Brady Holm has spent enough nights working the same Winnipeg rooms that he’s made it a personal mission to keep showing up with something new for the regulars who keep coming back. Brady leans into the bits that don’t always land, the dumb, overthought observations that crack him up even if the crowd isn’t sold yet, and lately that means a lot of seasonal material about life out on the lakes and rivers.
How would you describe your comedy style?
Work in progress. I don’t know. I end up on a lot of the same stages a lot of the nights of the week, so I just try to keep writing new stuff to try and at least have something new for the people who come out every week and support us comedians trying to work; it’s greatly appreciated.
Who are some of your influences?
Norm Macdonald #1 in my books. I used to get told I sounded a lot like Mitch Hedberg. I still do sometimes. But I used to too. Define influences. I mean, if you see me on stage, there are some jokes you can clearly see who I’m trying to intimidate in an attempt, but usually that’s just nerves.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
First comedian(s) I remember were John Pinette and Russell Peters around the family dinner table. John Pinette had a great bit about all-you-can-eat buffets. Chappelle was up there a lot when I was younger as well. But yeah, Norm without a doubt is probably my favorite.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
I like a lot of comedians. Hard to have a “Favorite”. I could say Shane Gillis or Nate Bargatze, two of the biggest comedians in the world. I could say Pat Gagne, Jeff Gobeil or Max Macaluso, some of my closest friends. Or I could say Benji Rothman, truly one of my favourite Winnipeg comics, always has jokes that I’m a fan of and runs a great room, The Basement Speakeasy, who’s been great to me over the years. Overall, if I had to recommend like one comedian though I’d probably say Dan Soder, great all-around comedian.
What is your pre-show ritual?
Depends on the show. Some shows I’ll sit in and watch the host. If there’s a green room, usually if we can hang out as comedians, that’s always great before a show. I enjoy that takes a lot of pressure off the show, I think. If the show pays, I’ll sometimes order food for after the show, but usually just water, sometimes a beer or two and some fresh air before the show does the trick. If you really want to go further back, then I usually jam out in my car on the way to the show. Nothing super crazy, I don’t think
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
Rumors has been my favourite club for sure. Tyler and the staff there are always great to me. They gave me access to the Pepsi gun, which is nice; that felt like a raise. Art Bar in Saskatoon is great as well, always welcoming just got back from a short run of shows out there. But Rumors is always great too me. Killer hosts, a lot of headliners I’m grateful to have worked with: Mark Forward, Mike Feeney Reets, Lev Fer to name a few. Great clubs, always great shows.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
My favourite bits are always the ones that go the least well, I’d say, but they’re funny to me. Not cause there like dark or anything, mainly cause there just dumb. Like I wrote this one joke I don’t even know how it goes over with the audience, but it’s like I like the word forsure. Do you guys think the word forsure was invented by a guy who used to say Sure, Sure, Sure, Sure. And kinda just wanted to get to the point quicker.
Dumb jokes like that, I think I think are my favourite of mine to do; other than that, I like doing the seasonal stuff right now about being out on the lakes and rivers and whatever.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
Live for sure is my favourite way; if a headliner is in town I like, I’ll do my best to check them out. Working at places like The Basement on Portage and Rumors I’ve been exposed to a lot of great comedic talent most wouldn’t get exposure to, most recently Sergei Putinski. But the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival in the Assiniboine Park is a great time got to check out Nate Bargatze, who I’m a big fan of, when he was here and did that. Otherwise, word of mouth or group chats usually after like a few referrals or one really good referral I’ll check a comic out online. Also big shoutout to my friends Jeff, Noah and Katelyn; they’ll be at the Great Outdoors Festival this summer on the Friday. Get out and support live comedy folks we got a great scene in this city, got 2 great clubs
Tell us a joke about your city.
I like a good wedding social. Hard not to drink too much at a wedding social when you can, you know, bring your own drink tickets. I don’t really know if that’s a local joke, but it doesn’t work anywhere else.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
August 28th and 29th, my friends from The Must Be Nice Comedy Tour will be in town. I believe I’ll be on a show with them while they’re here as well, just got back from a few Casinos with them shows were a lot of fun. You can catch them at DMC Brewing, where there’s an open mic every Sunday as well.
Check my Instagram for updates.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Not sure who hasn’t done one of these yet, but shoutout to Spencer Kelly; great to see him out every week, as well as Noah Robinson been a great big bro since I started.
