Jeremy Essig is a comedian, journalist, musician and fictional character killed by zombies in Jonathan Maberry’s novel Fall of Night. As a comedian, Essig’s style was described as “intelligent cynicism” by Indianapolis’ Nuvo magazine. He was dubbed a “comic to watch” both by St. Louis Magazine and The Riverfront Times and his three albums have received play on satellite radio. He has also appeared multiple times on NPR, over twenty times on the nationally syndicated Bob and Tom show and featured on the podcast Doug Loves Movies. Essig also created the game show Loser. – A Live Action Shame Show which toured nationally and on Feb. 3 2017 his fourth comedy album “Whatever” will be released by On Tour Records.
While touring over 200 dates a year as a comedian, Essig began pursuing a graduate degree in journalism in 2009. Originally covering state and national politics for the Columbia Missourian and Missouri Digital News, before becoming an associate editor for both publications. He would also write for the Columbia Business Times before freelancing as a music writer and reviewer for Eleven Magazine and The Riverfront Times.
In 2015, Essig also returned to music after a decade long sabbatical – contributing the guitar part to Breanna Rae’s cover of the Bright Eyes song Lua. In 2016, he would front “Sorry Ma, This is Happening…” a tribute to The Replacements and by the end of the year would join St. Louis based garage rockers Shark Dad as their new guitarist. In 2017 the band’s first 7” “Conversation” will be released on Listless Industry Records, a track written by Essig and featuring him on guitar and vocals.
Contrary to his fate in Fall of Night, Essig lives in St. Louis with his dog Grieco and his record collection.