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{{Short description|American comedian and musician (born 1972)}} | |||
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2021}} | |||
{{Infobox musical artist | {{Infobox musical artist | ||
| name = Reggie Watts |
| name = Reggie Watts | ||
| image = Reggie Watts |
| image = Reggie Watts (36059512662) (cropped).jpg | ||
| |
| caption = Watts in July 2017 | ||
| caption = Watts in October 2011 | |||
| background = solo_singer | | background = solo_singer | ||
| birth_name = Reginald Lucien Frank Roger Watts | | birth_name = Reginald Lucien Frank Roger Watts | ||
| alias = | |||
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1972|3|23}} | | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1972|3|23}} | ||
| birth_place = ], ] | | birth_place = ], ] | ||
| origin = ] | | origin = ], U.S. | ||
| instrument = |
| instrument = {{flatlist| | ||
* Vocals | |||
| genre = ], ], ], ], ] | |||
* beatboxing | |||
| occupation = | |||
* keyboards | |||
| years_active = | |||
* loop machine | |||
}} | |||
| genre = {{flatlist| | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
}} | |||
| years_active = 1996–present | |||
| occupation = {{hlist|Comedian|musician|beatboxer|actor}} | |||
| label = | | label = | ||
| associated_acts = ], |
| associated_acts = ] | ||
| website = |
| website = {{URL|reggiewatts.com}} | ||
| notable_instruments = Line 6 DL4 delay modeler, Electro Harmonix 2880, Electro Harmonix 45000, ] | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''Reginald Lucien Frank Roger Watts''' (born March 23, 1972) is an American comedian, musician, beatboxer, and actor. His improvised musical sets are created using only his voice, a ], and a ] machine. He refers to himself as a "disinformationist" who aims to disorient his audience in a comedic fashion. He was the regular house musician on the spoof ] talk show '']'' and led the ] for '']'' from 2015 to 2023. | |||
==Early life== | |||
'''Reginald Lucien Frank Roger "Reggie" Watts'''<ref name="STinterview">{{cite web|url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/pacificnw/2004/1219/portraits.html|title=Reggie Watts: Stage presence|author=Teagarden, Rebecca|date=2004-12-19 |work=]|accessdate=2011-04-30}}</ref><ref name=Esquire/> (born March 23, 1972) is a ]-] comedian and musician. His shows are mostly improvised and consist of ] ] in various shifting personae, mixed with ]–based ] compositions. He performs regularly on television, radio, and in live theater. His comic skills come into play in improvisational performance, as well as performance of written music. Watts currently appears as the sidekick on the ] talkshow '']'', which began airing on June 8, 2012. | |||
Reginald Lucien Frank Roger Watts was born in ] (which was then in ]) on March 23, 1972, the son of French mother Christiane and African-American father Charles Alphonso Watts.<ref name="STinterview">{{cite web|author=Teagarden, Rebecca|date=December 19, 2004|title=Reggie Watts: Stage presence|url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/pacificnw/2004/1219/portraits.html|access-date=April 30, 2011|work=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Reggie Watts Biography|url=https://movies.yahoo.com/person/reggie-watts/biography.html|access-date=November 11, 2012}}</ref><ref name="Esquire">{{cite web|date=December 2, 2008|title=The YouTube Star Who's Crazy in a Funny Way|url=http://www.esquire.com/features/best-and-brightest-2008/reggie-watts-goes-solo-1208|access-date=April 30, 2011|work=]}}</ref> His parents were there at the time due to his father's role as a ] in the ], which also later led the family to live in France, Italy, and Spain before returning to the U.S. They settled in ], where Watts grew up and graduated from ] in 1990.<ref name=Esquire/> He began piano and violin lessons at the age of five,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.montrealmirror.com/2005/111005/music1.html|title=Soulful absurdity: The two sides of Reggie Watts|author=Scott C|date=October 16, 2005|work=]|access-date=April 30, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714113934/http://www.montrealmirror.com/2005/111005/music1.html|archive-date=July 14, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> with his love of music beginning as a young child when he saw ] play the piano on television.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://soundcloud.com/employeeofthemonthshow/reggiewatts|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130708123858/https://soundcloud.com/employeeofthemonthshow/reggiewatts|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 8, 2013|title=Reggie Watts on Employee of the Month|publisher=SoundCloud}}</ref> He moved to ] at the age of 18 to study music, attending the ] before studying jazz at ].<ref name="STinterview" /> | |||
==Career== | |||
==Early life (1972–1990)== | |||
===Early career (1996–2009)=== | |||
Watts was born in ], ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://movies.yahoo.com/person/reggie-watts/biography.html |title=Reggie Watts Biography |accessdate=2012-11-11}}</ref> | |||
] | |||
In 1996, Watts became the ] for the band ].<ref name="bio">{{cite web|url=http://www.reggiewatts.com/bio |title=Reggie Watts Official Biography |publisher=Reggiewatts.com |access-date=May 29, 2012}}</ref><ref name="nyt"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/reggie-watts-is-living-his-childhood-dream-but-would-a-1825135247|title=Reggie Watts is living his childhood dream, but would also enjoy being a gigolo|website=The A.V. Club|date=April 10, 2018 }}</ref> While recording and touring from 1996 to 2000 with ]'s 4+1 Ensemble as a keyboardist, he was forced to downsize his effects pedal from a ] tape delay to a ] ] delay modeler, a smaller device that makes it easy to travel. He began using the Line 6 in live shows with Maktub to replicate the duplicate harmonies from the recorded material. He experimented with improvising entire songs in solo acts with the Line 6, while trying to sound like ], playing initial gigs at small Seattle venues and artist bungalows. While in Seattle, he composed musical scores for dance choreographers and dabbled in ] with longtime friend and future playwright ],<ref name="SunBreak">{{cite news|last=Barker|first=Jeremy M.|title=Reggie Watts & Tommy Smith's Long Road Back to on the Boards|url=http://thesunbreak.com/2009/10/14/reggie-watts-tommy-smiths-long-road-back-to-on-the-boards/|newspaper=]|date=October 14, 2009}}</ref> who later ended their collaborative relationship when Watts failed to credit him for co-writing the lyrics of his viral hits "Fuck Shit Stack" and "What About Blowjobs?"<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Pumping+in+and+pumping+out:+genre-defying+performer+Reggie+Watts...-a0270981409|title=Pumping in and pumping out: genre-defying performer Reggie Watts advocates theatre that shifts gears and keeps its engines running. - Free Online Library|website=www.thefreelibrary.com|access-date=2018-11-09}}</ref> | |||
In 2004, after recording five albums over eight years, Watts moved to New York City's ]. In 2005, he recorded his first solo single, "So Beautiful". Inspired by '']'' and '']'', he began infusing spontaneous comedic material with the beatbox-driven musical compositions.<ref>{{cite news|last=Klickstein|first=Mathew|title=Reggie Watts, Conan O'Brien's hip-hop comic coming to the Fox|url=http://www.coloradodaily.com/ci_18657736?source%3Dmost_viewed#axzz1wEFwFuu2|newspaper=Colorado Daily|date=August 11, 2011}}</ref> He also shot comedic shorts for Superdeluxe, ], and ]. | |||
