We recently had the chance to catch up with Calgary comedian Sam Walker and ask him a few questions about his craft.
How would you describe your comedy style?
Deliciously Dark and Disturbingly Magical. As described by my fans. You’re getting a show that you’ll never forget.
Who are some of your influences?
From a young age, movies were my favourite form of Comedy. Leslie Neilsen in the Naked Gun trilogy, Spaceballs, Men in Tights, Rick Moranis, Looney toons, Daffy Duck, Waynes World, Ren and Stimpy, always a huge fan of Canadian Comedians. SCTV, the list goes on and on.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
I get asked that question all the time and the art form and History is too vast for a single answer, however out of respect for the Calgary Guardian I’ll narrow it down to a few. Growing up I watched a lot of A&E’s evening at the improv, Carolines Comedy, Comic Relief, and Star Search. I saw em all as far as the major Headliners of that era, Late 80’s to early 90’s was Standup I saw on TV as I was too young to go to Live shows. Some of the names that come to mind are Geechy Guy, Carrot Top, Dennis Miller, and Leary, and it wasn’t until my teens til I could get my hands on Andrew Silverstein’s VHS special from Madison Square Garden.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Easy question. Myself
What is your pre-show ritual?
My preshow ritual is always get to the venue well ahead of the shows start time, either before the doors open or as the crowd is coming in. I check in with the manager or lead server, then I head to the greenroom or if there isn’t one I find a dark corner at the back of the room and watch the audience get seated. I enjoy making an entrance so the less people that see me pre show the better. I mostly stay put and keep out of sight of the crowd and make sure to stay out of the way so the staff can serve those drinks and I can work on my set List for the nights performance. I make sure that I have eaten a healthy meal at least an hour and a half before the nights show. No pub food or booze prior as I don’t want to be gassy or bloated or have spinach in my teeth. Live Comedy is game day as far as preparation goes so I want to be feeling and looking my best. Its serious business and I never show up to a show in an altered state. Last thing I do before I hit the stage is slide on that custom leather glove, look to my ancestors in heaven and then I unleash Hell
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
Christania Comedy Club in Copenhagen Denmark, May of 2019. I got to Headline a packed house on my first European tour and I slayed so hard. It was a highlight of my Life. I’ll never forget the Love and appreciation the audience gave me, not to mention the left handed cigarettes and panties they tossed onstage afterwards.
Every venue is my favourite place, I go on stage ready to Die and treat every performance as my last. It is a high honour to get the spotlight, microphone and the audiences undivided attention.No matter if its Sweden or Kelowna, all show’s get the respect they deserve.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
Live Shows. I don’t watch or listen to Stand up outside of the Live setting. I never watch Netflix , youtube, or albums of ANY of the current Comedians. I respect that they are funny and probably have some great jokes, however I am constantly writing new material and fine tuning and don’t want to find myself inadvertently influenced by their style or cadence. If I have a similar premise or punchline I want to steal it honestly by my own accord.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
I have my debut Album that is going through the final hurdles to get airplay on Sirius and beyond. I recorded it February 28th of 2020, Two weeks before the planet went into lockdown. Its called Sam Walker Barely Illegal, and it is the LAST real Comedy album ever recorded. Many have recorded since, the laughter, acoustics and enthusiasm can never be replicated due to audience seating, spacing, and masks in the current world. I’m incredibly fortunate to have captured lightning in a bottle and I’m excited for the people to experience the unstoppable force that is Sam Walker. I also signed with WilliamsHirsch talent, the premiere Comedy agency in Canada, so if you’re interested in booking me for shows please check out their website.
Where can we follow you?
I am Samwalkerlive across Youtube insta Twitter Stay tuned, got some irons on the fire
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Brett Forte. He was my main rival on the journey to be a professional Comedian. We don’t always get along, however their is no denying his talent, skill, and work ethic. He is by far one of the most hilarious Comedians to come out of Canada in a long time and bar none, the fastest rising star today.
Tell us a joke.
Thats not how this works and you know it,
Thanks for your time and I appreciate the support
-Sam
