Wickedattitude.com presents The Hot Seat

What made you get into stand up and when was your first gig?

I got into stand up by accident. I got a job at a comedy club in NYC and I was introduced to stand up through that job. My first gig was at a club called Stand Up NY on the upper west side of NYC. It went very well, thank God!!!

Did you know after your first few times on stage that you could make this a full time career and what did your family think of your career choice?

I didn't know I could make a career out of it, but I knew the minute I did it, its what I would be doing the rest of my life. It wasn't even a question. From there, I just went full tilt for it.

Do you remember the first time you got heckled and how did you handle it? How do you handle it now?

You get heckled all the time, so remembering the first time, no. I have no idea. Its just part of the gig. It sucks, but it makes you a better comic for getting past it and not letting it get to you.

How do you keep up the enthusiasm for each show, keeping your jokes sounding fresh for each audience and how do you know when it's time to throw some new jokes into the mix?

I don't need enthusiasm. I am usually having more fun than the audience. Its what a comic waits all day to do. I do try out a new joke most nights, so that is my little selfish thing I do for myself.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to break into comedy?

Don't. Its tough, very tough. Especially starting off, but if you want it bad enough and you happen to be good enough, go for it. Just know this, it is gonna SUCK!

What comedians make you laugh?

Bill Burr, Jim Norton, Sebastian, Dr. Ken, Bobby Lee, most of my friends!

Your travel schedule looks insane! What's a typical day/night like for you when you go to a new city?

Get up at 6 am for my flight out. Get in around noon, get in a car, go to the hotel, pass out, wake up at 4:30, eat a pizza, take another nap, wake up at 7:30 when I was supposed to be at the club at 7:15, take a quick shower, get to the club at 8:00 and I get on stage at 8:40ish and then the bar is officially open!

You had a special on Comedy Central. Would you consider that your first major exposure to a national mainstream audience?

Yes, in terms of legitimacy and exposure. Most definitely. This show on NBC will be the biggest gig I have going though. So, we'll see how that plays out.

13 or Bust is your documentary about breaking the record for the most shows done in one night by a comedian. How did the concept for the documentary come about?

I was doing 6-8 shows a night on the weekend and people were always fascinated by it, so being a huge documentary buff, I said, lets find out the record and go for it. Show em what its like to be a NYC comic at least for one night, under the toughest of circumstances.

In 13 or Bust you were able to read a crowd before doing your set. What are some tip offs as to how a show may go for you?

I never have an idea. I just hope to God I still get paid when its all said and done.

In April 2006, The Kims of Comedy was released. How did you come to be involved with that project? What has the response been to it and what's with the big robot on the Kims of Comedy stage?

The robot was Bobby's idea. Shock! He for some reason wanted a big ass robot. Fine with me, as long as he keeps his shirt on, but of course Bobby never keeps his shirt on. I think the response has been good. I really have no clue. I do hope that anyone that gets it, digs it. Its a great crew of guys on it and damn funny. I love Ken!

Congratulations on winning the Sierra Mist Stand Up or Sit Down Comedy Challenge! Walk us through that whole experience for those who missed it.

Thanks. To be honest, it was a blur. Just get up onstage, do your best, go for broke and next thing I know I am at Comic Relief being told I won. I just remember going to the bar straight afterwards and partying like I was Justin Timberlake, with a bad back and half asian.

The Stand Up or Sit Down contest online voting was on myspace. Are you surprised about the influence of myspace and the kind of tool it's become to promote your comedy?

I am not surprised. I just think its great. Great way of keepin in touch with friends and people that dig your jokes. I love it.

How were you contacted and what was it like doing a commercial with Prince to announce him as the Super Bowl halftime entertainment?

I am not sure how I got the commercial to be honest. I was hungover in Vegas, doing shows for a week with my mates and next thing I know I am in a suite in the Venetian reading from a script and congrats, you got it. Wonderful! I mean I met PRINCE!!!

Are you currently working on any projects? Now's the time to plug them!

NBC's The Real Wedding Crashers. Watch it, I almost got killed 3 times making the damn show. So, you better dig it.

What message would you like to leave your fans with?

Don't listen to anything Bobby Lee says, he is crazy. I mean that, he is crazy.

Wicked Attitude would like to thank Steve Byrne for taking time out of his busy schedule to grant us an interview! If you'd like to see clips of his comedy set you can stop by his website and if you're a myspace member, you can catch him there as well. Be sure to tune into NBC's The Real Wedding Crashers!