Watts is the only child of Christiane and Charles Alphonso Watts; his mother is French and his father is American.<ref>{{cite news|last=Anderson|first=Sam|title=The Mad Liberationist|url=http://nymag.com/arts/comics/profiles/66280/|newspaper=New York Magazine|date=May 30, 2010}}</ref> His father was an officer in the ] and the family lived in Germany and Spain before relocating to ], where Watts was raised and graduated from ].<ref name=Esquire/> Watts also took piano and violin lessons from the age of five until he was 16.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.montrealmirror.com/2005/111005/music1.html |title=Soulful absurdity: The two sides of Reggie Watts|author=Scott C|date=2005-10-16|work=]|accessdate=2011-04-30}}</ref> In an appearance on ], Watts said his love for music started when he saw Ray Charles playing the piano on television as a young child. <ref>{{cite web|url=https://soundcloud.com/employeeofthemonthshow/reggiewatts|title=REGGIE WATTS on EMPLOYEE of the MONTH|publisher=SoundCloud}}</ref> | |||
In 2007, Watts appeared on ]'s ''Scott Bateman Presents Scott Bateman Presents'' and starred in the ] internet video "What About Blowjobs?" The video became a viral hit. The same year, he also wrote and performed the theme song for '']'', a web comedy series featuring ] and ]. In 2008, Watts recorded a new special entitled ''Disinformation'', which features his performance at the Under the Radar Festival at the Public Theater. He also appeared in the independent film ''Steel of Fire Warriors 2010 A.D.'' as a Mutantzoid Underling and on an episode of '']'', as well as making other various television appearances. | |||
==Seattle (1990–2004)== | |||
Watts moved to ] at age 18 where he briefly attended ] before eventually studying jazz at ].<ref name="STinterview" /> He went on to play in a number of Seattle bands of wildly varying styles/genres, including Hit Explosion, Swampdweller, Action Buddy, Chiarrscuro, Clementine, Smell No Taste, ] 4+1 Ensemble,<ref>{{cite news|last=Love|first=Matthew|title=Interview: Reggie Watts|url=http://www.avclub.com/articles/reggie-watts,41712/|newspaper=The A.V. Club|date=June 2, 2010}}</ref> Das Rut, Synthclub, Elemental, Eyvand Kang Seven Nades, Free Space, etc. He became the front man for soul, rock, and hip hop group ], with whom he has recorded five albums.<ref name="bio">{{cite web|url=http://www.reggiewatts.com/bio |title=Reggie Watts Official Biography |publisher=Reggiewatts.com |date= |accessdate=2012-05-29}}</ref><ref name="nyt"/> | |||
In 2009, Watts recorded his first solo EP, ''Pot Cookies''. He also began appearing on the ]' children's program '']''. He performed in his first solo short film ''Watts Does London'' and made a small appearance on Comedy Central's '']''. He then did voice work for an episode of ]'s '']'', Australia's '']'', and appeared in the U.S. documentary '']''. He also toured in support of ] in a fall 2009 tour. | |||
In Seattle, Watts became interested in alternative performance. He composed musical scores for Northwest dance choreographers KT Niehoff, Amy O'Neal, Maureen Whiting, Pat Graney and Beth Huerta. He dabbled in sketch comedy with future theatrical collaborator ].<ref name="SunBreak">{{cite news|last=Barker|first=Jeremy M.|title=Reggie Watts & Tommy Smith’s Long Road Back to On the Boards|url=http://thesunbreak.com/2009/10/14/reggie-watts-tommy-smiths-long-road-back-to-on-the-boards/|newspaper=The SunBreak|date=October 14, 2009}}</ref> | |||
===''Why Shit So Crazy?'' (2010–2011)=== | |||
Watts' genesis as a solo performer started at the beginning of 2002. While touring years earlier with the Wayne Horvitz 4+1 Ensemble, Watts was forced to downsize his effects pedal from a ] tape delay to a ] ] delay modeler, a smaller device that makes it easy to travel. He began using the Line 6 in live shows with ], in order to replicate the duplicate harmonies from the recorded material. Then he experimented with improvising entire songs in solo acts with the Line 6, playing initial gigs at small Seattle venues and artist bungalows. Inspired by '']'' and '']'', he began infusing spontaneous comedic material with the beat box-driven musical compositions.<ref>{{cite news|last=Klickstein|first=Mathew|title=Reggie Watts, Conan O'Brien's hip-hop comic coming to the Fox|url=http://www.coloradodaily.com/ci_18657736?source%3Dmost_viewed#axzz1wEFwFuu2|newspaper=Colorado Daily|date=August 11, 2011}}</ref> | |||
] | |||
In 2010, Waverly Films shot a one-hour special on Watts called '']'' The special features Watts in live performance at New York venues Galapagos, The Bellhouse, and ], bookended with brief sketches and a music video of Watts' "Fuck Shit Stack". ] aired ''Why Shit So Crazy?'' and released the film as a dual DVD/CD package.<ref name="nyt">{{cite news|last=Itzkoff|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Itzkoff|title=Always the Quick-Change Artist, From Skits to Songs to Stand-Ups|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/29/arts/television/29reggie.html|newspaper=The New York Times|date=May 28, 2010}}</ref> Afterwards, Watts made various public appearances, including during ]'s ]. | |||
===''A Live at Central Park'' (2012)=== | |||
==Brooklyn/Manhattan (2004–present)== | |||
Watts's second stand-up special, ''A Live at Central Park'', premiered on Comedy Central in the "Secret Stash" on May 12, 2012. It was completely uncensored and received positive reviews.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hyman|first=Dan|title=Reggie Watts: 'I Feel That I Need to Make Something More Substantial'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/reggie-watts-i-feel-that-i-need-to-make-something-more-substantial-20120522|newspaper=Rolling Stone|date=May 22, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=L. Ray|first=Austin|title=Reggie Watts A Live at Central Park special review|url=http://www.thespittake.com/2012/05/11/reggie-watts-a-live-at-central-park-comedy-central/|publisher=The Spit Take|access-date=April 12, 2013}}</ref> The film was made available as a CD/DVD through Watts' official website as well as Comedy Central's online store. | |||
Wanting to concentrate on solo comedic performance, Watts moved to the ], New York City, in 2004. He shot comedic web shorts for Superdeluxe, ] and ], where his video "What About Blowjobs?" became a viral hit. He also formed a theatrical collaboration with playwright ], and began developing web philosophy/content with online entrepreneur ], with whom he recorded the EP ''Pot Cookies''. Moving to ] in 2006, Watts started to branch out into performing for television and film, while continuing to pursue live performance and the creation of new performance technologies. {{Citation needed|date=April 2011}} | |||
Soon afterwards, Watts performed a song with ] on their farewell documentary movie, '']''. | |||
==Solo performance== | |||
===''Comedy Bang! Bang!'' (2012–2015)=== | |||
