Russell Peters, Comedian (INTERVIEW)

Russell Peters is a Canadian comedian who quickly rose to fame and is now a household name throughout the world. Through his racial and often controversial jokes, this stand-up comedian knows how to push the boundaries and get people listening.

Fans of Russell Peters will be excited to hear that this funnyman will be performing at the Radio City Music Hall in NYC and the Nokia Theater in LA in early 2010. Performances of that size are sure to be epic. Don’t forget to check out the re-release of Russell Peter’s ‘Red, White and Brown,’ which will be available on iTunes soon.

3 Questions with Russell Peters

1. How do you keep your work on the cutting edge?

The way I see it, it’s my job to pay attention--to see what’s happening around me and comment on it. That’s what comedians do, that’s what I do. I see the same things that everyone else sees, but I can say things that you can’t. I don’t have to have a social filter--if you work for a corporation and said what I say, you’d be fired. I like to go up to the line, put one toe over it and then pull it back.

2. How do you reset yourself to become creative? Do you have any rituals?

I get on stage as much as possible. If I’m not on tour, I’ll still do walk-ons at clubs around LA just to stay sharp. Last year I released my DVD ‘Red, White and Brown,’ which was also broadcast on Showtime. When I release something like that, I basically purge it from my system.  That material’s over for me, it’s done. I need to keep it fresh.

After ‘Red, White and Brown’ was released, I forced myself to build a new act. I hit the clubs and started working out. I used to box and, to me, it’s like I just had a title fight and won, but I can’t stop training. I’ve got to keep sparring and going to the gym. I can’t rest on my laurels.

3. What is an example of a time where you have thrown away an existing idea to force yourself to find something new?

I do it all the time. When I’m building a new act, I’m always trying new stuff. Sometimes I start out with what I think is a good idea and see where I can take it. Sometimes it doesn’t go anywhere and I forget about it. Occasionally I’ll do something silly or obvious when I’m freestyling with the audience, but I realize it right away and cop to it. I like to push myself to be better all the time.