Today, I was able to get in touch with alternative comics Eugene Mirman and Todd Barry as they were on a Virgin America flight to San Francisco. Miraculously discovering that they had internet access on the plan, they logged onto the interwebs. I was able to get a quick interview session in with the pair.
So, without further adieu, here is my impromptu interview with Eugen Mirman and Todd Barry (sort of).
-What does the moniker of "alternative comedy" mean to both of you?
Todd is sleeping but I will answer your questions. I think alternative comedy is similar to "alternative music" or "modern rock" — it started as an alternative to mainstream, but eventually just became a genre. Nirvana is alternative, but also mainstream. Also, it comes from doing comedy in spaces that are alternatives to comedy clubs.
-What do see for the immediate future of stand up? I don't know. I think people will keep being insecure but promiscuous. Standup comedy is in a great place right now. Because of weird cable channels, the ability to put out albums, and the internet, it's pretty easy to make stuff and get it. But there are a lot of great people don't great stuff. And though there are also terrible people making terrible comedy, that doesn't matter. Because there's now ways for people to have niches and it's not just up to one network who succeeds.
-Which of you would win in a sword duel on top of a mountain?
Though Todd is sleeping, I think we would both agree that I would win. He may end up disagreeing, but I am very good with a katana. Plus I can turn invisible. Watch. See I just did it! Pretty neat. I'm going back to working now. Bye bye.
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These are interviews. Occasionally, I talk to cool people.
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