Watts was the opening act for ] on '']'', and appeared as the musical guest on several episodes of '']''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://shows.ctv.ca/Conan.aspx|title=Conan|last=|first=|publisher=CTV|accessdate=2010-11-03 |date=2010-11-03}}</ref> He also recently recorded material for his ] special '']'', released as a dual DVD/CD package.<ref name="nyt">{{cite news|last=Itzkoff|first=Dave|title=Always the Quick-Change Artist, From Skits to Songs to Stand-Ups|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/29/arts/television/29reggie.html|newspaper=The New York Times|date=May 28, 2010}}</ref> | |||
In 2012, Watts began starring opposite ] on the ] series '']'' based on the ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Blackard|first=Cap|title=Interview: Reggie Watts|url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2012/05/interview-reggie-watts/|newspaper=Consequence of Sound|date=May 17, 2012}}</ref> That same year, Watts began collaborating with ], ], and ] to create a comedy ] called ].<ref name="USA Today Introduces Jash">{{cite news|last=Matheson|first=Whitney|title=JASH: Your fave comedians launch a YouTube channel|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/popcandy/2013/03/11/jash-youtube/1978521/|access-date=March 11, 2013|newspaper=]|date=March 11, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Danton|first=Eric R.|title=Sarah Silverman, Michael Cera Launch JASH Comedy Channel on YouTube|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/videos/sarah-silverman-michael-cera-launch-jash-comedy-channel-on-youtube-20130311|access-date=March 11, 2013|newspaper=]|date=March 11, 2013}}</ref> | |||
In 2013, On the Boards recorded a new Watts special entitled ''Transition'', which played at various arts festivals including the ] at ]; it was winner of the MAP Fund Award and Creative Capital award. The same year, Watts was invited to perform at Yoko Ono's ] 2013 on the South Bank in London where he was supported by<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whatson/reggie-watts-mac-lethal-74208|title=Reggie Watts + Mac Lethal|work=southbankcentre.co.uk}}</ref> ]. | |||
Watts' recent solo comedic experience includes gigs at ], ], ], ]'s Luminous Festival at the ], ], ], PopTech!, Electric Forest Festival, ] (London), Vancouver Comedy Festival, CollegeHumor's "CH Live" stand-up comedy series, The Edinburgh Festival, ], The Sydney Festival, ], Rifflandia, Outside Lands Festival and cities throughout the world including Amsterdam's ], Paris, Cologne, Madrid, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Melbourne, Cape Town and Reykjavík, among others. | |||
In 2014, Watts contributed the outro vocal on "Holy City" and beatbox on the title track of the ] album ]. He also appeared as the last act in the season 4 premiere of '']'' where he told some jokes and performed a song. In December 2014, following CBS's announcement that Watts would lead ''The Late Late Show'' band, Aukerman announced that Watts would leave ''Comedy Bang! Bang!'' after the first half of 2015.<ref name="SSart">{{cite web|url=http://splitsider.com/2014/12/cbs-announces-reggie-watts-will-be-late-late-shows-band-leader-next-year/|title=CBS Announces Reggie Watts Will Be 'Late Late Show's Band Leader Next Year|author=Wright, Megh|date=December 12, 2014|work=]|access-date=December 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216035227/http://splitsider.com/2014/12/cbs-announces-reggie-watts-will-be-late-late-shows-band-leader-next-year/|archive-date=December 16, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Watts' final episode of ''Comedy Bang! Bang!'' was on June 5, 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2015/02/19/comedy-bang-bang-passes-the-mic-to-kid-cudi-71305/20150219ifc01/|title=Breaking News - "Comedy Bang! Bang!" Passes the Mic to Kid Cudi | TheFutonCritic.com|website=www.thefutoncritic.com}}</ref> | |||
Watts frequently collaborates with performers/musicians around the globe. He appeared as part of the Ensemble cast of UK beatboxer ]'s Complete and Utter Shambles show at the Udderbelly during its residency at South Bank. He was the opening act for ] on her European tour; he recorded vocals for Spektor's song "Dance Anthem of the 80s". He collaborated with French singer Camile Dalmais in a performance at the ], Paris. He also contributed two tracks to ]' ''Spaghetti Circus''. He also performed with dance-punk band ] during their first two farewell shows at Terminal 5 in New York City, and again at their final show at ] performing "45:33 (Part 2)" as a duet with frontman James Murphy. | |||
===''The Late Late Show with James Corden'' and ''Spatial'' (2015–2023)=== | |||
Watts' second stand-up special, ''Reggie Watts: A "Live" in Central Park'', premiered on May 12, 2012 on Comedy Central in the "Secret Stash" completely uncensored to positive reviews.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hyman|first=Dan|title=Reggie Watts: 'I Feel That I Need to Make Something More Substantial'|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/reggie-watts-i-feel-that-i-need-to-make-something-more-substantial-20120522|newspaper=Rolling Stone|date=May 22, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=L. Ray|first=Austin|title=Reggie Watts A Live at Central Park special review|url=http://www.thespittake.com/2012/05/11/reggie-watts-a-live-at-central-park-comedy-central/|publisher=The Spit Take|accessdate=12 April 2013}}</ref> | |||
Watts served as the bandleader and announcer for '']'' for its entire run from 2015 to 2023. He described his role on the show as "a mix of ] and ]".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Kavner|first1=Lucas|title=Reggie Watts on His New Gig As Bandleader of The Late Late Show and Why He Was Initially Annoyed by the Offer|date=March 23, 2015 |url=https://www.vulture.com/2015/03/reggie-watts-late-late-show-bandleader.html|publisher=Vulture|access-date=April 4, 2015}}</ref> His band on the show was unofficially named Karen,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Daly|first1=Kyle|title=Reggie Watts' Late Late Show band is just called Karen|date=March 23, 2015 |url=https://www.avclub.com/article/reggie-watts-late-late-show-band-just-called-karen-216960|publisher=AV Club|access-date=April 4, 2015}}</ref> but in response to the rise of that name ], the band was renamed Melissa.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5ASqB8Uj4Y&list=PLZ1f3amS4y1dL8w1B7gqJ1paItNh_9Hym |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/W5ASqB8Uj4Y |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Bye 'Karen' - LLS Band Gets a New Name - 3 Things|via=www.youtube.com}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Watts had a slot on the show to ask a guest a question about anything called Reggie's Question. The questions were a continuation of his time on ''Comedy Bang! Bang!'' and followed his preference for surreal comedy in his stand-up act.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sandberg|first1=Bryn|title='Late Late Show' Bandleader Reggie Watts on Dual Role, 'Comedy Bang! Bang!' Influence|date=March 23, 2015 |url=https://news.yahoo.com/show-bandleader-reggie-watts-dual-role-comedy-bang-040000475.html|publisher=The Hollywood Reporter/Yahoo|access-date=April 4, 2015}}</ref> | |||
On December 6, 2016, Watts' ] special ''Spatial'' was released.<ref>{{Citation|title=Reggie Watts: Spatial|date=December 6, 2016|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5861260/|access-date=July 18, 2019}}</ref> | |||
