The Snider Files’ “Ask Todd Anything” thread in early May yielded more than 40 questions which Todd Snider graciously answered. But some subscribers missed the window to submit questions, so Snider has agreed to answer another round of subscribers’ queries, which we will publish in a series of forthcoming files.
This thread will be active for 48 hours, so please submit your questions for Snider in the comments section below before 8 p.m. CDT, Saturday, June 29. Also, we ask that you not repeat questions Snider answered previously in the four-part “You Asked, Todd Answered” series, which you can read at the following links:
As with the first “Ask Todd Anything” thread, there may be some topics Snider will not want to address, but he will answer as many of your questions as he comfortably can.
This thread is open to both free and paid subscribers.
How much interaction from the audience do you like? I think a lot of us feel like we “know” you because we’ve spent so much time with your music and forums like this, but that’s not reality. How much shouting from the audience vs quiet listening is the right balance from the SHC?
A lot of us dig your music first and foremost for all of its healing, feeling, and laugh-out-loud squealing powers.
But at the risk of gushing, I also have always thought your character shines through your performances and interviews as genuine as coolio Iglesias — even though I’ve never had the chance to chat with you in person (unless you count a few shouted requests that you have sometimes indulged). My Italian friend’s 80 year old dad has this saying in his dialect that basically means ain’t life some bullshit (la vida zuna catzada or something like that). He even made me a t shirt of it I liked it that much, which I wear in my happy moments on a boat on a lake. But I still have a tough time always living up to that motto as much as I know it’s true. Some shit just sucks and we can’t always shrug it off.
(And my day job is trying to figure out the brain motivation system - what causes us to care about shit - I even quoted easy money in a scientific paper about dopamine!)
Somehow you seem to live that organically without effort.
If there’s a question here maybe it’s just - would you ever write a (satirical?) self help piece to challenge you out of your no preach comfort zone? Don’t get me wrong I understand from afar that your MO isn’t always joints and flowers and JJW adventures, but still… ok I guess I’m engaging in a self-help question to a self-denying guru who apologizes for preaching after simply telling your choir to never let a day go by.
Anyways thanks for reading this far, feel free to ignore or make fun of the question
I need your research to work on me... or should I be careful what I wish for... Every day I try to start by asking "What Would Todd Do Today?", then I get confused about what we're doing here until tomorrow.
from "You Got Away With It" written (from my understanding) by Melita and you..
"...and aside from that one hippie, we never really hurt anyone.
Well, there's that other thing that I won't even say,
as God as my witness I'll take that to my grave.."
I've always wondered what "that other thing" was. Maybe it was something you or Melita observed some asshole do to his lady; or maybe its a parallel to ole Bush and Dick (not) talking about that one thing that happened that one September... Through all the wondering, what always land on is that perhaps you had no action in mind. That "that other thing" is just a brilliant line that has an old fan like myself pondering some (almost) 20 years later, and if that is the case you certainly got away with it.
Any who, as I am sure you know by now, my question is what was "that other thing?" I know my best good pal and big fan of yours Kalvin Adams would be heaps keen to know as well.
There is nothing better than you performing solo and your connection to the crowd. The records where you play with a band are a close second. When we get you feeling better and out on the road again, would you be interested in making music with others? More specifically, have you ever wanted to play with a horn section? There’s just something special that happens when guitars, percussion, and horns really come together. I think it would be awesome to hear the music that you would come up with in that setting. We love and appreciate you so much!
Todd, as one of the biggest influence on me as a musician, I struggle to find questions as you have already given me so much guidance, growth, and direction not only as a musician, but as a human being. Nevertheless, I can't pass on the opportunity to inquire. One thing I've struggled with over the years of playing your music is the picking of the chords. I'm sure more talented folks could tell me how, but ya'll asked, so. Is there any instruction you could give someone like me on how you pick out the chords when you play? I thought I was hot shit when I learned to play Beer Run on the guitar and Broke on the Piano, but any insight into your picking style would be adored, as I love playing your music.
A lil songwriting advice???Lately all my melodies sounds the same or kind of blah or redundant. I’m writing good lyrics but the hook and melody evades me? ??
Do you also believe that, somewhere up there, on random Thursday nights, there is a guitar pull that is so epic that it gives heaven it's very name? Prine, Guy, Townes, Jimmy, Jerry, Billy Joe, TomT, etc.....
Hey Todd, would enjoy hearing any stories you may have on Donnie Baker, I sure miss the Bastard Maker. You and DB, two of my favorite performers did shows online for the fans during Covid which I thought was awesome. Your and Donnie's colors don't run! Do you do small, historic venues like the Delphi Opera House in Delphi, Indiana? hint, hint
Todd, you’ve done so much to honor the artists that inspired you, and at the same time you seem to have a knack for finding amazing young artists to shine a spotlight on. I’m thinking about people like Sierra Ferrell. I saw her in Philly recently and she seems poised to take over the world, but the first time I heard her music was through you. My question - what are the qualities you look for in new artists, and do you think you will devote more time to producing other artists in the future?
