From Programming Behind the Computer Screen to Becoming Two Well-Known Internet Figures, Cody Ko and Noel Miller Talk About Their Journey Into the Entertainment Industry

Before Cody Ko and Noel Miller had racked up millions of views and become two well-known internet figures, they worked behind the computer screen, programming at media company Fullscreen. “While Cody was doing Vine, I was doing standup comedy. I think we always wanted to get into entertainment, but it always feels way further away than it actually is. For us to be where we are now is pretty crazy,” Noel says. “I think it was gradual,” Cody reflects on the transition from a creative hobby to potential career in the entertainment industry. “It slowly became more of a reality. It was never something I set out to do in the beginning. I was more of a tech guy and programmer, and I thought I was going to be an engineer. That was my lane. Slowly, I realized I was more creative than I thought. Year by year, as I did more creative stuff, I realized more I could do it full-time.” Joining forces as Tiny Meat Gang, their group name, Cody and Noel together have hit videos, a trending podcast, and music in their portfolios. What started out as a creative dream turned into reality, and I’m here for all of it.

As I reveal to Cody before Noel jumps on the call, my 21st birthday theme was based around Cody’s solo podcast, Insanely Chill. Yes, I did wear a sign with Cody’s face on it for an entire night. A fan of both guys for years, I ask them plenty of questions that need answers in our phone interview. Most importantly, I get Noel to agree with me that Cody needs to bring back the overly aggressive coffee sips during the podcasts.

Perhaps what sets Cody and Noel apart are how unashamed they are of the content they produce—some of the most popular bits being That’s Cringe, their YouTube series that has amassed over 100M+ views. In the series, they showcase a video they discovered on the internet and offer their commentary on it. But with all content comes comments and critique. On how they handle the backlash, Noel says, “I think anytime we get into a critique or commentary, it should be an opinion we are ready to own. We should never say anything behind the veil of the internet. We should be prepared to own up to it.” 

Venturing into the music industry, the duo recently signed to Sony-owned Arista Records. They both claim the signing immediately loaded their bank accounts and that they deleted everyone’s contacts in their phone to fully grow into the new people they had become. Of course they’re joking, but they are serious when Cody says, “We are having fun, but there’s a vision. We aren’t totally f***ing around. It’s awesome they were able to see that and put some weight behind it.” Noel adds, “They are really into it and try to help us be better and bigger.”

Their self-produced rap track “Walk Man” and collaboration with Blackbear, “Short Kings Anthem,” have seen tens of millions of streams on Spotify. On some tips they have picked up from working with Black bear and being around artists like Post Malone, Noel says, “I think they make a lot of music all the time. I think that’s key. We’ve gotten better about making music. Sometimes when we start a song, we finish it that day. We also jot down ideas because who knows when it will be useful... I think it’s about capturing the pockets of inspiration.”

After selling out theaters across the country on their national comedy tour “Cody Ko & Noel Miller: Tiny Meat Gang Live,” they are ready to embark on an international tour. On the upcoming “Tiny Meat Gang: The Global Domination Tour,” Cody and Noel will be heading to the UK, Germany, New Zealand, as well as across the United States starting in February. “It’s every performer’s dream to go overseas and sell tickets,” Cody says. “It’s a dream to have a presence in these countries. I know it’s going to be so surreal going over there, playing a show, and having fans across the ocean.”

Not only are Noel and Cody recording podcasts and making music as Tiny Meat Gang, they have their own personal projects as well. Noel has pursued film direction for years, and he recently directed Suki, a film about a young female killer slipping under the radar of law enforcement; an arrogant leader is sure he has a lead on her whereabouts, but his failure leads to disaster. At the time of our interview, the film had not yet been released, but I was able to catch it on YouTube before typing this, and I highly enjoyed the work. It shows off his very dark humor; you will oddly want to laugh while half looking away. (It is violent, and I would not suggest it for a younger audience.) On the other side of things, Cody has been working on the set of Real Bros 3, a series created by Jimmy Tatro. The comedic series has gained a large amount of fans and devout followers. The show is a spoof of your typical housewife reality show and showcases a ridiculous yet well-executed type of humor you can’t find in most entertainment. He can’t provide an exact release date, but he assures us it is near.

Between the crude humor, genuine laughter, and overall fun that is contained in everything they do, it is no surprise that these guys have something about their content that is addicting for listeners and viewers. You can start following their YouTube by searching them individually, or follow their podcast and music by looking up “Tiny Meat Gang.” It is up to you whether or not you want to listen with the parents around, but you will definitely gain a little core strength from all the laughs. In all seriousness, it is inspiring to see two people take side passions and turn them into booming careers.

STORY ELIZABETH STAFFORD
PHOTOS DERRICK FRESKE