==Television/video== | |||
On screen, Watts has appeared on '']'', '']'', HBO's '']'',<ref name="Yes Men">{{cite web|url=http://theyesmen.org/pub/Press_Kit_The_Yes_Men_Fix_the_World.pdf |title=The Yes Men Fix the World: Press Kit |format=PDF |date= |accessdate=2012-05-29}}</ref> Comedy Central's ''Michael and Michael Have Issues'', Iceland TV, UK's '']'', PBS' revamped '']'' and the music video "What About Blowjobs?" for ].<ref name=Esquire>{{cite web|url=http://www.esquire.com/features/best-and-brightest-2008/reggie-watts-goes-solo-1208|title=The YouTube Star Who's Crazy in a Funny Way|date=2008-12-02|work='']'' |accessdate=2011-04-30}}</ref> | |||
===''Autobiography'' (2023)=== | |||
Waverly Films recently shot a one-hour special on Watts called "Why Shit So Crazy?". Created as a dual DVD/CD, the special features Watts in live performance at New York venues Galapagos, The Bellhouse and Le Poisson Rouge, bookended with brief sketches and a music video of Watts' "Fuck Shit Stack". As a composer, he wrote and performed music for comedian ]'s show, '']'',<ref>{{cite news|last=McKee|first=Ryan|title=Reggie Watts Talks Touring With Conan, Loving Jim Croce And The Last Time He Vomited|url=http://clutch.mtv.com/2011/07/25/reggie-watts-comedian-interview/|newspaper=MTV Clutch Blog|date=July 25, 2011}}</ref> and created the theme songs for '']'', '']'' and ]'s '']''. In 2010, Watts appeared on the Movie Network/Movie Central/HBO Canada produced ''Funny As Hell'', a comedy series taped during the Just For Laughs Festival in ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/February2011/24/c5743.html|title=HBO CANADA GOES FOR THE LAUGHS WITH FUNNY AS HELL, A NEW SIX-PART ORIGINAL COMEDY SERIES|date=2011-02-24 |work=]|accessdate=2011-04-30}}</ref> | |||
''Great Falls, MT; Fast Times, Post-Punk Weirdos, and a Tale of Coming Home Again'' <ref>{{Citation|title=Reggie Watts: Great Falls, MT|date=October 17, 2023|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5861260/|access-date=October 23, 2024}}</ref> | |||
In the ] series ], Watts does voice-over work for one of the unnamed "Time Police" characters. The characters themselves are an homage to ]'s "Dream Police".<ref>http://mantiseye.com/interview/superjail_interview_with_jackson_publick</ref> | |||
The audio version, read by Watts, includes sounds and samples of his music. | |||
In 2012, Watts began starring alongside ] on the ] series '']'', based on the comedy podcast of the same name (formerly '']'').<ref>{{cite news|last=Blackard|first=Cap|title=Interview: Reggie Watts|url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2012/05/interview-reggie-watts/|newspaper=Consequence of Sound|date=May 17, 2012}}</ref> Also in 2012, Watts was in the ]-directed ] for the ] song "Night & Day".<ref>{{cite web|title=Night and Day – Directed by Peter Serafinowicz|url=http://www.peterserafinowicz.com/night-and-day-directed-by-peter-serafinowicz|accessdate=21 May 2012}}</ref> He was also featured in the seventh series of ]'s show ] as the stand-up guest. | |||
==Performance style== | |||
Watts is collaborating with ], ], and ] and created the ] comedy ] known as ].<ref name="USA Today Introduces Jash">{{cite news|last=Matheson|first=Whitney|title=JASH: Your fave comedians launch a YouTube channel|url=http://www.usatoday.com/story/popcandy/2013/03/11/jash-youtube/1978521/|accessdate=11 March 2013|newspaper=]|date=2013-03-11}}</ref><ref name="Rolling Stone Magazine Introduces Jash">{{cite news|last=Danton|first=Eric R.|title=Sarah Silverman, Michael Cera Launch JASH Comedy Channel on YouTube|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/videos/sarah-silverman-michael-cera-launch-jash-comedy-channel-on-youtube-20130311|accessdate=11 March 2013|newspaper=]|date=2013-03-11}}</ref> | |||
Watts utilizes improvisation in his solo shows,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2015/08/01/428415046/reggie-watts-man-of-many-voices-improvised-his-way-to-success|title=Reggie Watts, Man Of Many Voices, Improvised His Way To Success|website=NPR.org|language=en|access-date=July 18, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2018/07/how-reggie-watts-makes-music.html|title = Inside the Magical Mind of Reggie Watts|date = July 16, 2018}}</ref> which consist of him singing and rapping both with words and with ], accompanying himself by either ], performing vocal basslines into a loop machine, or simply by playing the keyboard. His act also showcases his trademark style of stand-up comedy, consisting of him rapidly alternating between topics of discussion in both rational and nonsensical manners, making random sounds and gibberish noises, and speaking in other accents and languages at unexpected times, all with the intent of playfully and comically disorienting his audiences.<ref name="guardian review">{{cite web|title=Reggie Watts – review|url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2013/jun/19/reggie-watts-review|last=Logan|first=Brian|date=June 19, 2013|work=]|access-date=February 24, 2018}}</ref> He has a four-and-a-half octave ].<ref>{{cite web|title=The YouTube Star Who's Crazy in a Funny Way|author=Tourtelot, Nicole|url=https://esquire.com/news-politics/a5273/reggie-watts-goes-solo-1208|date=December 2, 2008|work=]|access-date=September 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806174617/https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a5273/reggie-watts-goes-solo-1208|archive-date=August 6, 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://nymag.com/arts/comics/profiles/66280/index1.html|title=The Mad Liberationist|website=NYMag.com|author=Anderson, Sam|date=May 28, 2010 |access-date=September 4, 2018}}</ref> | |||
== |
==Filmography== | ||
===Film=== | |||
Starting in 2007, Watts began creating experimental multi-media theater with long-time friend and playwright ].<ref name="SunBreak"/> They have generated four pieces, ''Transition, Disinformation, Radioplay'' and ''Dutch A/V''. The collaborations between Watts and Smith feature a wide array of performing artists including dancer/choreographer Amy O'Neal (locust), comedian/actor Beth Hoyt, singer Orianna Herrman (Oracle), journalist Brendan Kiley ("The Stranger"), aerial artist Jeslyn Kelly (''Fuerzabruta''), and projected imagery by ex-] video artist Joby Emmons. | |||
* ''Steel of Fire Warriors 2010 A.D.'' (2008) as Mutantzoid Underling in Bar | |||
* '']'' (2009) as himself | |||
* ''Reggie Watts Does London'' (2009) | |||
* '']'' (2010) as himself | |||
* '']'' (2011) as himself (cameo) | |||
* ''Tell Your Friends! The Concert Film'' (2012) as himself | |||
* '']'' (2012) as himself | |||
* ''A Live at Central Park'' (2012) as himself | |||
* ''Transition ''(2013) as himself | |||
* '']'' (2015) as Tone Hanger Singer and Beatboxer | |||
* ''Creative Control'' (2015) as himself | |||
* '']'' (2016) as Assaf (voice) | |||
* ''Spatial'' (2016) as himself | |||
* ''Keep in Touch'' (2016) as Dr. Harry Clark | |||
* '']'' (2018) as Carl (voice) | |||
* '']'' (2019) as Additional voices | |||
* '']'' (2020) as Chancellor (voice) | |||
* '']'' (2021) as Hoss (voice) | |||
===Television=== | |||
