Good Hang with Amy Poehler Fred Armisen
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Apr 7, 2026 
Fred Armisen, comedian, actor, musician and former SNL cast member, shares stories from his music and sketch-comedy life. He talks about drumming with Blue Man Group, the origins of Portlandia with Carrie Brownstein, multicultural roots, and how SNL shaped his career. Expect playful improv, quirky routines, and candid takes on risk and performance.
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How Portlandia Started As Afterparty Videos
- Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein first connected after a 2003 SNL afterparty where Fred approached Carrie wearing a button with her face on it.
- They hung out, made small comedic videos organically for years before pitching what became Portlandia to Broadway Video and IFC.
Comedy Works When You Commit To A Choice
- Fred's comedic power comes from making decisive, committed choices that invite audience trust, even if the choice is arbitrary like a state accent.
- That decisiveness creates comfort and generosity, letting viewers accept esoteric taste without feeling alienated.
Trenchmouth Toured Like A Campaign
- Fred formed Trenchmouth at art school to be immersed with like-minded musicians and toured aggressively in a van, treating touring like a committed campaign.
- The band's influences included Fugazi, Nation of Ulysses, and Lungfish, favoring mathematical, jagged punk over groove-based music.