Matt Ruby: Stand-Up Comedy, Writing, and Projects

Okay, here’s a lengthy article (approximately 5,000 words) delving into the career, style, and projects of comedian, writer, and creator Matt Ruby:

Matt Ruby: Stand-Up Comedy, Writing, and Projects – A Deep Dive

Matt Ruby is a multi-faceted creative force, best known for his incisive stand-up comedy, insightful writing, and a range of engaging projects that explore the absurdities of modern life, technology, and the human condition. He’s not a household name in the vein of a Jerry Seinfeld or Dave Chappelle, but within the comedy scene and among those who appreciate smart, observational humor with a slightly cynical edge, he’s a respected and consistently engaging figure. This article provides a comprehensive look at his career, his comedic style, his writing, and the various projects that showcase his unique perspective.

I. Stand-Up Comedy: The Foundation

Matt Ruby’s stand-up comedy forms the bedrock of his creative output. He’s a New York City-based comedian, a veteran of the city’s notoriously competitive and vibrant comedy scene. He’s performed at renowned venues like the Comedy Cellar, Gotham Comedy Club, and Stand Up NY, as well as countless smaller clubs, bars, and alternative spaces that serve as the proving grounds for aspiring and established comedians alike. He’s also toured extensively, bringing his act to audiences across the United States and internationally.

A. Comedic Style and Influences:

Ruby’s comedic style can be characterized as:

• Observational and Topical: He draws heavily from everyday life, dissecting the quirks of modern society, technology, relationships, and the often-absurd nature of human behavior. He’s not afraid to tackle current events, but he does so with a nuanced perspective, avoiding easy jokes in favor of more thoughtful and insightful commentary.
• Intelligent and Witty: His humor is sharp and intelligent, often relying on clever wordplay, unexpected twists, and a dry, sometimes sardonic delivery. He avoids cheap laughs and instead aims for a more sophisticated brand of humor that rewards attentive listening.
• Self-Deprecating (with a Twist): While he incorporates self-deprecating elements, it’s not the overly vulnerable or “woe is me” style. Instead, he uses self-deprecation as a tool to highlight the universal flaws and insecurities that we all share, often turning the joke back on the audience in a way that’s relatable rather than pitiful.
• Cynical but Ultimately Optimistic (Maybe): There’s a definite undercurrent of cynicism in Ruby’s work, a skepticism about the world and its institutions. However, it’s not a bleak or nihilistic cynicism. It’s more of a wry observation of the way things are, often laced with a glimmer of hope (or at least a resigned acceptance) that things might not be entirely terrible.
• Storytelling with a Point: He’s a skilled storyteller, weaving anecdotes and observations into longer-form bits that build to satisfying punchlines. He doesn’t just tell jokes; he crafts narratives that explore a theme or idea from multiple angles.
• Politically Aware, but Not Preachy: While he doesn’t shy away from political topics, he avoids being overtly partisan or preachy. His political humor tends to focus on the absurdity of the political landscape itself, the hypocrisy of politicians, and the often-confusing nature of political discourse.
• Tech Savy and Critical: Ruby’s humor often includes tech. He discusses apps, social media, and the ways technology is changing the way we communicate. He’s critical of the tech giants.

B. Key Themes and Recurring Topics:

Several recurring themes and topics populate Ruby’s stand-up routines:

• Technology and Social Media: He frequently explores the impact of technology on our lives, from the addictive nature of social media to the awkwardness of online dating. He’s particularly adept at highlighting the ways in which technology promises connection but often delivers isolation and anxiety.
• Relationships and Dating: The trials and tribulations of modern dating are a rich source of material for Ruby. He skewers the clichés of dating apps, the awkwardness of first encounters, and the challenges of maintaining long-term relationships in a world of constant distraction.
• The Absurdity of Modern Life: He finds humor in the everyday absurdities of modern life, from the strange rituals of office culture to the baffling trends in fashion and entertainment. He has a knack for pointing out the things we take for granted and exposing their inherent ridiculousness.
• Aging and Mortality: As he’s gotten older, Ruby has increasingly incorporated themes of aging and mortality into his comedy. He approaches these topics with a mixture of humor and honesty, acknowledging the anxieties of getting older while also finding the humor in the inevitable decline.
• Politics and Current Events: He tackles political topics with a sharp wit and a critical eye, avoiding easy partisan jabs in favor of more nuanced and insightful commentary.
• New York City Life: As a long-time New York City resident, Ruby often incorporates observations about the city’s unique culture, its fast-paced lifestyle, and its eccentric inhabitants.