Hope you are recovering well, Todd. We miss you on the road but are happy you are doing what you need to do to take care of yourself.
Have you been able to write much while you've been off the road? Any chance of another book? I try to read the first one at least one a year, it was so funny and fun to read. Whatever you have been up to, I look forward to seeing you out on the road soon, and to the camp in August.
There’s a young gun in East Nashville calling himself Elmo Buzz Jr., and he’s claiming you killed his father and stole his songs. How you gonna come at him?
The world is currently a crazy place. "It isn't so much the despair that always gets me as it is the hope." What is something you hope the world takes away from your music? My takeaway, coming after a damn near successful suicide attempt, is that I'm happy to be here and life isn't so serious. You have saved my life numerous times. When I want to give up and go back to my dark place I listen to your stories and songs for the good vibes.
Hey, it’s time for me to add a tattoo, wanna give me a little sketch (maybe East Nashville themed) to go along my Ryman window? If not I have a simple back-up question, frogs or toads?
Hey Todd, I might misremember this but it seemed like sometime during the Covid Sunday Services you mentioned that Oh Boy was going to repress something, or maybe I imagined that. Are there any plans for making some of your releases that have been out of print available again on vinyl? Love you man.
Thank you for all of the great stories, insights and music over these years. I appreciate your “no bullshit” approach to life. I’m quite a traveler around these United States and have seen many great places. With all your travels across the country, what’s a place you’ve been that you might consider a hidden gem that others should check out, and any chance we can ever get you back up to Alaska? Thanks again for everything and take care of that back!
Hi Todd, We were sitting in a restaurant in Grand Rapids Michigan years ago and I saw you walking by. I just need to apologize for ruining your before concert walk, I still feel bad. I ran out to give you a picture of my big Blue feet at the bottom of my bottle tree in our back yard, and then several people came out. Sooo Sorry. Have loved you since I ever have heard your songs, no question I guess but I can't wait to hear you out there again. "Take it easy, but Take it!"- you!
also - New Connections, todd snider version! when is that comin' out? that's like one of my favorite records. thanks for playing Rose City at Philly winery a few years ago when we shouted it out. love that song
can you talk a bit about using humor in your songs - I feel like few songwriters do that, and I'm not sure why. It's a huge part of being human, and I feel like a lot of writers are afraid to try it for fear of being "not serious". But your stuff has funny things sprinkled throughout it, even the serious stuff, and I think it just amplifies whatever you're singin about.
What would it take to set up AIMLESS INC. COMEDY DIVISION with a monthly residency at the Purple Building and a looping roadshow of curated/approved talent?
The Riddler on the TV version of Batman had a jacket with question marks on it. What article of clothing and what punctuation mark best suits your satorial and satirical style?
I was listening to Guy Clark live at Austin City Limits and drinking in the southern heat because there just isn’t enough Guy Clark in this world and that got me listening to Doug Sahm at ACL and then I streamed your great 2012 show there with Isbell, Shires, and guest with Jerry Jeff and the 1996 show with Prine. If you could immortalize one of your ACL shows uncompressed which would it be? Got good stories from those shows?
Todd I gave Brian a leather satchel /purse w Jerry Jeff and Sheriff on it in Ann Arbor a few years ago, to give to you. That night was pure inspiration to me. My question is, what was the advice Jimmy Buffett gave you about talking to the audience? (You mentioned something about it in your book but never gave specifics) love you - sending you healing prayers.
Do you generally abide by deadlines and rules? if so, you won't be answering this. In the words of the great Mac Rebennack...Peace brother peace, the doctor's comin'.
I am visiting Italy and they have weed here so I am unsure about time and date but maybe I am not too late. I agree that Kris Kristofferson is a genius but don't you feel " Watch what you say to someone with nothing / It's almost like having it all" is the Tood Snider equivalent of " Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose"? Are they teaching course on your songs yet? - Because they should and will. Love you, brother.
How much interaction from the audience do you like? I think a lot of us feel like we “know” you because we’ve spent so much time with your music and forums like this, but that’s not reality. How much shouting from the audience vs quiet listening is the right balance from the SHC?
Has being at home given you or reframed things after being on the road? And how much does the road pull at you these days?
Who are some up and coming singer/songwriters/bands that youve been digging lately?
A lot of us dig your music first and foremost for all of its healing, feeling, and laugh-out-loud squealing powers.
