Ben Roy’s ‘I Got Demons’

(Editor’s Note: The author of this fine article is Jason Wilhite. Thank you for your reader submission!)

For years now, Ben Roy has been a fixture in the Denver stand-up scene. His name is becoming recognized throughout the USA and Canada. He is building his brand by touring, performing at festivals and, along with Denver comics Adam Cayton-Holland and Andrew Orvedahl (collectively known as The Grawlix), releasing monthly installments of sketch comedy on Funny or Die.

Denver is a city with an extremely active stand-up scene and an abundance of both established and up-and-coming talent. There are multiple comedy clubs including both nationally esteemed Comedy Works locations, as well as multiple low-key shows and open mics going on every night. Roy’s star is quickly beginning to rise with the release of his new album, I Got Demons.

This album was recorded at the nationally renowned Comedy Works where Dave Attell, Jen Kirkman, Kevin Nealon, and Amy Schumer have all recorded albums and specials in recent years. This album includes over one hour of some of his best material. Like many comics, he speaks mostly about things that he truly loathes such as reality television stars, irresponsible parents, chain restaurants and his choice to stay sober despite his love of drinking. His intensity and passion is often similar to that of Henry Rollins’ spoken word performances. Not the overly-intense poetry readings from his early years, but the down to earth, more friendly and often humorous Rollins of late.

Ben Roy is, of course, not a spoken word artist. He is a stand-up comic and he is relentless in his performances. He holds nothing back, which is not as apparent anywhere as it is on the tracks “Marriage Doesn’t Suck; You do” and “My Sexual Gift” which, if written by another comic, may be seen as nothing more than an average attempt at shock value. Roy smartly uses clever analogies to keep jokes original and hilarious throughout when forcing the most intimate and messy aspects of his sex life with his wife down your throat.

Stand-up afficianados will appreciate that Dan Schlissel of Stand Up! Records took part in the production of the album. For those not familiar with him, he’s responsible for releases from the likes of Lewis Black (a Grammy Award-winning album), Doug Stanhope, Maria Bamford, Marc Maron and a slew of other great comics. Based on his past work, it is no secret that Schlissel does not cut corners when it comes to editing and production value.

The album was released by a Denver label, The Illegal Pete’s/ Greater Than Collective. It is available as a CD with some interesting inlay artwork, as well as a download on iTunes. Follow Ben Roy on Twitter here!

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