Image credit: Steve Bays
Vancouver-based electro-pop band Dear Rouge has been making waves since their formation in 2012. With their unique blend of alternative rock, indie pop, synthpop, and electronic, the duo – composed of married couple Danielle and Drew McTaggart – has become a staple in the Canadian music scene. Their distinctive sound, which balances powerful hooks with emotive vulnerability, has garnered them both critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. On September 13, 2024, they released their newest album “Lonesome High“, and embarked on a Canadian tour in early 2025 to support the album. Now on the last leg of their tour, the duo is bringing the show back to BC with performances in Victoria, Nanaimo, Vancouver, and Kamloops.
Dear Rouge’s journey has been nothing short of impressive. The duo burst onto the scene in 2015 with their debut album “Black to Gold”, which earned them multiple award nominations, including at the prestigious JUNO Awards, as well as the SOCAN Songwriting Prize for “I Heard I Had” the second single of the album. In 2016, they won the JUNO Award for Breakthrough Group of the Year and continued receiving recognition with award wins and nominations in subsequent years. Along with creating numerous radio hits, Dear Rouge built a reputation for delivering high-energy performances alongside some of the biggest names in music.
Their latest release, “Lonesome High”, embodies the band’s longtime mantra of “grit and gloss”. The album explores the vulnerability of human experience, capturing the highs and lows of life’s journey, with a timeless yet cutting-edge sound. Mixing indie, punk, and energetic anthems, it retains the character of the band whilst drawing on the raw spirit of “high lonesome” bluegrass.
Though written from a place of joy, “Lonesome High” is tinged with reflection and an everlasting hopefulness. It aptly captures the feeling of looking back towards the struggles of the past, while embracing the happiness of the present. The album was created in less than a year, while Dear Rouge was touring their previous work, the 2022 album “Spirit“.
Their evolution continues with each new project, yet always delivering infectious beats and raw vulnerability in their lyrics. As they continue to take their music to new heights, Dear Rouge proves their staying power time and time again.
Discover their music on Spotify, Apple Music, and Youtube, and catch them in a live show in April.
