Rising Stars: Meet Eric Patno

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Patno.

Hi Eric, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started doing standup on April 12th of 2019 a year after exiting the military. I was inspired by a friend and fellow soldier Cody Adams who passed away several months later (RIP). At the time when I started I also was going through a divorce and am now a full-time single parent of four children. Stand-up has gotten me through some tough times and has come with its own challenges throughout the journey. I’m very appreciative of the places I’ve been able to perform and the people I’ve been able to see grow alongside me. A few months into performing a friend of mine Brice Johnson (Buda, TX) was getting started with his personal company Watchdog Elite IT and told me that I should think seriously about also working as a producer. Thus Patno Productions went from a tag I’d use when producing hip hop beats (I’ve been rapping since I was 15) to a full-fledged studio project. I had been fortunate enough to work on various filming sets prior to this for small independent projects as a director and actor. I’ve now went on to produce advertisements, various comedy shows, multiple podcasts and launched my website Patnoproductions.com. After year one of performing, I purchased a home and had some friends assist with renovating the 5th bedroom into a home studio where I do all of my content creation from. The best pieces of advice I can give anyone are the following. Make sure your bills are paid, then look into making investments in yourself and your goals. Nothing comes overnight. Don’t burn any bridges that you don’t have to and surround yourself with people that see value in you not just what you might do for them. Stay humble and stay hungry. I have worked in and around Austin (performed at Cap City, Romo Room, etc.) and have done various shows and podcasts highlighting Austin talent (Everybody Hates Eric, Popcorn Trick Podcast, Blame It On The Bipolar Show). It was nice to be recognized for my contributions to the scene and I look forward to giving back so much more. Love what you do and do what you love. I grew up poor and from toxic/abusive surroundings. I only got this far because I kept going in the face of uncertainty. I wish anyone else the same and that they pursue their passions no matter what challenges might lie ahead. Adapt to your surroundings, Overcome your obstacles, Evolve as a person, and Elevate to that next level and remember that your potential is infinite. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Politics. Don’t partake in gossip and don’t compare your own path to others. Let your work speak for you. Don’t tell them, show them. If you need a mental health break to deal with things at home, take one! Also, if you have people in your corner always be sure to acknowledge them. “Sup, Junbug?”…

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Comedian, producer, director, artist. If it’s creative, I do it. Whether in front of the camera or behind it. I have a passion for entertaining, motivating, and telling stories. I’d say what sets me apart is I can be a tad blunt / overly honest for better or worse. I’m very straightforward and I’m a genuine person. The energy I give people is from a real place. The love and support I send is honest because I know what life is like without it. I do some blue material or “edgy” humor for some, but I handle it in a way that’s never dishonest.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Focus on your own plate. There’s enough room for everyone to eat. People with bad intentions will always fall victim to their own behavior. So ignore drama and just keep it moving. Also of note, I’ve produced multiple charity shows to do things like raise funds for Gold Star Families and toys for youth here in Killeen. Never be afraid to use your passions to help people in need. Shoutout to all the awesome comedians that made the trip to assist with those. Always be willing to give back to your community.

Contact Info:

• Email: Patnoproductions@gmail.com
• Website: www.patnoproductions.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrpatno/
• Facebook: Facebook.com/patnoproductions
• Twitter: Twitter.com/Mrpatno
• Youtube: YouTube.com/lmsakaepizzle
• SoundCloud: SoundCloud.com/patnoraw

Image Credits:
Blurred Linez Photography