New Music Radar: Dancing Through the Highs and Lows with Dear Rouge’s Lonesome High

Even though life is busy—a new album, a new baby and the start of the summer  festival season—Drew and Danielle McTaggart of Dear Rouge are happy and at peace in their Alberta hotel room when we call, with their son Elliott sleeping nearby. It’s the kind of fulfilling busyness that comes after a long wait for something wonderful, something you’re proud of. Their fourth studio album captures this essence: the emotional highs and lows that define a journey. It’s high-energy and dance-y, with an edgy pop-punk vibe and nostalgia for early 2000s indie rock that’s meant to be played live (“Dani even screams on a couple of tracks,” says Drew), but, lyrically, the album is deeply personal, transforming the couple’s fears and experiences from a long, hard road to parenthood into danceable anthems.

Lonesome High was crafted in Toronto’s famed Giant Studio with acclaimed producer Gus van Go, who had just finished collaborating with Metric and The Beaches on their most recent albums. “We were just so excited because we sit in the middle of those two,” Danielle explains. “It was the perfect fit and just really cool.”

But it’s not just the studio and producer that makes Lonesome High stand out. Danielle was seven months pregnant during the recording sessions, following a painful seven- year struggle with infertility. “The whole album sort of deals with the lonely highs of life and the spectrum of those emotions,” she says. The result is surprisingly optimistic: encouragement to lean into the intense moments and groove to them.

One standout track, “Not Afraid to Dance,” turns fears into irresistible beats. It’s one of Danielle’s favourites. “I giggle every time I hear the lyrics,” she says. (“I’m afraid you might get bored of me” and “I’m afraid of my browser history coming to slash my throat” are among them.) But the emotional core of the album is “Garbage,” featuring the heartbeat of their infant son finally here after almost a decade of trying. “It’s about how nothing is a waste,” says Danielle. “Everything matters.”

Dear Rouge’s Perfect  Vancouver Day

First, it’s brunch at the Vancouver Art Gallery’s 1931 Gallery Bistro (“A lot of people don’t go so you can always get in,” notes Drew.)

Then, when they emerge into the sunshine, they’ll grab some bikes and cruise around between breweries: Alibi Room and Red Truck are faves.

But musicians can’t live on beer alone—after a few drinks, it’s time for some Chicko Chicken on Robson Street and some seaside views. “Sunset Beach is the place to finish off the perfect day,” says Drew.

If there’s a show at the Commodore after dark? All the better. “It’s Vancouver’s living room,” says Danielle. “It’s just such a cool vibe, the staff are awesome there, the energy—we started our career there so it feels like an old friend.”

Check out the best live music coming this fall with our Big Fall Arts Preview.