He is one of the best in the business and we feel so very fortunate that he has chosen to digitally be here with us today. For die hard comedy fans, Sean has hit just about every spot on television you could want, from his own Comedy Central half hour special, to a couple of appearances on one of my favorite programs, This Is Not Happening. Yes, he is true working comedian who has done some incredible work in his career thus far, and has the promise and will do even greater thing sin 2018 and beyond.

So Ladies and Gentlemen, please enjoy some amazing words from an even more amazing comedian, Mr. Sean Patton!

When did you first realize that you were a hilarious human being, and it was your civic duty to stand on a stage and bring joy to random strangers?

The first time I remember making anyone really laugh was in the 7th grade. At school, my teacher was pouring BC headache powder into a glass of water, and I said “My dad snorts headache powder up his nose”. The teacher did a legit spit take. My Dad’s doesn’t snort coke, not that I knew of then or now, but I remember thinking “This will be funny”, so I just blurted it out.

Sarah Silverman once played a version of herself on the Larry Sanders show as a stafff writer who gets her first TV credit doing stand up on his show. Watching her set on that show was amazing for me. I identified with her sense of humor so much. That’s when I decided I wanted to do stand up.

What were your early days like when you were first starting out in comedy in New Orleans? I will admit, I am not very up my knowledge of the comedy world of NOLA. I know you and Mark Normand have started there, and that’s about it. So what was that world like when you were first starting out? And when you make your way back to your homeland, does it seem like it has changed a bit?

It was a very DIY scene back then. It didn’t then, nor does now, have a full time stand up club. I don’t know if it ever will, but it’s doing so well as an independent scene. That is what’s important. The New Orleans comedy scene now is very supportive and eons better than when I started out.

In your obvious expert opinion, what are some cities across America that are incredible to do perform stand up in, that many people may not be aware of? Beyond L.A. and NYC, what are some of those hidden gems hiding in plain sight across the land? 

Minneapolis, Madison, WI, Eau Claire, WI, Denver, Chicago, Atlanta, The Bay area, Pretty much every city in North Carolina but specifically Asheville and Wilmington, Washington DC, Cincinnati, Detroit, Burlington, VT, Houston, Austin, Dallas, Portland OR, and I’m sure many more. In all of these cities There’s a great club(s) or independent show, and they all have great local comedians.

Beyond the American borders, you have performed at the legendary Just For Laughs festival in Montreal. As an avid comedy viewer and podcast listener, I hear about Montreal a lot, but haven’t grasped the concept of why this is one of the biggest festivals in the comedy world. So in your opinion, what is it about Montreal that makes it such a huge deal?

Montreal is a beautiful city to be in during the summer, and it seems to love the festival. They book great comedians year in and year out and do not fuck around when it comes to the shows. It’s also been around for over 30 years. Also, Canadians are mostly happy people who travel to Montreal specifically for JFL. Add all that up and that’s why I’d say.

A few years ago you appeared on a couple of episodes of one of my favorite television comedies of all time, Maron. We’ve spoken with folks like Troy Ruptash and Dave Anthony who appeared on the show as well, but I am interested to know what your take was on working on this show? And was there anything about working on this show that set itself apart from the numerous other projects you have worked on?

I had a small part in two episodes, but I’ve known Marc for a bit now. He’s a particular guy, and often times that’s where the best comedy comes from. I had a great time working on that show. What set it apart was how into it everyone involved was. It felt like everyone knew they were making something good, which goes a long way in this business.

What does the future hold for you? Anything cool coming up that you would like to tell our readers about? 

My first hour special. I can’t say exactly when it will premiere, so check in at meseanpatton.com from time to time. I am excited about it.