Chantal, you are one of the funniest people I know. Last June I visited Boston and looked you up. You and your girl Lisa showed me an awesome time! I’m glad you moved West and can’t wait to hang out with you again. Why did you decide to move to LA and what exciting projects do you have in the works?
CC: I was just highlighted in the Advocate as one the 7 FUNNY LGBT COMICS YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE MISSED IN 2011. I moved to LA for a few reasons—new projects and because this is where you need to be if you have talent. Los Angeles is the biggest ocean of real talent so if you have any, you need to be performing in this town. I have many shows lined up and also a one woman show I am producing this year. I also could use your help in getting votes by January 30th, 2012 on Yobi.TV. Vote for me and I will win $150,000 and a web series on YOBI.TV with Mike the SITUATION. Lol, yes really. It’s super easy, all you have to do is put in your email and a password and then confirm and log in.
Tell us a little about you and how you got started in Comedy.
CC: I have always used humor as a way to overcome painful or awkward moments. Life seemed absurd as were the people in it. Also, I was raised by a sarcastic woman with a sharp mind. I was a sensitive kid until I learned it wasn’t safe to be so sensitive. I was naturally funny without trying and noticed at an early age that I had the ability to hold people’s attention and keep it. I knew at 8 that I would be an entertainer though I never dreamed I’d become a comedian.
What are you doing that no one else is doing?
CC: I tell the truth. I am a story teller with punchlines, an addictive rhythm and a delivery that is all my own.
I met you last Spring at an event at the Brass Rail in San Diego put on by Hip Chicks Out. Â I brought my 21-year-old son Max (who is a total lezbro) and we were astounded by the disrespect some of the dykes were showing to the straight male comedians who opened for you. We could hardly hear anything but the guys were hilarious! You were super funny, raunchy and totally killed it! My boy and I still crack up together about some of your material…What the hell was going on that night?
CC: Honestly, I’ve seen that happen before, usually in bars. It doesn’t surprise me that some women can be very pro-female and have little or no respect for the male comics. I have no problem with men and feel like gender is that last thing to be thinking about at a comedy show. The question should be ARE THEY FUNNY?
How do you use Social Marketing to your advantage?
CC: I use email marketing and my fans are like friends to me. My success is theirs. After all, no one becomes successful without help. I have giveaways from time to time. I don’t slam people with my tweets, emails or events on FB and my fans know they can trust me not to be annoying. In return, I have almost 100% of my email marketing being read and an ever increasing flow of subscribers. I am now starting a blog on tumbler MY BIG MOUTH.
What can we expect from Chantal Carrere in 2012?
CC: You can see watch me win Yobi.TV and see me get my web series. Subscribe to my updates and stay in the know. My one-woman show, a web series and a stand up tour are all in the works as well as a documentary.
