Conversations with Michael Brigante

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Brigante.

Michael, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m a stand-up comedian. For over a decade, I’ve gotten on stage and tried to make people laugh and forget about whatever nonsense they’re dealing with. I grew up in New York City in the 90s, so that influences everything I do, It was a more violent time. It was the crack era. So you had to move fast and think quick… but at the same time, it was flowing with great art. From graffiti to music and independent film, comedy, etc… it was live. That all influences how I operate now. I like to bring as much to the stage as possible.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nothing worth it is ever smooth. Even with successes, for everyone “win”, there’s a dozen losses that come before and after it. I think the key is to just keep creating. Do what you love, put your all into it. There’s a quote I love from the great Rick Rubin – “The work reveals itself as you go. It tells you to want it wants to be”. So I try to work with that in mind. Just do what I find is interesting, or in me at that moment, and let it become what it becomes once I’m finished.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I get on stage and tell stories from my own experience. All I know how to do is talk about myself. Whether it’s growing up in an immigrant household, being a parent, or just eating way too much White Castle… it’s all from my life, and it’s always personal… and funny. This year I put out my special: Michael Brigante: RELAX. I shot it myself and released it on my Youtube channel. The album version debuted at number one on iTunes, which was surprising. It’s something I made myself from top to bottom and I just wanted people to be able to watch and enjoy it. The fact the audio version is getting so much burn on Apple Music and Tidal is a blessing.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
When I’m not on stage, I’m trying to be still and to myself. I only have two modes. So if I’m not on stage being loud, I’m at home laying low…. quiet and to myself. When you come out to a show, you get it all. I turn up the juice and you get all the energy.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.michaelbrigante.com
• Instagram: @michaelbrigante
• Youtube: YouTube.com/MichaelBriganteLive 

Image Credits
Sam Cashell