Ryan Roxie: The Message Behind “Better Than You” & His Journey
Guitarist Ryan Roxie tackles social media comparison in his defiant new single “Better Than You”—a sharp anthem from a rock veteran who’s lived it all.
If you’ve ever lost 45 minutes to the endless scroll of Instagram or TikTok, comparing your day to someone else’s highlight reel, Ryan Roxie has a message for you—and it comes with riffs.
Currently shredding stages worldwide as Alice Cooper’s longtime guitarist, Roxie just released his newest single, “Better Than You,” a bold, slightly sarcastic commentary on the social media circus most of us can’t seem to escape.
But this isn’t just another out-of-touch rant from a rock veteran. It’s a surprisingly sharp, self-aware anthem rooted in empathy and, yes, a bit of rebellion.
Let’s rewind before we get to the heart of the song. Because to understand why Roxie’s words hit so well, it helps to know who he is.
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From Sunset Strip to Global Stages: The Ryan Roxie Story
Ryan Roxie’s musical story starts in the late ‘80s with the Electric Angels, a glam-influenced rock band with a punk undercurrent that earned cult status with their self-titled debut in 1990.
Signed to Atlantic Records and championed by Kiss’ Gene Simmons, the band blended sleazy hooks with poetic lyricism.
Though the commercial breakthrough never quite landed, their music remains a hidden gem of the era, and Roxie’s guitar work stood out even then.
After the Electric Angels disbanded, Ryan Roxie stayed active. He went on to form Dad’s Porno Mag and later Roxie 77, further developing a guitar-forward sound that blended classic rock swagger with melodic power-pop sensibility.
His guitar playing has always leaned into storytelling—more about tone and taste than just flash.
It was joining Alice Cooper’s band in the mid-1990s that gave Roxie the global spotlight.
On and off for over two decades, he’s been a key contributor to Cooper’s live sound and studio recordings.
His ability to channel glam, punk, and traditional hard rock with flair and precision made him a fan favorite.
And throughout it all, Roxie never stopped creating music under his own name—often sneaking clever truths into deceptively catchy songs.
“Better Than You”: A Social Mirror in a Rock Anthem
Released in 2025, “Better Than You” is one of Roxie’s most pointed solo statements yet.
The inspiration came from what he described as observing the “doom scroll”—the rabbit hole of endless, polished content that leaves users wondering if they’re falling behind.
“People post only their victories,” Roxie explained in recent interviews.
“But they don’t post the messy stuff, the in-between moments. So when you’re constantly comparing yourself to their highlight reel, it’s not just unrealistic—it’s damaging.”
He originally wrote “Better Than You” with younger audiences in mind—especially those glued to platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
The song’s message isn’t limited to Gen Z. Roxie acknowledges that everyone is participating in the same system, from teenagers to retirees using Facebook.
There’s a genius duality to the chorus:
“My life isn’t so bad. It’s better than you. Better than you are.”
It plays like a flex, but it’s not about arrogance. It’s about reclaiming confidence without apology.
It’s a tongue-in-cheek statement aimed at shaking the listener out of passive self-doubt.
“I didn’t want to preach,” Roxie says. “Just relate. I’m part of this too.”
Sound and Style: Rock with a Message (and a Hook)
Musically, “Better Than You” is catchy without being cheesy, raw without being cynical. The track mixes Roxie’s punk-pop roots with a glossy modern edge.
The guitars crunch in all the right places, and the melody is instantly infectious—enough to stick in your head long after the first listen.
For longtime fans of Roxie’s solo work or Alice Cooper’s more recent albums like Paranormal and Detroit Stories, the tone is familiar.
Lyrically, there’s a new level of nuance. This is a veteran rocker using his platform to encourage confidence, not chaos.
Roxie’s Ongoing Journey
Beyond the song, Roxie remains one of rock’s most grounded personalities.
His “In the Trenches” podcast, where he interviews fellow musicians and industry insiders, showcases his curiosity, humility, and passion for music culture.
Whether he’s trading stories with bandmates or offering guitar lessons through his online platform, he’s consistently paying it forward.
In a digital world overflowing with noise, Ryan Roxie is offering something rare: a voice that cuts through with honesty, humor, and a little defiance.
“Better Than You” might just be his most relatable track yet.
Sources:
- Cooper, Alice. Detroit Stories. earMUSIC, 2021.
- Electric Angels. Electric Angels. Atlantic Records, 1990.
- Roxie, Ryan. “In the Trenches with Ryan Roxie.” Podcast. https://www.ryanroxie.com
- Ryan Roxie Interview in Guitar World Guitar World, July 2024
- “Better Than You” Music Video – YouTube, 2025.
- “Alice Cooper Band Members.” Ultimate Classic Rock, 2024. https://ultimateclassicrock.com
- “Inside the Making of ‘Better Then You” – YouTube, 2025
- “My AI Clone Asked Me Better Questions…” – BraveWords.com, May 2025
- Ryan Roxie Wikipedia
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