''Transition'' played at The Under The Radar Festival at ], ]'s Time Based Art Festival and ] (Seattle); it was also the winner of the MAP Fund Award and Creative Capital award. ''Disinformation'' was seen at the UTR Festival, PICA: TBA, The Museum of Contemporary Art (Chicago), ] (Pittsburgh), and ICA (Boston). ''Radioplay'' premiered at Ars Nova (New York), and played at Seattle Rep (]), IRT Theater (New York) and Redhouse (Syracuse). ''Dutch A/V'', a live environmental film performance and winner of the MAP Fund Award, was workshopped at IRT Theatre (New York). | |||
* ''Scott Batemen Presents Scott Batemen Presents'' (2007) as himself | |||
* ''Saving Steve Agee'' (2007) as himself | |||
* '']'' (2008) as Time-Police Member #1 (voice) | |||
* '']'' (2009) as himself | |||
* ''Made Here'' (2009) as himself | |||
* ''The Ha!ifax Comedy Fest'' (2009) as himself | |||
* '']'' (2009) as The Delivery Guy (voice) | |||
* '']'' (2009–2011) as Music Man | |||
* '']'' (2010) as himself | |||
* '']'' (2010) as himself | |||
* ''Team Coco Presents the Conan Writers Live'' (2010) as himself | |||
* '']'' (2011) | |||
* '']'' (2011) as himself | |||
* ''Mash Up'' (2011) as himself | |||
* '']'' (2011) as himself | |||
* ''Funny As Hell'' (2011) as himself | |||
* '']'': ''The Best-of Specials'' (2011) as Host | |||
* '']'' (2011) as himself | |||
* '']'' (2012) as himself | |||
* ''Russell Howard's Good News'' (2012) as himself | |||
* ''The Top 100 Video Games of All Time'' (2012) as himself | |||
* ''7 Minutes in Heaven'' (2012) as himself | |||
* ''Stand Down: True Tales from Stand-Up Comedy'' (2012) as himself | |||
* ''Mash Up'' (2012) as himself | |||
* ] (2012) as himself | |||
* ] (2012–2016) as himself | |||
* ''Reggie Makes Music'' (2012–2013) as himself | |||
* ''Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell'' (2013) as himself | |||
* '']'' (2013) as himself | |||
* ''2013 YouTube Music Awards'' (2013) as Host | |||
* '']'' (2013) as himself | |||
* '']'' (2014) as Neighbor | |||
* '']'' (2015–2023) as himself | |||
* '']'' (2016–2017) as various voices | |||
* '']'' (2017) as Rejgie (voice) | |||
* '']'' (2017) as himself | |||
* '']'' (2018) as Taskmaster<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/news/2535/taskmaster_usa/|title=Comedy Central USA buys Taskmaster format|first=British Comedy|last=Guide|date=April 18, 2017|website=British Comedy Guide}}</ref> | |||
* '']'' (2019–2022) as Pastry Pete (voice)<ref>{{cite web |last=Chavez |first=Danette |date=May 6, 2019 |title=The vibrant, surreal Tuca & Bertie is one of the best new shows of the year |url=https://www.avclub.com/the-vibrant-surreal-tuca-bertie-is-one-of-the-best-n-1834565823 |work=A/V Club}}</ref> | |||
* '']'' (2019) as Bernard the Nurse (voice) | |||
* '']'' (2019) as Graildokt | |||
* ] (2020) as Mr. Mann | |||
* '']'' (2020) as Darby (voice) | |||
* '']'' (2021–2023) as Quay (voice) | |||
* '']'' (2023) as Hans | |||
===Internet videos=== | |||
Watts and Smith also regularly host ''Occurrence'', a cabaret of alternative performers, which has been seen at Ars Nova, Galapagos, The Tank, Leftbank (Portland) and various other venues. A recording of their show ''Transition'' at ] helped launch the first-ever live performance download website, OTBTV. | |||
* CollegeHumor – "What About Blowjobs?" (2007) | |||
* Jake Lodwick - "It's Over" (2007) | |||
* Jake Lodwick - "The Beginning is Near" (2008) | |||
* Disinformation (2008) | |||
* bd – "I Just Want To" (2009) | |||
* "Fuck Shit Stack" (2010) | |||
* Pop!Tech – "Reggie Watts: Humor In Music" (2011) | |||
* Pop!Tech – "Reggie Watts: A Send-Off In Style" (2011) | |||
* Funny or Die – "Reggie Watts Live" (2012) | |||
* ] – "Reggie Watts Disorients You in the Most Entertaining Way" (2012) | |||
* "Reggie Watts Is Skrillex" (2012) | |||
* ] – Various Videos (2013–present) | |||
* "Ian Up For Whatever" – ] ] ad (2014) | |||
* "Brasilia: City of the Future" – (Carolina Ravassa) | |||
* ] – "Which Musician Am I?" (2018) | |||
* RIGHT NOW - "RIGHT NOW w/ John Goblikon S4 E2 (Reggie Watts)" <ref>Archived at {{cbignore}} and the {{cbignore}}: {{cite web| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWzAjS27CEI| title = RIGHT NOW w/ John Goblikon S4 E2 (Reggie Watts) | website=]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> | |||
* Marti Fischer - "Impro mit REGGIE WATTS | Ein Loop zwischendurch" <ref>{{Citation |title=Impro mit REGGIE WATTS {{!}} Ein Loop zwischendurch |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOqNKeOrTtQ |language=en |access-date=2022-07-11}}</ref> | |||
* Reggie Watts @ The Lot Radio (June 26, 2017)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEW7e9CZE9I | title=Reggie Watts @ the Lot Radio (June 26, 2017) | website=] }}</ref> | |||
* | |||
* REGGIE WATTS AND FLYING LOTUS - Livestream with Marc Rebillet<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J8G9qNT7gQ&t=3037s | title=Reggie Watts and Flying Lotus | website=] }}</ref> (2021) | |||
* The Try Guys - "I Smoke With Reggie Watts" (2024) | |||
== |
===Music videos=== | ||
* "Fuck Shit Stack" by Duncan & Ben (2010) | |||
He is winner of the 2005 ] "Oy Oy" Award, the 2006 ''] Comedy Award'', and the 2006 Seattle Mayor's Arts Award.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.seattle.gov/arts/news/press_releases.asp?prID=6448&deptID=1|title=Press Release|date=2006-09-01|work=Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs|accessdate=2011-04-30}}</ref> He was also awarded the 2008 MAP Fund and the 2009 Creative Capitol Grant for the performing arts, and won the 2009 ECNY Award for Best Musical Comedy Act.<ref name="bio"/> | |||
* "Night and Day" by ] (2012) | |||
* "Stop Desire" by ] (2016) | |||
* "Move" by Saint Motel (2017) | |||
* "Ask Yourself" by Panther Modern (2019) | |||
===Video games=== | |||
* ] | |||
* ''Cartoon Network Journeys''<ref>, I helped write dialogue and shape the personality of the character, who we named GormLorm (voiced by Reggie Watts), an inter-dimensional traveler.</ref> | |||
==Discography== | ==Discography== | ||
===Solo albums=== | |||
* '']'' (2004) | |||
* '' |
* ''Simplified'' (2003) | ||
* '']'' (2010) | |||
* '']'' (2010)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/artist/Reggie+Watts|title=Reggie Watts Discography at Discogs|accessdate=2011-04-30}}</ref> | |||
* ''Live at Third Man'' – 12" Vinyl (2011) | |||
* ''Live At Third Man'' (2011)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/Reggie-Watts-Live-At-Third-Man/release/2803837|title=Reggie Watts - Live At Third Man|accessdate=2012-05-28}}</ref> | |||
* ''A Live |
* ''A Live at Central Park'' (2012) | ||
* ''Spatial'' (2016) | |||
'''With ]''' | |||
*''Subtle Ways'' (1999) | |||
*''Khronos'' (2003) | |||
*''Say What You Mean'' (2005) | |||
*''Start It Over'' (2007) | |||
*''Five'' (2009) | |||
'''With ]''' | |||
*'']'' (Intution, 1996 ) | |||
*'']'' (Avant, 2000) | |||
== |
===Solo singles=== | ||
* "So Beautiful" (2005) | |||
*'']'' (2008) as Mutantzoid Underling in Bar | |||
* "Get Ready" (2014) | |||
*'']'' (2009) as Himself<ref name="Yes Men"/> | |||
*"]" (2010) as Himself | |||
===Collaborative albums=== | |||
*'']'' (2011) as Himself | |||
====Maktub==== | |||
*''] (2012) as Himself | |||
* '']'' (1999) | |||
* '']'' (2002/2003) | |||
* '']'' (2005) | |||
* ''Start It Over'' (2007) | |||
* ''Five'' (2009) | |||
====4 + 1 Ensemble==== | |||
* '']'' (Intuition, 1996) | |||
* '']'' (Avant, 2000) | |||
====Wajatta==== | |||
* ''Casual High Technology'' (], 2018) | |||
* ''Don't Let Get You Down'' (], 2020) | |||