But at the risk of gushing, I also have always thought your character shines through your performances and interviews as genuine as coolio Iglesias — even though I’ve never had the chance to chat with you in person (unless you count a few shouted requests that you have sometimes indulged). My Italian friend’s 80 year old dad has this saying in his dialect that basically means ain’t life some bullshit (la vida zuna catzada or something like that). He even made me a t shirt of it I liked it that much, which I wear in my happy moments on a boat on a lake. But I still have a tough time always living up to that motto as much as I know it’s true. Some shit just sucks and we can’t always shrug it off.
(And my day job is trying to figure out the brain motivation system - what causes us to care about shit - I even quoted easy money in a scientific paper about dopamine!)
Somehow you seem to live that organically without effort.
If there’s a question here maybe it’s just - would you ever write a (satirical?) self help piece to challenge you out of your no preach comfort zone? Don’t get me wrong I understand from afar that your MO isn’t always joints and flowers and JJW adventures, but still… ok I guess I’m engaging in a self-help question to a self-denying guru who apologizes for preaching after simply telling your choir to never let a day go by.
Anyways thanks for reading this far, feel free to ignore or make fun of the question
I need your research to work on me... or should I be careful what I wish for... Every day I try to start by asking "What Would Todd Do Today?", then I get confused about what we're doing here until tomorrow.
from "You Got Away With It" written (from my understanding) by Melita and you..
"...and aside from that one hippie, we never really hurt anyone.
Well, there's that other thing that I won't even say,
as God as my witness I'll take that to my grave.."
I've always wondered what "that other thing" was. Maybe it was something you or Melita observed some asshole do to his lady; or maybe its a parallel to ole Bush and Dick (not) talking about that one thing that happened that one September... Through all the wondering, what always land on is that perhaps you had no action in mind. That "that other thing" is just a brilliant line that has an old fan like myself pondering some (almost) 20 years later, and if that is the case you certainly got away with it.
Any who, as I am sure you know by now, my question is what was "that other thing?" I know my best good pal and big fan of yours Kalvin Adams would be heaps keen to know as well.
Love you too
Did you enjoy the classic Twilight Zone if so what was your favourite episode?
There is nothing better than you performing solo and your connection to the crowd. The records where you play with a band are a close second. When we get you feeling better and out on the road again, would you be interested in making music with others? More specifically, have you ever wanted to play with a horn section? There’s just something special that happens when guitars, percussion, and horns really come together. I think it would be awesome to hear the music that you would come up with in that setting. We love and appreciate you so much!
Todd, as one of the biggest influence on me as a musician, I struggle to find questions as you have already given me so much guidance, growth, and direction not only as a musician, but as a human being. Nevertheless, I can't pass on the opportunity to inquire. One thing I've struggled with over the years of playing your music is the picking of the chords. I'm sure more talented folks could tell me how, but ya'll asked, so. Is there any instruction you could give someone like me on how you pick out the chords when you play? I thought I was hot shit when I learned to play Beer Run on the guitar and Broke on the Piano, but any insight into your picking style would be adored, as I love playing your music.
Any great Bottle Rockets or St. Louis stories to tell from your many times coming through town?
A lil songwriting advice???Lately all my melodies sounds the same or kind of blah or redundant. I’m writing good lyrics but the hook and melody evades me? ??
Do you also believe that, somewhere up there, on random Thursday nights, there is a guitar pull that is so epic that it gives heaven it's very name? Prine, Guy, Townes, Jimmy, Jerry, Billy Joe, TomT, etc.....
Hey Todd, would enjoy hearing any stories you may have on Donnie Baker, I sure miss the Bastard Maker. You and DB, two of my favorite performers did shows online for the fans during Covid which I thought was awesome. Your and Donnie's colors don't run! Do you do small, historic venues like the Delphi Opera House in Delphi, Indiana? hint, hint
If you could jam with anyone dead or alive who would you choose?
Would it be possible to get some Todd Snider to blow smoke and fill our lungs to on a song on karaoke? There’s no Tension and if not I Can’t Complain
Todd, you’ve done so much to honor the artists that inspired you, and at the same time you seem to have a knack for finding amazing young artists to shine a spotlight on. I’m thinking about people like Sierra Ferrell. I saw her in Philly recently and she seems poised to take over the world, but the first time I heard her music was through you. My question - what are the qualities you look for in new artists, and do you think you will devote more time to producing other artists in the future?
Hope you are recovering well, Todd. We miss you on the road but are happy you are doing what you need to do to take care of yourself.
You mean a lot to us.
Pete
What is the last good book you read? Could you also please share a funny Richard Lewis story. What a life!
Have you been able to write much while you've been off the road? Any chance of another book? I try to read the first one at least one a year, it was so funny and fun to read. Whatever you have been up to, I look forward to seeing you out on the road soon, and to the camp in August.
Do you still dig Judge Judy?
What would you like us to know? It can be about you, or just a random thought you'd like to share.
What hobbies do you have?
