Jeremy Meador
ea: So we have chosen to highlight you as a member of “The
Evolved,” what in your mind makes you evolved?
Jeremy: Over the years, I have had jobs that came and went.
There were a lot of opportunities that went unaccepted and chances that I
didn’t take. That is because I didn’t have a true love for any of those
opportunities and it was obvious. When I took a shot at standup comedy for the
first time, my life changed. I literally EVOLVED from a nervous open mic comic
to a professional comedian and I did it all on my own in a town that offered no
chances. That is why I am so drawn to evolved attire and what you guys stand
for.
ea: What made you want to pursue a career in comedy?
Jeremy: The world is full of anger and pain. I found at an
early age that I could often diffuse a situation with a one liner or by making
fun of the situation. That led to years of being the class clown and so on…
eventually turning into a career in comedy.
ea: If you had to do one other thing with your life for a
career, what would it be?
Jeremy: I would be a police officer. Not for the action… but
to have an opportunity to help others. Well, ok, and for the action.
ea: Many people don’t know this, but comedy is one of the
darkest aspects of the entertainment industry; do you feel hardships have
helped shape who you are as a performer?
Jeremy: Hardships definitely have helped. I have been on top
and at rock bottom during various stages of my life. I feel like I can relate
to a lot of different people from different walks of life. I have hung in the
slums and kicked it with kings. Even at the top there are hard times. Trials
and tribulations are all around me. The hardships would have been a lot harder
if I hadn’t learned how to cope with it through
laughter. It will all make for a
hell of a book down the road.
ea: Which comedian has had the greatest influence and impact
on your craft?
Jeremy: Ahhh, THAT is tough. I have so many influences. To
narrow it down would be hard but I would have to go with Sam Kinison or Richard
Pryor, mainly because they dealt with hardships in their material and pulled no
punches. No apologies. Richard Pryor came from growing up in a brothel to being
hailed as the greatest comedian of all time. One of the best underdog stories
of all time. I have a lot of love for Bill Cosby, Steve Harvey and Bill Burr as
well. To be honest, the list goes on.
ea: We are all about inspiring our generation and moving people forward in progression, if you had the power to make changes in the world right now, what would be the first one?
Jeremy: To pull the world’s head out of its ass and help
people realize that there really is more good than evil in the world. So many
people focus on the bad things that others do. We sensationalize violent acts
instead of acknowledging all of the good. I want to strive to get America
excited again, to show them hope and to show them that you really do carve your
own path in life.
ea: What is a comedian’s greatest fear?
Jeremy: Failure. We all want to be accepted. There is
nothing worse than bombing on stage. It is like being an ugly stripper. Five
bad minutes on stage feels like an hour. That is why failure is simply not an
option for me, and I work hard on my glutes.
ea: What cause would you die for?
Jeremy: Anything involving kids, more especially protecting
children from abuse.
ea: What do you see in your future this year as far as your
career is concerned?
Jeremy: This year will be huge, a tour, movie and more. The
one thing that I don’t see in the next year is sleep.
ea: What’s happening in your career that you want people to
know about?
Jeremy: I run two full time comedy clubs called The Callback
Comedy Club in Roanoke, VA and Troutville, VA. I just launched my management company under the
name Callback Entertainment, founded The Big Lick Comedy Festival, and right
now I am booking dates to perform all over the place. There have been a couple
of endorsements offered and maybe a couple of small movie parts.
ea: Final and most important question! Who is your favorite
Ninja Turtle?
Jeremy: His name is Carl. I know he isn’t on the cartoon,
but he is an alcoholic that used to hang out behind the dumpster at the club.
He was always dressed up in this old green three piece suit. For months I thought he was practicing he was Tai Chi but it turns out he was just trying not to black out.
EVMB (Vincent Bantasan)
ea: So we have chosen to highlight you as our first member
of “The Evolved,” what in your mind makes you evolved?