===Collaborative songs=== | |||
* "Closer" (2004) | |||
* "Tears" (2009) | |||
* "Dance Anthem of the 80's" (2012) | |||
* "Spaghetti Circus" (2012) | |||
* "Drunk Texts to Myself" ] feat. Reggie Watts] (2013) | |||
* "We Got A Love" (2013) | |||
* "Bassface" ] feat. Reggie Watts (2014) | |||
* "MFN" / "Housekeeping" ], ] (2014) | |||
* "Holy City" / "The Classic" ] (2014) | |||
* "Sunshine" ] (2014) | |||
* "]" The Cooties (2016)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.30days30songs.com/31 | title=The Cooties featuring Reggie Watts - 30 Days, 30 Songs | website=30 Days 30 Songs | access-date=June 22, 2020}}</ref> | |||
* "There Should Be Unicorns" ], ], (2017) | |||
* "Captain Crunch" ], ] & ] (2018) | |||
* "Stranded" ] (2018) | |||
* "Daddi (Reggie Watts Remix)" ] (2019) | |||
* "OATMILK" (with ]) (2020) | |||
==Awards and honors== | |||
Watts is the winner of the 2005 ] "Oy Oy" Award, the 2006 ''] Comedy Award'', and the 2006 Seattle Mayor's Arts Award.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.seattle.gov/arts/news/press_releases.asp?prID=6448&deptID=1|title=Press Release|date=September 1, 2006|work=Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs|access-date=April 30, 2011}}</ref> He was also awarded the 2008 MAP Fund and the 2009 Creative Capitol Grant for the performing arts, and won the 2009 ECNY Award for Best Musical Comedy Act.<ref name="bio"/> | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
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==External links== | ==External links== | ||
{{sister project links|d=Q3423441|c=category:Reggie Watts|n=no|b=no|v=no|voy=no|m=no|mw=no|species=no|wikt=no|s=no}} | |||
{{Wikiquote}} | |||
* {{official website |
* {{official website}} | ||
* {{discogs artist}} | * {{discogs artist}} | ||
* {{IMDb name|2551886}} | * {{IMDb name|2551886}} | ||
* {{twitter|reggiewatts}} | |||
* | |||
* | |||
* for ] | |||
* | |||
* | |||
{{The Late Late Show (CBS TV series)}} | |||
{{Conan O'Brien}} | |||
{{YTMAs}} | {{YTMAs}} | ||
{{Authority control |
{{Authority control}} | ||
<!-- Metadata: see ] --> | |||
{{Persondata | |||
|NAME = Watts, Reggie | |||
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES = Reginald Lucien Frank Roger Watts | |||
|SHORT DESCRIPTION = Musician, singer and comedian | |||
|DATE OF BIRTH = March 23, 1972 | |||
|PLACE OF BIRTH = Germany | |||
|DATE OF DEATH = | |||
|PLACE OF DEATH = | |||
}} | |||
{{DEFAULTSORT:Watts, Reggie}} | {{DEFAULTSORT:Watts, Reggie}} | ||
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Latest revision as of 18:05, 2 December 2024
American comedian and musician (born 1972)
Reggie Watts | |
---|---|
Watts in July 2017 | |
Background information | |
Birth name | Reginald Lucien Frank Roger Watts |
Born | (1972-03-23) March 23, 1972 (age 52) Stuttgart, West Germany |
Origin | Great Falls, Montana, U.S. |
Genres | |
Occupations |
|
Instruments |
|
Years active | 1996–present |
Website | reggiewatts |
Reginald Lucien Frank Roger Watts (born March 23, 1972) is an American comedian, musician, beatboxer, and actor. His improvised musical sets are created using only his voice, a keyboard, and a looping machine. He refers to himself as a "disinformationist" who aims to disorient his audience in a comedic fashion. He was the regular house musician on the spoof IFC talk show Comedy Bang! Bang! and led the house band for The Late Late Show with James Corden from 2015 to 2023.
Early life
Reginald Lucien Frank Roger Watts was born in Stuttgart (which was then in West Germany) on March 23, 1972, the son of French mother Christiane and African-American father Charles Alphonso Watts. His parents were there at the time due to his father's role as a Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, which also later led the family to live in France, Italy, and Spain before returning to the U.S. They settled in Great Falls, Montana, where Watts grew up and graduated from Great Falls High School in 1990. He began piano and violin lessons at the age of five, with his love of music beginning as a young child when he saw Ray Charles play the piano on television. He moved to Seattle at the age of 18 to study music, attending the Art Institute of Seattle before studying jazz at Cornish College of the Arts.
Career
Early career (1996–2009)
In 1996, Watts became the frontman for the band Maktub. While recording and touring from 1996 to 2000 with Wayne Horvitz's 4+1 Ensemble as a keyboardist, he was forced to downsize his effects pedal from a Roland Space Echo tape delay to a Line 6 DL4 delay modeler, a smaller device that makes it easy to travel. He began using the Line 6 in live shows with Maktub to replicate the duplicate harmonies from the recorded material. He experimented with improvising entire songs in solo acts with the Line 6, while trying to sound like Tom Waits, playing initial gigs at small Seattle venues and artist bungalows. While in Seattle, he composed musical scores for dance choreographers and dabbled in sketch comedy with longtime friend and future playwright Tommy Smith, who later ended their collaborative relationship when Watts failed to credit him for co-writing the lyrics of his viral hits "Fuck Shit Stack" and "What About Blowjobs?"
In 2004, after recording five albums over eight years, Watts moved to New York City's Lower East Side. In 2005, he recorded his first solo single, "So Beautiful". Inspired by The State and Wet Hot American Summer, he began infusing spontaneous comedic material with the beatbox-driven musical compositions. He also shot comedic shorts for Superdeluxe, Vimeo, and CollegeHumor.
In 2007, Watts appeared on Plum TV's Scott Bateman Presents Scott Bateman Presents and starred in the CollegeHumor internet video "What About Blowjobs?" The video became a viral hit. The same year, he also wrote and performed the theme song for Penelope Princess of Pets, a web comedy series featuring Kristen Schaal and H. Jon Benjamin. In 2008, Watts recorded a new special entitled Disinformation, which features his performance at the Under the Radar Festival at the Public Theater. He also appeared in the independent film Steel of Fire Warriors 2010 A.D. as a Mutantzoid Underling and on an episode of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, as well as making other various television appearances.
In 2009, Watts recorded his first solo EP, Pot Cookies. He also began appearing on the PBS Kids' children's program The Electric Company. He performed in his first solo short film Watts Does London and made a small appearance on Comedy Central's Michael and Michael Have Issues. He then did voice work for an episode of Adult Swim's The Venture Bros., Australia's Good News Week, and appeared in the U.S. documentary The Yes Men Fix the World. He also toured in support of Devo in a fall 2009 tour.
Why Shit So Crazy? (2010–2011)
In 2010, Waverly Films shot a one-hour special on Watts called Why Shit So Crazy? The special features Watts in live performance at New York venues Galapagos, The Bellhouse, and (Le) Poisson Rouge, bookended with brief sketches and a music video of Watts' "Fuck Shit Stack". Comedy Central aired Why Shit So Crazy? and released the film as a dual DVD/CD package. Afterwards, Watts made various public appearances, including during Conan O'Brien's The Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television Tour.