There’s a young gun in East Nashville calling himself Elmo Buzz Jr., and he’s claiming you killed his father and stole his songs. How you gonna come at him?
The world is currently a crazy place. "It isn't so much the despair that always gets me as it is the hope." What is something you hope the world takes away from your music? My takeaway, coming after a damn near successful suicide attempt, is that I'm happy to be here and life isn't so serious. You have saved my life numerous times. When I want to give up and go back to my dark place I listen to your stories and songs for the good vibes.
Hey, it’s time for me to add a tattoo, wanna give me a little sketch (maybe East Nashville themed) to go along my Ryman window? If not I have a simple back-up question, frogs or toads?
Hey Todd, I might misremember this but it seemed like sometime during the Covid Sunday Services you mentioned that Oh Boy was going to repress something, or maybe I imagined that. Are there any plans for making some of your releases that have been out of print available again on vinyl? Love you man.
Do you like to cook? What are some of your favorite things to make?
I know the time off wasn’t your plan, but what have you enjoyed most in this time?
Inquiring minds want to know
1. What is favorite SNL skit or character.
2. You’ve been hanging out with your mom more? What do you love most about her?
3. How much money do we have to crowdsource to get you to make a Christmas record?
4. Will you tell us your favorite porn category if we promise to never mention it?
5. Are you ever going to invite the original Beer Run singers on stage to sing back up vocals with you.
Thank you for all of the great stories, insights and music over these years. I appreciate your “no bullshit” approach to life. I’m quite a traveler around these United States and have seen many great places. With all your travels across the country, what’s a place you’ve been that you might consider a hidden gem that others should check out, and any chance we can ever get you back up to Alaska? Thanks again for everything and take care of that back!
Do you have a Bob Dylan story or thought about him that you like to share? If so, please do! Thx man!
Hi Todd, We were sitting in a restaurant in Grand Rapids Michigan years ago and I saw you walking by. I just need to apologize for ruining your before concert walk, I still feel bad. I ran out to give you a picture of my big Blue feet at the bottom of my bottle tree in our back yard, and then several people came out. Sooo Sorry. Have loved you since I ever have heard your songs, no question I guess but I can't wait to hear you out there again. "Take it easy, but Take it!"- you!
also - New Connections, todd snider version! when is that comin' out? that's like one of my favorite records. thanks for playing Rose City at Philly winery a few years ago when we shouted it out. love that song
Talk about ask and ye shall receive! Purple version came out the next day!
hahah I saw that! And it's great
SO great!!
can you talk a bit about using humor in your songs - I feel like few songwriters do that, and I'm not sure why. It's a huge part of being human, and I feel like a lot of writers are afraid to try it for fear of being "not serious". But your stuff has funny things sprinkled throughout it, even the serious stuff, and I think it just amplifies whatever you're singin about.
I love the record you made on “Agnostic Church of Hope and Wonder.” It sounds like a cross between George Clinton….and Bill Clinton.
Did you ever meet either or have any stories about them?
What would it take to set up AIMLESS INC. COMEDY DIVISION with a monthly residency at the Purple Building and a looping roadshow of curated/approved talent?
And I can start September 1.
Or tomorrow.
Thank you.
Matt Devlin
The Riddler on the TV version of Batman had a jacket with question marks on it. What article of clothing and what punctuation mark best suits your satorial and satirical style?
I was listening to Guy Clark live at Austin City Limits and drinking in the southern heat because there just isn’t enough Guy Clark in this world and that got me listening to Doug Sahm at ACL and then I streamed your great 2012 show there with Isbell, Shires, and guest with Jerry Jeff and the 1996 show with Prine. If you could immortalize one of your ACL shows uncompressed which would it be? Got good stories from those shows?
Todd I gave Brian a leather satchel /purse w Jerry Jeff and Sheriff on it in Ann Arbor a few years ago, to give to you. That night was pure inspiration to me. My question is, what was the advice Jimmy Buffett gave you about talking to the audience? (You mentioned something about it in your book but never gave specifics) love you - sending you healing prayers.
Any chance of another book? I take I never met a story everywhere with me, just incase I need to smile.
Will the Hard Working American albums come out after all the Solo Sunday shows? Speaking of HWA any chance of a few more live shows getting released?
Thanks for always making my day brighter Todd.
Do you generally abide by deadlines and rules? if so, you won't be answering this. In the words of the great Mac Rebennack...Peace brother peace, the doctor's comin'.
I am visiting Italy and they have weed here so I am unsure about time and date but maybe I am not too late. I agree that Kris Kristofferson is a genius but don't you feel " Watch what you say to someone with nothing / It's almost like having it all" is the Tood Snider equivalent of " Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose"? Are they teaching course on your songs yet? - Because they should and will. Love you, brother.
Who did you write the song (that was in your jacket) about?