At 20 years old, comedian Josh Wade has taken YouTube by storm.
First creating viral online content from his Townsville home as a teenager, Josh’s comedy career skyrocketed at the beginning of 2013 with the release of his comedic sketch, ‘Shit Australians Say’, and wacky-street interviews with the general public in his series 'Aussie Opinion'.
He has recently returned from America where he filmed 'A Guide To America' in which he explores the good, the bad and the ugly, and gives his comedic outlook on the real U.S of A.
Who are your Australian comedy heroes?
I grew up watching Chris Lilley. He would have been one of the key inspirations for me. I've always admired comedians and storytellers that take on a character wholeheartedly with enough believability that it could be real.
Why did you start uploading YouTube videos?
I was raised in Townsville, so I wasn't exactly in the hub of Australian comedy. I began performing stand-up at 14 in pubs and bars to a group of 5 or 6 toothless alcoholics. I needed creative criticism and YouTube was a public forum. It has allowed me to reach an audience that wouldn't have been as accessible with a traditional stand-up comedy route.
What makes your videos so popular? Do you think Australians recognise a lot of the stereotypes featured?
I guess so – it was never really the goal to pick out specific stereotypes. I just felt I knew the characters, morals and beliefs of the people I grew up around. I wanted to emulate those types that were relatable to me.
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What challenges did you face translating your act into a live, stand-up show?
The challenging part for me is balancing the videos and live content. Normally when I'm on tour I don't have time or I'm mentally exhausted to film and vice versa. Otherwise, I've been lucky to have started in stand-up, so translating the content isn't to much of a concern for me. As long as the audience is having a giggle, I try not to stress.
How does performing on stage compare to making YouTube videos?
I do like being on stage – once those eyes are on me, the character comes to life automatically. There is no time for editing when you are live, so the adrenalin kicks in and the rest is history. When I'm making videos it normally takes me a few takes to get into my zone.
How did growing up in Townsville influence your work? I think Townsville allowed me to grow up around such a wealth of 'real Australian' characters. From farmers and miners to military and industrial workers – it's a lovely, broad spectrum to gain influences from.
Some of your material could be described as quite explicit. What does your nan think?
When I started to take on more explicit characters my Nan was shocked. My whole family thought I had changed overnight and lost the plot. Once I started to play a variety of characters I think they slowly caught on that it’s just act.
How was the States? Did the Americans enjoy your accent?
Any accent to an American sounds exotic, so I'd be lying if I didn't say it was an advantage. I think there is so much great up and coming Aussie comics making it in Hollywood, so it was a great time to be around!
What are your plans for 2015?
I'd like to travel some more — understanding culture and what is happening in the world is a huge asset for me. I try not to plan much; my whole life is a 'wing-it' situation. I wouldn't have expected myself to be in this position six months ago, so I couldn't possibly imagine what next year has in store for me. Fingers crossed I at least get laid.
Click here for the full run live dates Josh Wade has throughout December.