A Live at Central Park (2012)
Watts's second stand-up special, A Live at Central Park, premiered on Comedy Central in the "Secret Stash" on May 12, 2012. It was completely uncensored and received positive reviews. The film was made available as a CD/DVD through Watts' official website as well as Comedy Central's online store.
Soon afterwards, Watts performed a song with LCD Soundsystem on their farewell documentary movie, Shut Up and Play the Hits.
Comedy Bang! Bang! (2012–2015)
In 2012, Watts began starring opposite Scott Aukerman on the IFC series Comedy Bang! Bang! based on the podcast of the same name. That same year, Watts began collaborating with Michael Cera, Tim & Eric, and Sarah Silverman to create a comedy YouTube channel called Jash.
In 2013, On the Boards recorded a new Watts special entitled Transition, which played at various arts festivals including the Under the Radar Festival at The Public Theater; it was winner of the MAP Fund Award and Creative Capital award. The same year, Watts was invited to perform at Yoko Ono's Meltdown 2013 on the South Bank in London where he was supported by Mac Lethal.
In 2014, Watts contributed the outro vocal on "Holy City" and beatbox on the title track of the Joan As Police Woman album The Classic. He also appeared as the last act in the season 4 premiere of John Oliver's New York Stand-Up Show where he told some jokes and performed a song. In December 2014, following CBS's announcement that Watts would lead The Late Late Show band, Aukerman announced that Watts would leave Comedy Bang! Bang! after the first half of 2015. Watts' final episode of Comedy Bang! Bang! was on June 5, 2015.
The Late Late Show with James Corden and Spatial (2015–2023)
Watts served as the bandleader and announcer for The Late Late Show with James Corden for its entire run from 2015 to 2023. He described his role on the show as "a mix of Paul Shaffer and Andy Richter". His band on the show was unofficially named Karen, but in response to the rise of that name being used as an insult, the band was renamed Melissa. Watts had a slot on the show to ask a guest a question about anything called Reggie's Question. The questions were a continuation of his time on Comedy Bang! Bang! and followed his preference for surreal comedy in his stand-up act.
On December 6, 2016, Watts' Netflix special Spatial was released.
Autobiography (2023)
Great Falls, MT; Fast Times, Post-Punk Weirdos, and a Tale of Coming Home Again
The audio version, read by Watts, includes sounds and samples of his music.
Performance style
Watts utilizes improvisation in his solo shows, which consist of him singing and rapping both with words and with sound poetry, accompanying himself by either beatboxing, performing vocal basslines into a loop machine, or simply by playing the keyboard. His act also showcases his trademark style of stand-up comedy, consisting of him rapidly alternating between topics of discussion in both rational and nonsensical manners, making random sounds and gibberish noises, and speaking in other accents and languages at unexpected times, all with the intent of playfully and comically disorienting his audiences. He has a four-and-a-half octave vocal range.
Filmography
Film
- Steel of Fire Warriors 2010 A.D. (2008) as Mutantzoid Underling in Bar
- The Yes Men Fix the World (2009) as himself
- Reggie Watts Does London (2009)
- Why Shit So Crazy? (2010) as himself
- Conan O'Brien Can't Stop (2011) as himself (cameo)
- Tell Your Friends! The Concert Film (2012) as himself
- Shut Up and Play the Hits (2012) as himself
- A Live at Central Park (2012) as himself
- Transition (2013) as himself
- Pitch Perfect 2 (2015) as Tone Hanger Singer and Beatboxer
- Creative Control (2015) as himself
- My Entire High School Sinking into the Sea (2016) as Assaf (voice)
- Spatial (2016) as himself
- Keep in Touch (2016) as Dr. Harry Clark
- Duck Duck Goose (2018) as Carl (voice)
- Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) as Additional voices
- The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run (2020) as Chancellor (voice)
- Extinct (2021) as Hoss (voice)
Television
- Scott Batemen Presents Scott Batemen Presents (2007) as himself
- Saving Steve Agee (2007) as himself
- Superjail! (2008) as Time-Police Member #1 (voice)
- Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (2009) as himself
- Made Here (2009) as himself
- The Ha!ifax Comedy Fest (2009) as himself
- The Venture Bros. (2009) as The Delivery Guy (voice)
- The Electric Company (2009–2011) as Music Man
- The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien (2010) as himself
- Good News Week (2010) as himself
- Team Coco Presents the Conan Writers Live (2010) as himself
- Conan O'Brien Can't Stop (2011)
- Cracker Night (2011) as himself
- Mash Up (2011) as himself
- Talk Stoop (2011) as himself
- Funny As Hell (2011) as himself
- Doctor Who: The Best-of Specials (2011) as Host
- The Green Room with Paul Provenza (2011) as himself
- Delocated (2012) as himself
- Russell Howard's Good News (2012) as himself
- The Top 100 Video Games of All Time (2012) as himself
- 7 Minutes in Heaven (2012) as himself
- Stand Down: True Tales from Stand-Up Comedy (2012) as himself
- Mash Up (2012) as himself
- The Secret Policeman's Ball (2012) as himself
- Comedy Bang! Bang! (2012–2016) as himself
- Reggie Makes Music (2012–2013) as himself
- Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell (2013) as himself
- Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2013) as himself
- 2013 YouTube Music Awards (2013) as Host
- America's Next Top Model (2013) as himself
- Inside Amy Schumer (2014) as Neighbor
- The Late Late Show with James Corden (2015–2023) as himself
- Adventure Time (2016–2017) as various voices
- The Mr. Peabody & Sherman Show (2017) as Rejgie (voice)
- Baroness von Sketch Show (2017) as himself
- Taskmaster (2018) as Taskmaster
- Tuca & Bertie (2019–2022) as Pastry Pete (voice)
- Ask the StoryBots (2019) as Bernard the Nurse (voice)
- HarmonQuest (2019) as Graildokt
- One Day at a Time (2020) as Mr. Mann
- Wild Life (2020) as Darby (voice)
- The Great North (2021–2023) as Quay (voice)
- History of the World, Part II (2023) as Hans
Internet videos
- CollegeHumor – "What About Blowjobs?" (2007)
- Jake Lodwick - "It's Over" (2007)
- Jake Lodwick - "The Beginning is Near" (2008)
- Disinformation (2008)
- bd – "I Just Want To" (2009)
- "Fuck Shit Stack" (2010)
- Pop!Tech – "Reggie Watts: Humor In Music" (2011)
- Pop!Tech – "Reggie Watts: A Send-Off In Style" (2011)
- Funny or Die – "Reggie Watts Live" (2012)
- TED – "Reggie Watts Disorients You in the Most Entertaining Way" (2012)
- "Reggie Watts Is Skrillex" (2012)
- Jash – Various Videos (2013–present)
- "Ian Up For Whatever" – Bud Light Super Bowl XLVIII ad (2014)
- "Brasilia: City of the Future" – Hispanglosaxon (Carolina Ravassa)
- Good Mythical Morning – "Which Musician Am I?" (2018)
