Broke-Ass Comedian Interview: Matt Morales (Fri @ Snob Theatre!)

I’m not going to do a big intro. I like to let comedians speak for themselves. Because I don’t want to write a slightly funny intro and then have my thunder stolen with a hilarious interview. Rude. So I’m going to be the bigger person and do nothing even though it’s my job.

Here ya go. Local comedian Matt Morales performs this Thursday, November 18th, at the Dark Room for Snob Theatre. Hosted by Shawn Robbins, the night also features comedians Joey Devine, Imran G-I, and Lydia Popovich, plus folk trio Rin Tin Tiger and, one of my favorite bands (who we interviewed on here a couple months ago), Sea of Bees.

More info on Facebook. Totally affordable tickets (4 comedians and two bands for $10 bucks? Couldn’t do better!) for purchase here. You can watch videos of Matt here. And follow him on Twitter here. And like him on Facebook here. Alright, Matt, show us what you got! Don’t make me look bad.

Introduce yourself!

Matt Morales. Funny man, Southern Gentleman, gentle man.

How’d you get into comedy?

Some kid was peddling it to me outside of class one day back in high school. I’ve been hooked since.

Describe your comedy style in five words or less. 

Self-deprecating yet ironically attractive.

Favorite thing about San Francisco?

I was walking down the street the other day and someone on a unicycle frantically rode past me. In the back of my mind all I could think was, “this won’t be the weirdest thing I see today.” I love that.

Favorite SF restaurant?

This changes frequently. Lately I’ve been enjoying the new Giordano Bros. in the Mission.

Favorite SF bar?

Blackthorne.

Favorite venue to perform at in SF?

The Punch Line. You work pretty hard to get up on that stage, so its always satisfying to be there.

Best dating advice?

Never get a picture in advance. Keep your expectations low.

How do you prepare for a big show? What will you be doing the night before?

I like to start with an unhealthy amount of stressing out followed by a sleepless night. Then I go into a false sense of confidence coupled with a nice, “I got this shit” feeling. Then in the final moments before show time I revert back to stress and an “Oh I so don’t got this shit” mode until the time I hit the stage.

What can people expect at your shows?

Free tickets.

What do you do during downtime?

 I have a rock n’ roll band, quite possibly the worst back-up-plan to comedy ever.

What’s next for you? (i.e. plug your next show!) 

Headlining the Purple Onion December 7th! Thanks!

Three things you’d take to a desert island?

Three people to eat. Duh.

What movie can you watch over and over and never get sick of?

After a Star Wars marathon on television last year I’ve found out that the answer to this question is Empire Strikes Back. This is usually followed by habitual watching of the 70-minute Phantom Menace review, which I can also watch endlessly (the review, not Phantom Menace).

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Favorite season or time of year?

While growing up in Louisiana, it was that week of winter we’d get in November. Now that I live in San Francisco, its that week of Summer we get in November.

Three things that are in your fridge right now?

Milk, avocados, empty space.

Anything in your sock drawer besides socks?

Guns.

Now let’s get down to the nitty gritty, i.e. money: Have any tips for aspiring comedians trying to make it on their craft?

Don’t second-guess yourself, just do what you think is funny.

Best money saving tip in general?

Don’t leave it in the bathtub unattended, it can drown in a few inches of water.

Where do you live now and what are some good cheap/fun things to do in that area?

I live in the Inner Sunset directly across the street from Golden Gate Park, the cheapest fun you can have in the city.

What do you refuse to spend money on?

Stand-up comedy shows.

What is the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought and how did that feel?

A car, and I felt a little dirty.

What’s the best deal you’ve ever gotten?

Two weeks ago a zombie offered my aforementioned rock-n-roll band 2 days of free studio recording time. Everything I just typed is %100 true. I should probably add this to “favorite things about San Francisco.”

What is your favorite free thing to do?

Steal.

If you woke up a millionaire, what’s the first thing you’d buy?

A million lottery tickets. You need to let that shit ride.

What’s one GOOD thing, if you can think of one, about not having a ton of money?

What.

Good get-rich-quick scheme?

Medical School.

Any last words?

Don’t shoot.

*photos courtesy of Matt Morales