3 Reasons You Should See Rue Snider Live

If one were to describe indie rock singer-songwriter Rue Snider in a single word, that word would be fearless.

No, I’m not referencing Taylor Swift’s sophomore album (although “Love Story” and “You Belong With Me” are fantastic pop songs, but I digress). The fearlessness I’m talking about is the kind you find in an artist who is totally honest in their work, who gives their opinions unflinchingly, and who walks up to the stage at Rockwood Music Hall Stage 3 holding a giant pink teddy bear under one arm.

His teddy bear sidekick isn’t the only thing about the Brooklyn-based artist that creates a unique visual. Wearing a shiny silver jacket over a shirt that reads “Girls Can Do Anything,” and sporting red nail polish to match his red pants, he brings his own microphone stand, which is wrapped with Christmas lights, to the stage, as well.

Throughout the evening, Snider's music would prove to match his image, as equally fearless.


After being in the audience for a nearly hour-long set from Snider, I came away with these three reasons why you should see him live.

1. He pours his heart and soul out on the stage

With a mixture of confessional, and political, songs, you truly get to know Rue Snider when you attend one of his shows. Not only is he unafraid to show his emotions, he wears them on his sleeve. Sometimes that emotion is love, sometimes it’s reverence, and sometimes – especially in the case of the current state of political affairs – it’s anger.

Unlike many artists who have political songs, however, there’s a real honesty to Snider’s anger. This isn’t just for show, or to jump on a bandwagon. You can feel his frustration, which makes you respect the heck out of him.


2. His sound is a mixture ‘80s college rock and ‘90s alt-singer-songwriter rock

Weaving vivid true life stories while interjecting political ideologies, Rue Snider’s music is a combination of R.E.M. and Marcy Playground (if you haven’t heard anything from Marcy Playground other than “Sex and Candy,” I highly recommend checking out some of their album cuts).

He has an ‘80s college rock vibe, with all its forthrightness, and desire to change the world, mixed with a storytelling ability that paints such a clear picture visual artists might get jealous.

3. He’s going to inspire some fire inside of you

At the end of Snider’s set I felt energized, and like changing the world was a distinct possibility. That kind of inspiration is normally hard to come by, but I’m pretty sure everyone who was in attendance at Rockwood Music Hall Stage 3 shared a similar feeling.

A Rue Snider set is a kick in the pants you actually enjoy!


To find out when, and where, Rue will be performing next, check out his website for show dates.