C. Stand-Up Specials and Albums:

While Ruby hasn’t released a full-length, hour-long special on a major platform like Netflix or HBO (yet!), he has produced several well-received comedy albums and shorter specials:

• “Feels Like Matt Ruby” (Album): This album captures Ruby’s sharp wit and observational humor, showcasing his ability to find the funny in everyday situations.
• “Hot Flashes” (Album): This album delves into topics like aging, relationships, and the absurdities of modern life with Ruby’s signature blend of cynicism and intelligence.
• “Vooza” (Short Special): Available on YouTube, “Vooza” is a concise and impactful special that showcases Ruby’s comedic style and his ability to connect with an audience. It demonstrates his ability to craft a cohesive set with a distinct point of view.
  • Vooza highlights his ability to take a seemingly mundane topic (in this case, a fictional wellness product) and extrapolate it into a broader commentary on consumerism, wellness culture, and the search for meaning in a materialistic world.

D. “We’re All Gonna Die” (Show and Podcast):

This is one of Ruby’s most significant and enduring projects. “We’re All Gonna Die” started as a live comedy show in New York City and later evolved into a podcast.

• The Show: The live show featured Ruby and other comedians exploring themes of death, anxiety, and the meaning of life (or lack thereof). It was a unique blend of stand-up, storytelling, and audience interaction, creating a surprisingly cathartic and funny experience.
• The Podcast: The podcast continues the conversation, featuring interviews with comedians, writers, artists, and thinkers about their perspectives on mortality, fear, and the human condition. It’s a thought-provoking and often hilarious exploration of topics that are often considered taboo. The podcast allows Ruby to delve deeper into these themes than a stand-up set might allow, showcasing his intellectual curiosity and his ability to engage in meaningful conversations.

II. Writing: Beyond the Stage

Matt Ruby’s creative output extends beyond the stand-up stage. He’s a prolific writer, contributing to various publications and maintaining his own blog and newsletter. His writing shares the same sharp wit and insightful observations as his comedy, but it also allows him to explore topics in greater depth and with a different tone.

A. Blog and Newsletter (Sandpaper Suit):

Ruby’s blog and newsletter, “Sandpaper Suit,” are a crucial part of his creative ecosystem. They serve as a platform for:

• Essays and Observations: He writes longer-form essays on a wide range of topics, from technology and politics to culture and personal experiences. These essays often expand on ideas he touches on in his stand-up, providing a more nuanced and detailed perspective.
• Comedy Bits and Jokes: He uses the blog to workshop new material, testing out jokes and bits before bringing them to the stage. This provides a valuable feedback loop and allows him to refine his material.
• Behind-the-Scenes Insights: He offers glimpses into the life of a working comedian, sharing his thoughts on the comedy industry, the creative process, and the challenges of making a living as a performer.
• Curated Content: He often shares links to articles, videos, and other content that he finds interesting or relevant, providing his audience with a curated selection of thought-provoking material.
• Direct audience interaction He asks his email list questions, and sometimes prints responses.

The name “Sandpaper Suit” itself is indicative of Ruby’s style: uncomfortable, abrasive, but also memorable and unique. It suggests a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths and to challenge conventional thinking.

B. Contributions to Other Publications:

Ruby has contributed articles and essays to various publications, including:

• Medium: He’s a frequent contributor to Medium, where he publishes essays on a variety of topics, often exploring the intersection of technology, culture, and human behavior.
• Other Online Platforms: He’s written for various other online publications, showcasing his versatility as a writer and his ability to adapt his style to different audiences.

