Atlanta Stands Up

About 10 months ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Rob HaZe after seeing him perform at New Earth Music Hall in Athens, GA, as part of AthFest 2010. Just in this short period of time, Rob has grown as a comic by leaps and bounds; landing him a coveted spot within the increasingly popular 40 Acres and a Stool comedy group (Dulcé Sloan, Odinaka Ezeokoli, A.K., & Joyelle Johnson). 

As a hilarious combination of witty and silly, all I can say is that it’s about damn time Rob got some attention. Not only is he funny, but he’s a delightful person to be around; always happy to be getting on stage and eager to bring the funny. 

Rock on, Rob!

Jessica Hinckle: What has it been like for you since you dove into the local comedy scene?

Rob Haze: It has been great moving here from Athens, this past August; everyone has been really supportive. It’s like a big family and everyone has welcomed me with open arms.

Jessica Hinckle: Who are your comedic influences and why? Who have been local influences for you as well?

Rob Haze: There’s always been an interest for comedy in my life. I remember my parents kicking me out of the room to watch Chris Rock’s “Bring the Pain,” and I’d have my ear up to the door; probably Chris Rock was my earliest influence. Watching Chris Rock interviews really showed me all of his influences and I began getting into them too. I think the most influential time of my life was when I was 11 to 12, and all I did for the summer was watch Comedy Central all day. SNL reruns, Conan reruns, “The Daily Show,” and “The Man Show” really had an effect on me at a young age. I think that had an effect on my young mind. Then when I saw George Carlin for the first time when I was 13, I was mesmerized: like “you can really say that stuff… on T.V.” Then, when I saw Annie Hall for the first time I was like, “whoa, this guy (Woody Allen) is saying what I been feeling this whole time. I think I want to do what he does.” The third time I stepped on the stage Ronnie Jordan was the host and he has been a mentor to me ever since.

Locally I like a lot of funny comics in the city. There are so many cool flavors and styles. I am big fan of so many established and up & coming comics. There are so many people killing it here, that it really makes the scene buzz. I really like Dave Stone and Andy Sandford, I think what they are doing for the perception of the southern comic is really cool. I get inspired whenever I see people like Clayton English or Landry; they inspire me to work harder, those guys are good. I am privileged whenever I see Corey Zooman Miller, he is a beast and a genius. Whenever I watch Karlous Miller I am amazed at his improvisation. I think the most unique style I’ve seen by far is Chris Jones; the way he approaches the crowd is inspirational. 

Jessica Hinckle: What kind of humor do you respond to the most?

Rob Haze: I’m all over the place I guess I find humor in the things that connect us as people. What about my experiences can other people relate to. I love all kinds of jokes from the thought provoking and political, to the disgusting and crude. It’s really about what connects us.

Jessica Hinckle: What has changed for you since you first started doing comedy? What have you learned, that you apply, every time you get on stage?

Rob Haze: The way people treat me. I think before I was kind of ignored and now people are starting to notice that I can be pretty witty. One thing I have learned that I always try to apply is that the audience doesn’t know me so its my job to first bring them into my crazy world, and then we can journey together through the mystical land of my mind.

Jessica Hinckle: What process have you found that works for you when it comes to your joke writing?

Rob Haze: I journal, then dissect. I go through the emotions I feel through various events in my life, then I take that to the stage and try to form what about that makes people laugh.

Jessica Hinckle: What are your hopes for a future career in comedy and how do you intend to get there?

Rob Haze: I want to be a performer and a writer. I love television comedic shows; both fiction and nonfiction farces (like the various fake newses). I would love to write and star in movies, that would be great. I think that all of that comes from learning and being a great stand up, so right now I am trying to be the best stand up comedian that I can be.

Jessica Hinckle: What do you think of the local Atlanta comedy scene? What has impressed you most about it? What would you like to see improve? And what is your favorite aspect of it?

Rob Haze: I think that the Atlanta scene is great; I am impressed by the vast amounts of talent here in the city. I would like to see the lines blurred more between what is acceptable in what venue. I like to say that I am the same person no matter where I am doing jokes. There is a lot of variety and I am getting to meet so many wonderful and cool people.

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Catch Rob performing as the newest member of 40 Acres and a Stool at the Laughing Skull Lounge on April 19th with special guests Shalewa Sharpe and Clayton English!

- Jessica Hinckle, Editor