James Mustapic loves dumb videos, both watching them and making them... his words not ours.
Aotearoa's comedy loving community loves his absurdist tinged outputs, whether in the form of his YouTube dissections of the more elaborate plots on Shortland Street, or his TVNZ series Abandonment Issues which saw his revisiting the now forgotten NZ celebrities and popular culture that shaped his childhood.
Mustapic's cutting quips have the feel of someone who is extremely online, but he insists that's not actually the case. He might not use TikTok anymore - because, he says, he’s 27-years-old - but he did use it at one point, and was very good at it (just ask his 12,000 followers).
As he prepares to perform his new comedy show Into the Multi-Media-Verse in Auckland and Wellington as part of the NZ International Comedy Festival, Mustapic gives us a deep dive into his own digital habits, with mentions of defunct but beloved social media channels, homemade memes that missed the mark, and a hot or cold approach to online shopping.
Your show at the Comedy Fest is called ‘Multi-Media-Verse’. What can we expect?
The show is so much fun (IMO)! It is an hour of silly stand-up where I meet different versions of myself in other universes! My mum Janet may also make an appearance… It’s going to be lit.
What’s your favourite form of multi-media?
I would say projector, but one of the really old ones from the 90s that they had at school! I have always wanted to do a live show with one of those little bitches.
Social media has really helped a lot of comedians worldwide reach new audiences. How has it helped - or hindered - you in terms of your comedy?
It’s definitely helped! I get to make dumb videos and the people that watch come along to my shows, so it’s been mostly very good. The only time it hinders me is when I get mean comments on YouTube calling me a ‘faggolini mac n cheesy’.
What’s your earliest internet memory?
The last story/link/meme/post you shared (and where did you share it)?
I shared a picture of cats doing laundry because I love cats and I love to do laundry <3
How many group chats are you in? What’s the name of the most active / funniest?
I love group chats! I’m in quite a few with my comedian friends. The most active one I have is two straight guys and it’s called ‘Toxic Masculinity’.
Your YouTube go-to?
So embarrassing but I loveeee to watch old X Factor auditions. My favourite is Rachel Lester. I quote her every single day “That was good wasn’t it… Let’s face it” and my friends are so sick of me playing it at parties.
What was the last TikTok video you liked / shared?
I’m sorry but I’m 27 years of age, I do not use Tiktok.
What’s your relationship with Facebook?
Can’t stand her. I mainly just use it for Messenger and to promote my shows but aside from that I never go on!
Are you on any other platforms, new or old? What, why, etc? Discord, BeReal, Tumblr, Pinterest, etc.
Just Bebo.
Have you ever made a meme or had a proud viral moment?
Not a proud viral moment but I have made a few memes.
I went on a date last year with a guy and we had been talking on Tinder about the singer Jessie J, and we also hated this gay guy whose name was Jay, lol. So I photoshopped Jay’s face onto a Jessie J album for the guy. He didn’t laugh.
Are you interested in the Metaverse?
Absolutely not.
What about NFTs?
I own 500,000 Drew Ne'emia and Sue Nicholson NFTs. They are available to purchase on my website.
Your favourite or most-played Spotify playlist?
Dane Rumble.
Do you game? What do you play, and how often?
I love to game! I have a Nintendo Switch and a PS5, and I reckon I play them most evenings.
How do you shop online? Do you have favourite sites and/or apps?
I usually go shopping for clothes by opening about 50000 tabs of things I want to buy online and then I get too overwhelmed and have a breakdown and then I close all of the tabs :)
Where and how do you typically get your news?
I work in the TVNZ newsroom so unfortunately, I cannot escape the news.
Who is the person that follows you that you’re most excited about?
Spankie Jackzon, winner of Drag Race Down Under season 2. Love her so much.
KJ Apa also used to follow me but has since unfollowed :(
How many emails do you typically receive in a day? And what’s your sign off?
I probably get around five emails per day I reckon.
Cheers,
James
What was your screen time last week?
My daily average was 3 hours 24 mins :/
What is your phone?
iPhone 11, and it’s yellow. And the screen is smashed :)
Please share a screenshot of your phone’s home screen.
Pretty boring, sorry.
James Mustapic’s show Into the Multi-Media-Verse runs from May 10 - 13 (Auckland, Basement Theatre) and May 16 - 20 (Wellington, BATS Theatre) as part of the NZ International Comedy Festival. Buy tickets here.
