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An Interview with Joel Soul the Third

What do you think makes your comedy so original?

Dyslexia and my inability to function in the real world.

What do you mean?

I don't know.

Why are you becoming so popular so quickly?

I eat zeitgeist bran muffins.

Joel Soul the Third, isn't that a bit pretentious?

No, that's my name. It's French...

I once saw you perform at The Coconut Teaser on Sunset Boulevard. You seemed to enjoy antagonizing the audience a lot and I was reminded  of Andy Kaufman. Do you still do that type of material?

No. Most of the time I don't. It's easy to go on stage and have people hate me. I hardly have to open my mouth. But nowadays, I'm into loving energy. I love my fellow man! After all, who else would flip me the finger every time I drive? I'm working at being  normal now.

Normal? I'm afraid I have to disagree. Your comedy seems anything but normal to me. It's a weird combination of jokes and physical comedy that seems to come from another planet, and yet it all seems to make sense....

Well, let's just say I'm trying to fit in as best I can. I'm not as brave as Andy Kaufman was.  Maybe I should say Saint Andy , because I honestly believe he should be canonized. Anyway,  Andy was a saint  and also an acid trip for the world. He  never cared about worldly needs. But lately  I've turned in a different direction and have become more interested in the satirical craft of comedy. I don't want Joel Soul the Third to be just  an enigma. I want to be crystal clear! Like a Big Mac.

Besides Andy Kaufman, who are your favorite comedians and influences?

Many....but I'd have to include Eddie Izzard, Steve Martin, Robin Williams, Red Skelton, Twain, Chaplin, Emo Phillips. Also, Allen Ginsberg and other mystical poets.

You are becoming known as a physical comedian. Were you interested in physical comedy from the start or was that something you added as you went along?

It all started when I was five. I saw jumping beans in the drugstore. I said to myself," When I grow up I want to be just like them!"

You say you don't do political humor, but it seems to me you do. Why are you trying to deny it? Are you  hiding something?

No, I don't do political humor. I do satire. I think there's a difference. Just don't ask me what.

I'm confused. It seems to me your song "Pete the Plant for President" is clearly a  political anthem...

Science fiction, maybe. Stupid, definitely. But what does stupid science fiction have to do with politics? You tell me.

Your God pieces seem to be very controversial. Have you ever had problems with them?

Not at all. Thank God. All organized religions preach about unconditional love and acceptance of our fellow man. To tell you the truth I was little worried about how the pieces would be received at first, but I feel much more confident now. I was performing at an open mike in Silver Lake , L.A.. It was right after September 11, and there was a customer of Arabic descent in the audience reading the Koran. I wasn't even sure if he was paying any attention to me, but after I finished, he stopped me and said, "That was great". I said "Thanks, I was concerned you might have been offended!" He just gave me a wonderful smile and said "No-o-o-o! God, has a sense of humor, too, you know!" I hope everyone understands that.

Did you do that same type of controversial material when you were street performing?

In front of children? Actually, most kids are incredibly hip, and would probably dig it. But as you know, some parents can be frightened and get angry; so I always kept it safe, as difficult as that was for me.

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