The CHInterview: Matteo Lane

Wondering what it’s like to kiss your Chicago comedy career goodbye in order to head out to one of the coasts? Chicago-based performer Martin Morrow recently spoke with some of the Chicago comedy community’s recent expats who have found success in improv, stand-up, comedy and/or performing since leaving the Midwest for New Yorkier or LAish pastures.

MM: WHEN DID YOU MOVE TO NYC?

ML: September 1st, 2012. 

MM: HOW WAS YOUR TRANSITION FROM CHICAGO?

ML: City-wise, I feel it was a pretty easy transition from Chicago. Chicago is a huge metropolis with trains, buses, etc., so I wasn’t overwhelmed by the GIANT SKYSCRAPERS! Living space was a big one, though. It is unbelievable where/how and why people live in the places they do in NYC. My first apartment had a bathtub in the kitchen that I used to shower, wash dishes and hang out in. I lived like a Polish immigrant from the 1920s for 8 months. 

MM: WHY DID YOU CHOOSE NY OVER LA OR ANY OTHER PLACE?

ML: I chose NY because I’m a homosexual and love to sing. Also, I got a job illustrating TV commercials in New York. I’ve always wanted to live here, and it was good timing comedy-wise. I would have liked to stay in Chicago a little longer, but looking back, I think it was the right move. 

MM: ANY HARDSHIPS?

ML: Yes; I’m an Italian boy who misses all of his cousins. The good thing about comedy, though, is that there’s a system already in place, and you can walk into any mic and meet new people immediately.  If I came here not as a comedian, I think it would have been overwhelming, lonely and I would have struggled to make new friends. 

MM: HOW LONG WAS IT UNTIL YOU BOOKED YOUR FIRST PAID GIG IN YOUR NEW CITY?

ML: Probably a year? I can’t remember off the top of my head, but Caroline’s was the first club to ever book me. And I remember being confused when they tried to hand me money. 

MM: WHAT ARE SOME MAJOR CREDITS (IE: CLUBS, PEOPLE WORKED WITH, TV, SHOWS, FESTIVALS) YOU’VE DONE SINCE MOVING?

ML: Since I’ve moved to NYC, I have become a cast member of MTV2’s Guy Code, performed on Comedy Central’s Adam Devine’s House Party, been to Montreal as a New Face, did a set for HBO Canada, Sirius XM, been fortunate enough to work clubs like Caroline’s, The Stand, Stand Up NY, etc.  I have been very fortunate so far. 

MM: DID YOU FACE ANY BACKLASH OR JEALOUSY, BE IT FROM YOUR NEW CITY OR BACK HOME AFTER IT?

ML: I think we all experience jealousy, but you have to keep yourself in check. We all want what someone else has no matter what stage in the game we are; it’s natural. But if you focus on that for too long you can lose yourself in the process. Whenever someone you are close to (or not) gets something big that you would have wanted, be sure to congratulate them. It’s not a race, and we would want our friends to be happy for us. That being said, I will say I was furious when I wasn’t cast as The Unsinkable Molly Brown in this year’s revival of Titanic on Broadway, but that’s another story. 

MM: BEST ADVICE YOU RECEIVED WHILE IN CHICAGO AND WHEN YOU MOVED?

ML: Best advice I got in Chicago was from Danny Kallas. Very early in the game, he pulled me aside and told me I’m more than just a gay guy on stage and to keep writing. “You’ve got the chops” is what he said to me all the time. And it really helped me push through some tough times. Recently though, I have gotten some great advice about being myself on stage. Being gay means that there will be people who don’t like me for being me. And I have to accept that and try to overcome it, rather than dwell on it. It’s okay if someone doesn’t like me. I can’t bend myself to be everyone’s favorite. If you start to push against your instincts, you’ll come off as inauthentic. And that’s not why I’m here, or what my comedy is about. That kind of advice goes for anyone really, not just for being gay. No matter who you are, where you come from, it is hard to be vulnerable in front of complete strangers every night. So all you can do is be yourself. That’s it. 

MM: SOME ADVICE YOU’D OFFER COMEDIANS WANTING TO MOVE TO NY?

ML: It’s expensive as F*CK. Also, try not to compare Chicago and NYC so much. I found myself doing that for a long time: “Chicago is funnier; I hate the 2-minute mics; the system here seems like it doesn’t make any sense.” But that came from insecurity and not understanding immediately the way things work here. Coming to NYC can be very overwhelming. Fortunately though, all the comics here have been through exactly what you’re going through. So don’t be afraid to say, “I’m new.” Just give yourself a few months to adjust, and before you know it, it’ll all seem normal and feel like home. 

MM: WHAT’S IT LIKE TO COME VISIT BACK HOME? HOW DOES IT FEEL TO DO JOKES YOU CRAFTED IN YOUR NEW HOME?

ML: I love coming back home to Chicago. It’s exciting to see all the new talent and shows that are popping up. Chicago is the birthplace of so many great comedians and shows– I feel very proud to say I’m a Chicago comic. 

MM: WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON?

ML: I’ve got a few things on the horizon. I can’t talk much about it, but I’m developing a cartoon that I wrote and I’m very excited about it. I will be doing more work with MTV and plan on doing road gigs. I’m currently in Tampa opening for Anthony Jeselnik, which is very exciting. I’m just excited to be able to work on things that I care about to be honest. 

MM: PLUG YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA.

ML: You can follow me on Twitter and Instagram @Matteolane.

Read our previous CHInterviews with Ian Abramson, Saurin Choksi andEver Mainard.

Martin Morrow is a member of The Second City’s Bob Curry Fellowship program. Get the latest on his whereabouts via his website or by following him on Twitter @martinMmorrow.