Today we’d like to introduce you to AJ DUNK.
AJ, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
3+ years ago I came to the realization that nobody can tell their story better than themself. That is when I decided to create ICMTU, I Can’t Make This Up, the show about breaking stereotypes through stories that can’t be made up.
I wanted something to call my own. Being a part of a clothing line and breaking into standup comedy 4 years prior I knew it was time.
Growing up I struggled with judging people off of first impressions. Although I did it to others, I could not stand when it was done to me. This inspired me to break stereotypes. If you don’t know something, it is better to ask than to assume.
Fast forward to the birth of ICMTU. At this time the only platform available for ICMTU was as a podcast. Week after week I would interview a guest to obtain stories about them that they could not make up. The questions stayed the same while the answers varied. The format allows you to find something in common with someone no matter their upbringing or physical appearance.
After years of the show being a podcast, I was given the chance to have the show go live in front of an audience. Now ICMTU travels to different venues in different cities to put on an interactive live show in front of diverse audiences.
The show consists of myself, AJ DUNK spelled *all caps*, as the host. A three person band made up of a drummer, guitarist and bassist. A co-host that is a puppet by the name of Bodega Cat.
Two scheduled guest from different walks of life answer questions previously written by the audience and share a story they can’t make up. To prove the show is live and it can’t be made up, a person from the audience is chosen by a lottery to be the third person on the panel. When the stories are told anyone in the room can ask a question in relation to it.
It’s great to watch an episode and even BETTER *all caps* to be there. Everyone leaves the show understanding the motto. “Laughter is always in style.”
Has it been a smooth road?
Does a smooth road even exist haha. Taking on a project to call your own has many obstacles. Believing in yourself is the first huge step. You have to believe in the project enough that other people would want to invest in it. Investing is not just money, time is one of the biggest investments to ask from people.
Starting from scratch brings obstacles as well. You have to learn to be patient and control the maze. When you hit a dead end, make an adjustment and go in another direction towards the same goal.
There is a lot of trial and error that comes with it your goals. The more errors you encounter on the way the better. This way as time evolves so do you. You notice the mistakes you made in the past and correct them before they can hit the surface.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the I Can’t Make This Up (ICMTU) story. Tell us more about the business.
I Can’t Make This Up specializes in laughter and good times through stories no matter how you look. Being a firm believer of the saying, “Laughter is always in style”, you in turn have to show that it is true.
One of the biggest things ICMTU is about is RESPECT *all caps*. When you treat people with respect it will be reciprocated back.
I Can’t Make This Up is unlike any other company because the stories are true and come from any and everybody. No matter where the story goes the funny is always brought out. If you look hard enough you will see that every story has a chuckle hidden somewhere in it.
I am proud to announce that the show has evolved to having merchandise. ICMTU buttons, stickers and shirts are currently available.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Over the night five years I see ICMTU being a more known name. More merchandise, more shows in different cities, more guests, more stories and more laughs.
I also see ICMTU on another platform where people can tune in if they are not able to attend the event. On this platform they will also be able to be involved in the show.
The format is ready to accompany bigger guest as the word of ICMTU gets bigger.
Onward and upward.
Pricing:
- ICMTU stickers: $1
- ICMTU buttons: $2
- ICMTU shirts: $25
- ICMTU live show tickets: Vary per venue
Contact Info:
- Website: www.AJDUNK.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/ajdunk/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AjDunkallCaps/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AJDUNK
- Other: cashapp: Wetlaugh
Image Credit:
ICMTU, Sorin Abraham, AJ DUNK, SLA.
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