- RIGHT NOW - "RIGHT NOW w/ John Goblikon S4 E2 (Reggie Watts)"
- Marti Fischer - "Impro mit REGGIE WATTS | Ein Loop zwischendurch"
- Reggie Watts @ The Lot Radio (June 26, 2017)
- CHILLING WITH ERYKAH AND REGGIE
- REGGIE WATTS AND FLYING LOTUS - Livestream with Marc Rebillet (2021)
- The Try Guys - "I Smoke With Reggie Watts" (2024)
Music videos
- "Fuck Shit Stack" by Duncan & Ben (2010)
- "Night and Day" by Hot Chip (2012)
- "Stop Desire" by Tegan and Sara (2016)
- "Move" by Saint Motel (2017)
- "Ask Yourself" by Panther Modern (2019)
Video games
- Accounting+
- Cartoon Network Journeys
Discography
Solo albums
- Simplified (2003)
- Why Shit So Crazy? (2010)
- Live at Third Man – 12" Vinyl (2011)
- A Live at Central Park (2012)
- Spatial (2016)
Solo singles
- "So Beautiful" (2005)
- "Get Ready" (2014)
Collaborative albums
Maktub
- Subtle Ways (1999)
- Khronos (2002/2003)
- Say What You Mean (2005)
- Start It Over (2007)
- Five (2009)
4 + 1 Ensemble
- 4+1 Ensemble (Intuition, 1996)
- From a Window (Avant, 2000)
Wajatta
- Casual High Technology (Comedy Dynamics, 2018)
- Don't Let Get You Down (Brainfeeder, 2020)
Collaborative songs
- "Closer" (2004)
- "Tears" (2009)
- "Dance Anthem of the 80's" (2012)
- "Spaghetti Circus" (2012)
- "Drunk Texts to Myself" Trevor Moore feat. Reggie Watts] (2013)
- "We Got A Love" (2013)
- "Bassface" The Midnight Beast feat. Reggie Watts (2014)
- "MFN" / "Housekeeping" Cibo Matto, Hotel Valentine (2014)
- "Holy City" / "The Classic" Joan as Police Woman (2014)
- "Sunshine" Flight Facilities (2014)
- "Trumpy Trump" The Cooties (2016)
- "There Should Be Unicorns" Oczy Mlody, The Flaming Lips, (2017)
- "Captain Crunch" Czarface Meets Metal Face, Czarface & MF Doom (2018)
- "Stranded" Flight Facilities (2018)
- "Daddi (Reggie Watts Remix)" Cherry Glazerr (2019)
- "OATMILK" (with Chelsea Peretti) (2020)
Awards and honors
Watts is the winner of the 2005 Malcolm Hardee "Oy Oy" Award, the 2006 Andy Kaufman Comedy Award, and the 2006 Seattle Mayor's Arts Award. He was also awarded the 2008 MAP Fund and the 2009 Creative Capitol Grant for the performing arts, and won the 2009 ECNY Award for Best Musical Comedy Act.
References
- ^ Teagarden, Rebecca (December 19, 2004). "Reggie Watts: Stage presence". The Seattle Times. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
- "Reggie Watts Biography". Retrieved November 11, 2012.
- ^ "The YouTube Star Who's Crazy in a Funny Way". Esquire. December 2, 2008. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
- Scott C (October 16, 2005). "Soulful absurdity: The two sides of Reggie Watts". Montreal Mirror. Archived from the original on July 14, 2011. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
- "Reggie Watts on Employee of the Month". SoundCloud. Archived from the original on July 8, 2013.
- ^ "Reggie Watts Official Biography". Reggiewatts.com. Retrieved May 29, 2012.
- ^ Itzkoff, Dave (May 28, 2010). "Always the Quick-Change Artist, From Skits to Songs to Stand-Ups". The New York Times.
- "Reggie Watts is living his childhood dream, but would also enjoy being a gigolo". The A.V. Club. April 10, 2018.
- Barker, Jeremy M. (October 14, 2009). "Reggie Watts & Tommy Smith's Long Road Back to on the Boards". The SunBreak.
- "Pumping in and pumping out: genre-defying performer Reggie Watts advocates theatre that shifts gears and keeps its engines running. - Free Online Library". www.thefreelibrary.com. Retrieved November 9, 2018.
- Klickstein, Mathew (August 11, 2011). "Reggie Watts, Conan O'Brien's hip-hop comic coming to the Fox". Colorado Daily.
- Hyman, Dan (May 22, 2012). "Reggie Watts: 'I Feel That I Need to Make Something More Substantial'". Rolling Stone.
- L. Ray, Austin. "Reggie Watts A Live at Central Park special review". The Spit Take. Retrieved April 12, 2013.
- Blackard, Cap (May 17, 2012). "Interview: Reggie Watts". Consequence of Sound.
- Matheson, Whitney (March 11, 2013). "JASH: Your fave comedians launch a YouTube channel". USA Today. Retrieved March 11, 2013.
- Danton, Eric R. (March 11, 2013). "Sarah Silverman, Michael Cera Launch JASH Comedy Channel on YouTube". Rolling Stone. Retrieved March 11, 2013.
- "Reggie Watts + Mac Lethal". southbankcentre.co.uk.
- Wright, Megh (December 12, 2014). "CBS Announces Reggie Watts Will Be 'Late Late Show's Band Leader Next Year". Splitsider. Archived from the original on December 16, 2014. Retrieved December 14, 2014.
- "Breaking News - "Comedy Bang! Bang!" Passes the Mic to Kid Cudi | TheFutonCritic.com". www.thefutoncritic.com.
- Kavner, Lucas (March 23, 2015). "Reggie Watts on His New Gig As Bandleader of The Late Late Show and Why He Was Initially Annoyed by the Offer". Vulture. Retrieved April 4, 2015.
- Daly, Kyle (March 23, 2015). "Reggie Watts' Late Late Show band is just called Karen". AV Club. Retrieved April 4, 2015.
- "Bye 'Karen' - LLS Band Gets a New Name - 3 Things". Archived from the original on December 21, 2021 – via www.youtube.com.
- Sandberg, Bryn (March 23, 2015). "'Late Late Show' Bandleader Reggie Watts on Dual Role, 'Comedy Bang! Bang!' Influence". The Hollywood Reporter/Yahoo. Retrieved April 4, 2015.
- Reggie Watts: Spatial, December 6, 2016, retrieved July 18, 2019
- Reggie Watts: Great Falls, MT, October 17, 2023, retrieved October 23, 2024
- "Reggie Watts, Man Of Many Voices, Improvised His Way To Success". NPR.org. Retrieved July 18, 2019.
- "Inside the Magical Mind of Reggie Watts". July 16, 2018.
- Logan, Brian (June 19, 2013). "Reggie Watts – review". The Guardian. Retrieved February 24, 2018.
- Tourtelot, Nicole (December 2, 2008). "The YouTube Star Who's Crazy in a Funny Way". Esquire. Archived from the original on August 6, 2020. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
- Anderson, Sam (May 28, 2010). "The Mad Liberationist". NYMag.com. Retrieved September 4, 2018.
- Guide, British Comedy (April 18, 2017). "Comedy Central USA buys Taskmaster format". British Comedy Guide.
- Chavez, Danette (May 6, 2019). "The vibrant, surreal Tuca & Bertie is one of the best new shows of the year". A/V Club.
- Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: "RIGHT NOW w/ John Goblikon S4 E2 (Reggie Watts)". YouTube.
- Impro mit REGGIE WATTS | Ein Loop zwischendurch, retrieved July 11, 2022
- "Reggie Watts @ the Lot Radio (June 26, 2017)". YouTube.
- "Reggie Watts and Flying Lotus". YouTube.
- Spencer Rothbelle - Cartoon Network Journeys VR, I helped write dialogue and shape the personality of the character, who we named GormLorm (voiced by Reggie Watts), an inter-dimensional traveler.
- "The Cooties featuring Reggie Watts - 30 Days, 30 Songs". 30 Days 30 Songs. Retrieved June 22, 2020.
- "Press Release". Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs. September 1, 2006. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
External links
- Official website
- Reggie Watts discography at Discogs
- Reggie Watts at IMDb
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