DEAR ROUGE – “BLACK TO GOLD (STRIPPED)”
INDEPENDENT
Vancouver-based alt-rock duo Dear Rouge unveil a poignant reimagining of their breakout single with “Black To Gold (Stripped),” a raw and reflective version that strips the song back to its emotional core, placing the spotlight on its lyrics of resilience, self-worth, and rising through adversity.
Written during a quiet drive across the prairies of Saskatchewan, the lyrics for “Black To Gold” were inspired by C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe – specifically the character Edmund, whose redemption arc mirrored the emotional undertones the band wanted to capture. The stripped version offers a moment of deep introspection, shedding the original’s bold gloss in favour of acoustic intimacy.
Dear Rouge, the JUNO Award-winning duo of Danielle and Drew McTaggart, continue to carve out a space in Canada’s alt-rock landscape with their signature blend of vulnerability and electrifying energy. Their latest full-length record, Lonesome High, leans into their long-held mantra of “grit and gloss,” delivering a collection of songs rooted in both joyful celebration and emotional reckoning.
The band’s sonic journey embraces elements of indie rock, post-punk, and synth-pop, all anchored by Danielle’s commanding presence and Drew’s magnetic guitar work. With Lonesome High, Dear Rouge takes listeners through a terrain of anthemic highs and aching lows, influenced by the emotional storytelling tradition of high lonesome bluegrass music.
Having collaborated with producer Gus van Go (The Beaches, Metric) at Giant Studios in Toronto, the album was written and recorded while touring its predecessor, Spirit. Standout singles like “Goon,” “Garbage,” and “Cutting Teeth” amplify the band’s ability to balance honesty with empowerment – always with an undercurrent of hope.
Whether diving into the complexities of mental health, personal loss, or spiritual resilience, Dear Rouge continues to offer listeners a soundtrack for perseverance and growth.
ARTIST QUOTE
We’ve always had grit and gloss in our DNA. “Black To Gold” was the first track to really connect with a wider audience because it’s irrefutably who we are. The stripped version reminds us of why we wrote it – to share the hope that even when you’ve made mistakes or lost your way, love is still the answer, and strength can still be found.
I remember driving across the prairies of Saskatchewan when the lyrics of the song came to mind. I had just finished reading one of my favourite childhood stories – The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Edmund made me feel sad – sad that he lost his way, sad that he was the one to make Aslan die. And yet, he was vital to the kingdom getting free. From day one, Dear Rouge has always believed hope is around the corner. That our hearts beat the sound of hope.
SPILL FEATURE: RAW AND UNHINGED ENERGY – A CONVERSATION WITH DEAR ROUGE
Dear Rouge
[Single]
(Independent)
Release Date: March 31, 2025
Artist Links
Background Photo Credit: Lindsey Blane
