Meet Kevin Melody: Comedian

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kevin Melody and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kevin, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?

My balance has changed significantly over time. When I started Tapped in two years ago it was just me, our creative director Gabe, and our social media genius Mark. Now we have three additional members to help. Your success is very dependent on the quality of help you have. The brand is a reflection of the people who work on it for sure.

I’ve done stand-up comedy since 2015 and I had to slow down before we started Tapped in but thanks to the pandemic and all the help we have, I’ve been able to start “The Unfunny Kevin Show” in addition to Tapped in as a comedic outlet and an additional podcast. I edit the audio for both, run both websites, and host the shows. Balance is key to making everything work properly for sure.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I was confronted with mortality at the age of seven when I had a freak accident at home. I was running in the house, slipped on the Persian rug in our living room, and stopped myself from flying through a glass door. My left hand punched through a square of glass that didn’t shatter like modern glass (this door was from the 50’s) and a shard of glass caught my wrist, ripped my skin off the underside of my wrist, and severed some veins. It was a miracle I survived.

I was forced to realize how precious being alive is at seven. This single experience has completely shaped my approach to most things. It removed a lot of fear for better or worse.

That lack of fear helps when you interview people constantly from different walks of life. I’m never star struck or nervous regardless of who I interview on my show. I’m grateful constantly that I even get the chance.

The same lack of fear helps with my stand-up comedy. I’ve always been able to deal with things through comedy. It hasn’t been some amazing and easy journey either. I’m far from done but what I’ve achieved I’m proud of. I’ve bombed plenty of times but I’ve also survived way worse than that. That’s what sets me apart.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

I would take them to various spots across Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. I grew up in the valley so it has a special place in my heart.

If we stick strictly to the valley I would take them to Cavaretta’s Italian Deli in Canoga Park for sandwiches and Italian groceries.

Then I’d have to visit one of my favorite places on Earth, Paoli’s Pizzeria & Piano Bar in Woodland Hills. My grandparents from New Jersey have a polaroid picture on the wall. It’s a uniquely great and old place that makes you feel warm in all the best ways. The pizza, drinks, and karaoke are superb.

The Iranian in me would also have to bring you to Raffi’s Place in Glendale for some of the best Persian food in my opinion. Alternatively, Darya in Santa Monica is a fun and authentic experience as well.

For a fun spot to visit I would take them to the Valley Relics Museum to take in the glory of the old valley. It’s actually been open during COVID and has a great collection of old items and even a little arcade.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I think I need to shout out a few people for sure. Gabe Shaddow and Mark Gajewski who pushed me to embrace my role as host of Tapped in and convinced me to pursue this. They believed in me which obviously helps.

My co-host Jullian Little for helping me navigate through interviews in a way only he can. He has been a tremendous addition to the show and is one of my greatest friends.

Joy Rizer for being the booking manager for the whole thing and keeping us moving. She has done a great job of leveraging her professionalism and experience to make sure we have a smooth operation.

My mom for being resilient in the face of adversity. Constantly reinventing herself to control her destiny. As an Iranian immigrant she managed to become the VP of a Chinese company. When you think about how remarkable that is, you understand where my drive comes from. If she can leave her country behind, learn a new language, navigate a new culture/society, raise two children, get her degree, and become a VP of a company, then I have no excuses. That’s why I’m willing to do so much at once and keep going.

Website: www.tappedinmusic.com

Instagram: Unfunnykev

Twitter: Unfunnykevin

Youtube: YouTube.com/tappedin

Other: Unfunnykevin.com

Image Credits
Jesse Sandoval @jessesndvl