In this episode of The Spark Parade, host Adam Unze (@sparkparade) sits down with Kyle Gordon, the New York-based comedian, actor, musician, songwriter, and improviser who’s taken the internet by storm. With over 6 million followers and a billion views across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and more, Kyle’s unique characters and pitch-perfect musical parodies—like his viral hit “Planet of the Bass”—have made him a household name and landed him on Variety’s 2023 “New Power” List.
Kyle shares his comedic origin story, from watching A Mighty Wind with his family to how Christopher Guest’s films shaped his sense of humor and approach to improv. Adam and Kyle break down what makes Guest’s mockumentaries so special: the improvisational brilliance of the ensemble cast, the meticulous character work, and the decades-long commitment to the bit that brings these worlds to life. They also discuss the legacy of A Mighty Wind, its cult status, and why its hyper-specific comedy resonates so deeply with fans and performers alike.
And then Adam gives his first of two recaps of his picks from the Tribeca Film Festival!
Key topics in this episode:
Kyle Gordon’s early memories of A Mighty Wind and discovering Christopher Guest’s filmography
The influence of improvisation and ensemble trust in Guest’s movies
Deep character development and how it fuels comedic spontaneity
The legacy of A Mighty Wind and its place in comedy history
Kyle’s journey as a viral comedian, from live comedy in NYC to international recognition, and his debut album “Kyle Gordon is Great”
About Kyle Gordon:
Kyle is a multi-talented performer known for his innovative online comedy, musical parodies, and standout characters. His 2023 hit “Planet of the Bass” was named Song of the Summer by major outlets. He’s performed with the Jonas Brothers, appeared on The Simpsons, Comedy Central, Adult Swim, and Fortnite, and his debut album debuted in the Billboard Comedy Albums top 10.
About A Mighty Wind:
A Mighty Wind (2003) is Christopher Guest’s loving send-up of the folk music world, featuring an all-star ensemble cast improvising their way through a tribute concert reunion. The film’s razor-sharp satire and affection for its subject have earned it a devoted cult following.
Listen for:
Behind-the-scenes stories about improv, character work, and the joys of hyper-specific comedy
Insights into the creative process of one of today’s most exciting comedians
A celebration of Christopher Guest’s enduring influence on comedy