What do your parents/children (delete as applicable) think of your job?
They know, but they don’t really get what standup comedy is or why anyone would want to watch it, let alone consume their free time pursuing it.
What’s the worst thing about being a comedian?
Everything outside of not being on stage in front of an audience. Commuting, booking gigs and previews... the digital/instagram/tikTok age of comedy. Feel like the digital age of comedy puts me in the world of the comic book, ‘Top Ten’. That story follows police officers in a city where everyone has super powers. The equivalent being, because of online platforms, anyone can be a comedian now. How do you distinguish yourself as a standup in a world like that? Well, follow my career to find out.
I think you are very good at what you do (that’s why I’m asking these questions). What do you think of you?
I'm very happy to be doing it. Ultimately I don’t do this for money, or fame. I do it for the glory. Not saying money or fame wouldn’t be most welcome, but it's more the glory of being able to look back at the end of my life and say “I did that! And man did I enjoy myself whilst doing it!’. Anything else is a bonus.
How much do you earn and how much would you like to earn?
If I could make the same as my office job, that would do nicely. I currently make enough to buy a box of office pencils.
How important is luck in terms of career success – have you had lucky breaks?
I work at standup like a craftsman, tradesman and artist. I consider myself fortunate that I can just show up and tell people my ideas. Whether it's 3 people, whether it's 200. It's no matter . I have my own personal benchmarks to hit. Just like every craftsman, tradesman and artist does. I am content. I continue.
Alan Davies has said that comedians fall into two categories - golfers and self-harmers. The former just get on with life, the latter are tortured artists. Which are you – or do you think you fit into third category?
I was a self-harmer, but now I'm a golfer. I hate golf though. I prefer saying that I’m zen.
Who is your favourite person ever and why – not including family or friends or other comedians?
I have so many, but I would say here...Steve Vai. His 30 day guitar workout book changed my outlook on being a musician, artist, craftsman and tradesman. Also, Michael Jordan and his commitment to bettering himself as an athlete.
Do you keep your drawers tidy and if not why not? (please think long and hard about this question, it's to settle an argument with my girlfriend. The future of our relationship could depend on your response).
Tidy.
Jaz Mattu Returns is at the Just The Tonic from August 2 - 25 @ The Caves - Just Out of the Box @ 6.40pm for tickets go to www.edfringe.com
PHOTO CREDIT – STEVE ULLATHORNE
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