EVMB: In today’s world I see people of my generation are
more open to expanding their talents, they are able to embrace what’s around them
and use that as a gateway to their career, whether it’s music, art, or whatever
medium. Let me go back, there’s a lot of people my age that were brought up by
more traditional families and they didn’t see performing arts as something
successful, so I feel as an artist that taking my talent to the next level will
open doors for others. Beatboxing has evolved as well. Beatboxing now breaks
away from the typical partnership with an MC being used as a backbeat. Now,
beatboxing is still a little baby, but has evolved tremendously from then. With
beatboxing today you are able to sing, rap, reproduce dubstep, and other sounds
that were unable to be done before. To me, for beatboxers to be able to come
that far with that talent and rock shows by themselves, the art has evolved.
ea: Explain to me in a few words what the art of beatboxing
is?
EVMB: The art of beatboxing is the ability to recreate
sounds and effects of instruments such as drums, horns, turntables, and a
variety of other instruments using only the human voice.
ea: What inspired you to be a beatboxer?
EVMB: At first it was my cousin who inspired me; he was the
one who taught me the basics of beatboxing. From there I just opened up my mind
to more music and learned to appreciate other musical compositions and genres.
Right now as a performer, inspiration comes from the feedback from my fans and
the energy from my shows, and the thought of what I can ultimately do with
beatboxing that will further my career.
ea: Are there any artists of any genre that you would love
to collaborate with because you think there is something you can add to their
performance?
EVMB: Actually, probably Madonna. I want to get down with
Madonna, Justin Timberlake, No Doubt, electronic DJs and electronic artists, it’s
so hard really to think about other artists, there are so many. If I could
reference older artists that are not so active, I would love to collaborate
with Bobby McFerrin, Dougie Fresh, Bjork, and that’s about it.
ea: We are all about inspiring our generation and moving
people forward in progression, what is your opinion of your generation?
EVMB: What I feel about my generation is that they are all
trying to "relive" a 90's themed generation, they are making a
comeback with it in a way. From fashion, TV, and music I see trends coming
back, but of course with added flavor of "future-esque" inspiration.
I understand that my generation is wild, and free, but also at the same time
possess a positive driven mind. And that's what it takes to evolve.
ea: What is your biggest fear with pursuing a career or passion?
EVMB: My biggest fear is seeing someone who is doing the
same thing as I am become famous or known for it. Especially, if they have done
little effort trying get there, lack skill, and are one dimensional. I don't
mean to sound bitter, but a lot of beatboxers nowadays are considered
"amazing" if they can produce ONLY dubstep sounds. It's all about
being well rounded. I've been beatboxing for about 10 years so far and really
took it seriously for the last 4. People expect to become an overnight
sensation, but if you don't put your 10,000 hours in, you shouldn't expect
anything.
ea: What cause is closest to your heart, and is most
important you, something you would die for?
EVMB: In what I do and the business I am in , I believe that
compassion and drive is what every life form on Earth needs no matter what
field they're in. The lack of compassion I see in talented people is what bugs
me. They have something different, something amazing to share with the world,
yet they don't believe in themselves, therefore it goes a talent wasted. I
wouldn't know what I would die for actually, other than another human being
that I deeply love, or to instantly become famous and financially stable I
guess.
ea: What do you see in your future this year as far as your
career is concerned?
EVMB: I see myself performing a lot more, at bigger events.
I do see myself being more motivated. I look in to becoming more mainstream and
more commercialized so I can perform internationally.
ea: Are there any upcoming events that you would like to
tell us about?
EVMB: I have one coming up on March 23rd in City
of Industry called “Full Out,” May 4th is Summer Meltdown in Santa
Clarita, that one is an event for children with Autism. In April I have “Night
of Expressions” at CSU: Northridge where I am also performing. Those are the
only ones I can think of off the top of my head. More shows to be announced!
ea: Final and most important question! Who is your favorite
Ninja Turtle?
EVMB: I have 2 favorites! Michelangelo and Donatello.
COWABUNGAAAAA!
Below is some of the work EVMB considers to be his greatest.
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