Fraser Young is a Toronto-based stand-up comedian and master story teller. His style is sprinkled with loads of wit, smarts and, grammar. There are no “So did you ever notice…” jokes with Fraser. Canadian readers might also recognize Fraser from his numerous appearances on MuchMusic’s Video on Trial. Lucky for us, Fraser was good enough to spare some time and answer a few of questions for the Activitybook.

You can check out what Fraser is up to next on his Myspace page (he does tour across Canada and sometimes internationally) or his website. As well, after the interview, you can sample some of Fraser’s material.

Who is Fraser Young?
That is a question that I don’t really know if I have an answer for. Fraser Young is different things to different people, and I spend a lot of effort making sure that doesn’t come back to bite me in the ass. If you are a person who knows me, and you meet someone else who knows me in a different circle, please terminate the conversation immediately and go back to living unconnected lives.

How did you get into comedy?
I bought it a few drinks and whispered sweet nothings into its ear. Comedy’s aged quite a bit, and it is a lot easier to get into it now that it doesn’t have the high standards that it used to.

What did you do before comedy?
Pretty much the same shit I do now, but without getting paid for it. I’ve never had a real job or anything, so it’s hard for me to really understand the context of “before comedy”.

How would you describe the Canadian comedy scene?
I would call it unappreciated. There are some of the funniest people on the planet in this country who never really get the respect that they deserve until they leave.

How does the Canadian comedy scene compare to those in the other countries that you have worked in?
I will give you a brief run-down of the other places I have worked.

LA: Garbage. The clubs are rarely filled, and often feature actors who are trying to get noticed in the industry by doing hack material you’ve heard a thousand times. Every independant bar night has 30 comics and 0 audience members, so the comics are really only developing material to make other comics laugh. Some of it is extremely funny, but most of it is self-indulgent.

London: Fantastic. This is the best scene in the world. Every show is absolutely packed to the tits with people who love comedy. It is less cut-throat over there, partly because there is enough work to go around, and at the same time, there isn’t the same kind of golden apple that everyone is shooting for, and trampling on everyone else to get it.

What do you find most rewarding about doing comedy? And don’t say laughter.
No problem, laughter is not rewarding at all. If there was to be some sort of contest, and people were told that the prize was laughter, you would find a LOT of room left over on that sign-up sheet.

I would say that the most rewarding part of comedy is that I make my living by having fun. As a comedian, your job is doing what regular people do on their own for enjoyment, but because you are better than most, you get paid for it. It’s like professional athletes (on a slightly different pay scale). Every day, it’s like “I can’t believe I get paid for this.”

How do you prepare for a show?
I find that comedy is a lot like chicken, and I think it shows in my preparation. My ritual goes as follows (with ingredients):

1 comedian (me)
1 lemon
1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon rosemary
1/4 teaspoon oregano
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup olive oil
1 egg
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1/4 cup Parmesan or Romano cheese

Peel the zest from the lemon (the zest is the yellow portion of the skin which does not contain any portion
of white).

In a food processor, process bread, cheese, lemon zest, paprika, herbs and cheese until combined (except
parsley). Empty contents to a bowl and set aside. Rinse food processor bowl.

Squeeze lemon juice into food processor bowl. Pour in olive oil and garlic; process until garlic is minced.

Pour liquid into a ziploc bag and marinate comedian for 45-90 minutes.

Beat one egg and add chopped parsley. (A dash of paprika can also be added for extra color, if desired).

Dip comedian into egg mixture, then coat with bread crumb mixture.

Sauté comedian in 1/4″ of olive oil until browned, flipping once or twice, about 2-3 minutes. Note: Add
extra flavor to olive oil by adding a few whole cloves garlic; remove from oil when they brown. Extra note:
if comedian begins screaming, immediately remove it from heat.

Sprinkle with mozzarella, provolone or Parmesan cheese and put in front of microphone for 5 to 45 minutes.

Works every time!

What are your best or most frequent sources of inspiration for material?
I wouldn’t say that I have a ‘go-to’ in terms of material. A lot of my stuff is just anecdotes from my
life. It’s sounds a little egotistical to say that I am my own inspiration, so I will give credit to the
Lord God, and His earthly son, Jesus Christ. Also,rapping grandmas.

If you could put a slogan or saying on a t-shirt, what would it be?
“I’m not clever enough to come up with my own slogans.”

What are three of your favorite activities?
I’m going to assume you mean outside of comedy.

1) Watching sports. I really enjoy it, and screw you for judging me.

I wish I had two more things to put here. Basically my life is comedy, sports, eating, and drinking. I really
do like eating and drinking, but it seemed kind of snarky to put them down as 2/3 of this answer. I would
say that a little more than half of my eating, and almost all of my drinking is done outside of my house,
so there is a social aspect to it at least. I like going out to eat and drink with friends, does that
count as two activities?

I don’t really have any hobbies, and I’m not looking to pick any up. I don’t care what you think, I’m very
happy with my C, S, E & D combo. It’s served me well.

Name a book that you loved as a kid:
The Hockey Sweater. Let me tell you something, that kid had it easy. Try living in Toronto as a Habs fan.

What is the most interesting or random fact that you know?
There is only one fact. I know that I exist. Everything else is just perception. Oh yeah, I also know that Rene Descartes stole all of my good ideas.

Do you own a thinking cap? If not, would you ever consider using one?
Never! I am against performance-enhancing cranial dressings.

What language would you like to learn to speak?
Body language. I am totally unable to pick up any sort of subtext from people.

Fraser Young in Action