I chatted with Jason Salmon about his upbringing and biscuits and gravy..I mean, Gravity
Hey Jason! How are you?
I’m great, man. Was just doing some laundry.
Wait a minute. I literally stopped folding laundry to come and do this phone interview.
::laughs:: Just two dudes being domestic!
What was the conversation like with your parents about becoming an actor over an engineer?
The internet wasn’t new, but for people in my parents generation, it was a weird world for them. I told them I got a job at an internet startup, so it gave them a cushion to process I was giving up a job with a company car, a home office and a nice steady salary. Oh and also I’m acting some! I knew that when I said ‘internet startup’, there would be follow up.
What influences your comedy?
I think weirdly enough my comedy is influenced by things that interest me sociology . There’s so many great comedians past and present who take a topic and introduce a different perspective and make you laugh. I’m just fascinated how weird we all are in our way. And how we’re all trying to live together on this spinning planet. I live in New York City and it’s a microcosm of everything on the globe in one square block.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
I’d love the ability to teleport to simply avoid any travel hazard.
What does it mean to you to perform for the USO?
My dad was in the Air Force but I didn’t have any desire to join. I’ve always respected people who made that sacrifice, especially since 9/11, Afghanistan, and Iraq. The ability to go over there and say “I’m going to do something for YOU.” I don’t think there’s anything better.
Who is your hero?
My parents. It’s such a stereotypical answer ::laughs:: They’re kind, thoughtful, wise, smart..they’re all the things that I aspired to be growing up. I titled my first album “Force of NURTURE” as a pun but also because I have two parents who were great at teaching. If I can get close to what they are, I feel like I would’ve done well.
Your comedy special released in 2023 titled “Biscuits and Gravy..”
“Biscuits and GRAVITY”
NOOOOO shit I’m so sorry!
::laughs:: You know what? You are completely amongst tons of great company. I realized in titling your albums in puns, that no one reads the whole word.
I must need glasses because when I was watching the special, I was hungry and wanted biscuits and gravy.
::laughs:: That’s great!
Why did you call it BISCUITS AND GRAVITY?
Biscuits, because I love where I come from. And gravity? I love being curious about the world around me. Of course I love puns. I made a pun that no one would read properly for the rest of my life.
What is your process before each tour date?
I do online content as well, so I do a weekend wrap up of everything that happened during the week. Once I finish that on Friday, I tend to work the show all weekend. Tweak it here and there. I go into each with a few things I want to try. It could be switching a word or switching an order of a joke.
Some more proof that we’re kindred spirits, you kicked off your tour on July 22nd which was my birthday
Nice!
Your MAKE LAUGH AND NOT WAR Tour; which is CORRECT in my script here
::laughs:: Yes that’s correct!
..is coming to town. What is the hardest part of being on tour?
It’s being away from my wife and the people I love. I’m very much a homebody. But being on the road constantly can be a drain. I love my fans; they’re great people. I would put them against anyone else’s fans. But I do love my wife more.
Excited about your show in Baltimore on October 28th?
I am! I love Baltimore. It’s my favorite baseball stadium, hands down. I love that area. This will be my first time performing there that hasn’t been a private gig.
Jason Salmon headlines Magooby’s for ONE SHOW ONLY on October 28th! Buy tix