How would you describe your comedy style?

I try and play it for real until the silly breaks in. Start out pleasant but there’s something brooding under the surface (it’s anxiety).

Who are some of your influences?

Matt Berry, Sacha Baron Cohen, Daddy Pig.

Who was your favourite comedian growing up?

Jim Carrey and Phil Hartman. We were robbed of that buddy comedy.

Who is your favourite comedian now?

Tom Scharpling, Meg Stalter.

What is your pre-show ritual?

Get really nervous, have a drink, sweat a bunch, and then say, “Ah, to hell with it.”

What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?

Comedy Bar. It was my Cheers for a little while, particularly when I was running my old show Rapp Battlez. They’ve expanded to a second location!

What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?

Twitter and TikTok these days. But I can’t wait to start seeing live shows all the time again!

Do you have anything to promote right now?

The Tony Ho Podcast is in the middle of Season 3, called Old Young People. It’s very funny! Check it out on CBC Podcasts. Plus, our new bonus podcast Help Tony Ho!, where we get advice on how to fix our broken lives. Also, check me out on CBC’s Pretty Hard Cases – Season 2 coming soon.

Where can we follow you?

Twitter | Instagram | TikTok

Tell us a joke.

I promise to take care of my body from now on.

PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?

Tom Henry! DJ Mausner! Mark Little! Ajahnis Charley! Aba Amuquandoh!

The post A Little Q&A with comedian, actor and podcaster, Miguel Rivas appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

The latenight show launched in Toronto at Comedy Bar’s first annual Festival of New Formats in 2010 and has become one of the venue’s most popular monthly shows. It recently celebrated its 100th live show in March. Rapp Battlez has featured at festivals such as TOSketchfest, Montreal Sketchfest, NXNE and Field Trip, with spinoff Rapp Battlez Wezt Coazt in Vancouver.

Past comedians have included: Scott Thompson (The Kids in the Hall); Tom Green (Tom Green Show); Bob Kerr, Jeremy Woodcock and John Blair (This Hour Has 22 Minutes); Craig Lauzon (Air Farce); Mark Little, Dave Merheje and Kurt Smeaton (Mr. D); Daniel Beirne (Fargo); Dan Jeannotte (Reign); Nelu Handa (Working Moms); Pat Thornton and Alice Moran (Sunnyside); D.J. Demers (Conan); and special guest Bret ‘the Hitman’ Hart.

We had a chance to catch up with the comedians recently…

Since this is about Rapp Battlez, we want to know who are your favourite rappers?

We’re loving news rappers like Brockhampton and Young M.A, but we love it all. Kendrick Lamar is the king but we also love Drake and Pusha T, beef aside!

I wish I could rap like ….

Busta Rhymes. That speed! Or else Slick Rick.

What was the last thing that made you laugh?

There’s a .gif going around of an old woman pouring water on her unsuspecting husband’s back. Freddie and I have watched it several thousand times. I wish I could explain why it’s so funny but when it works, it works. Link here.

Which Rapp Battlez “killed it” for you?

A few months ago, we had our 100th show and had a massive event to celebrate. It was probably the best show we’ve ever done. In terms of specific battles over the years, there have been so many amazing ones… Some that come to mind are:
-Iron Chef Manchester versus A Robot Specfically Designed to Defeat Iron Chef Manchester
-Man Bun versus Pony Tail
-Skee Lo versus A Rabbit In A Hat with a Bat

Do you have a favourite topic/subject for material?

Honestly everything is on the table but it’s nice to be inspired by what everyone’s talking about at that exact moment. It’s a great show for addressing what everyone’s talking about.

Who is the funniest person you’ve ever met?

I (Miguel) met Zach Woods once after seeing him do a show and he was really, really funny. But our Aunt Colleen is probably the truer answer…a very funny woman.

What’s the funniest interview question you’ve ever been asked?

One time we were asked if the performers rap to a beat. Well… they don’t. Rapping to a beat is hard. And, they’re comedians!

What’s the trick in keeping a rap, and a funny one, going?

Not focusing too much on building narrative. Keep the punchlines coming!

Anyone you’d love to see join the Rapp Battlez roster at JFL?

So many of our comedy heroes are at Just For Laughs, like Will Forte, Dave Chappelle, and Maria Bamford. Anyone of them would be incredible.

If you find yourself in Montreal this coming week…Tickets for the July 24 performance at the Katacombes may be purchased at hahaha.com. The July 25 and 27 performances on the outdoor Loto-Québec Stage are free.

The post Toronto Comedians Miguel Rivas and Freddie Rivas take Rapp Battlez to JFL appeared first on Toronto Guardian.