C. Style and Tone of Writing:

Ruby’s writing style mirrors his comedic style in many ways:

• Observational and Analytical: He’s a keen observer of the world around him, and his writing reflects his ability to analyze and deconstruct complex issues.
• Witty and Humorous: Even when tackling serious topics, he infuses his writing with humor, using wit and wordplay to keep the reader engaged.
• Thought-Provoking and Challenging: He’s not afraid to challenge conventional wisdom or to explore controversial topics. His writing often prompts readers to think critically about their own beliefs and assumptions.
• Personal and Reflective: While he often writes about broader societal issues, he also incorporates personal anecdotes and reflections, making his writing relatable and engaging.

III. Projects: Expanding the Creative Canvas

Beyond stand-up and writing, Matt Ruby has developed several projects that showcase his diverse creative talents and his interest in exploring different mediums.

A. “Good Grief” (Web Series – Co-created):

“Good Grief” is a web series that Ruby co-created, exploring the awkward and often darkly humorous world of grief support groups. The series demonstrates his ability to work collaboratively and to create compelling narratives in a visual medium. It also aligns with his interest in exploring uncomfortable and often-avoided topics.

B. Other Collaborative Projects:

Ruby has collaborated with other comedians and creatives on various projects, including:

• Short Films: He’s appeared in and contributed to short films, showcasing his acting skills and his ability to adapt his comedic style to different formats.
• Live Shows and Events: He’s participated in various live shows and events, collaborating with other performers to create unique and engaging experiences for audiences.

C. The Schtick or Treat Halloween Standup Show:

The Schtick or Treat show is a costumed Halloween standup show. Ruby and other comedians perform in costume.

IV. The Matt Ruby “Brand”: A Cohesive Vision

While Matt Ruby might not be a globally recognized celebrity, he has cultivated a distinct and recognizable “brand” within the comedy world and among his audience. This brand is built on:

• Consistency: He consistently delivers high-quality content, whether it’s stand-up, writing, or other projects. His audience knows what to expect from him: intelligent, witty, and thought-provoking observations on the world.
• Authenticity: He comes across as genuine and authentic, both on stage and in his writing. He’s not trying to be someone he’s not; he’s presenting his own unique perspective on the world.
• Engagement: He actively engages with his audience, both online and in person. He responds to comments, answers questions, and fosters a sense of community among his fans.
• Intellectual Curiosity: His work consistently demonstrates a deep intellectual curiosity and a willingness to explore complex and challenging topics.
• Subtle Activism: While not overtly political, Ruby’s work often touches on social and political issues, subtly encouraging his audience to think critically about the world around them.

V. The Future of Matt Ruby

Matt Ruby’s career trajectory suggests a continued commitment to creating high-quality, thought-provoking content across multiple platforms. He’s likely to:

• Continue Touring and Performing: Stand-up will likely remain a central focus, with continued touring and performances at clubs and festivals.
• Expand His Writing: He’ll likely continue to develop his writing career, potentially pursuing longer-form projects like books or essays for major publications.
• Develop New Projects: He’s shown a willingness to experiment with different mediums, so it’s likely that he’ll continue to develop new projects, whether it’s web series, podcasts, or other creative endeavors.
• Grow His Audience: His consistent output and engaging personality are likely to continue attracting new fans and solidifying his position as a respected voice in the comedy world.
• Refine his voice: Through his substack, and standup, he will further clarify his views on the world.

VI. Conclusion: A Comedian for the Thinking Person

Matt Ruby is more than just a comedian; he’s a social commentator, a cultural critic, and a keen observer of the human condition. His work is characterized by its intelligence, its wit, and its willingness to tackle complex and often uncomfortable topics. He’s not afraid to challenge conventional thinking, and he does so with a style that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking. He’s a comedian for the thinking person, someone who can make you laugh while also making you think. His dedication to his craft, his consistent output, and his genuine engagement with his audience have earned him a loyal following and a respected place within the comedy landscape. He’s a talent to watch, and his future work is sure to continue pushing boundaries and challenging audiences in the best possible way.