Ontario-based Rock Band Rogue Rising Unleashes Defiant New Single “Crush”
Kingston, ON group Rogue Rising‘s debut single, “Crush,” is an electrifying anthem of defiance and self-empowerment, driven by fiery guitar leads, a hook-laden chorus, and an unmistakable edge. Helmed by Rowan “Rogue” Picard, the band’s fearless singer, songwriter, and lead guitarist, “Crush” is both a raw reaction to betrayal and a celebration of resilience.
The track was produced by five-time JUNO Award-winner and Glass Tiger founding member Michael Hanson, who helped elevate Rogue’s uncompromising vision. With its sharp blend of rock, pop punk, and melodic solos, “Crush” captures a sound that is as relatable as it is rebellious.
Written during a deeply personal time, “Crush” channels the frustration of being underestimated and turns it into fuel for overcoming negativity. The result is a cathartic, guitar-driven track with a message that resonates universally: rise above, embrace your power, and never let anyone dull your fire.
Rowen shares,
“When I wrote “Crush,” I was processing a painful betrayal from someone close to me. You can be hurt so deeply that it stops you from becoming who you were meant to be. “Crush” is my answer to the dream killers out there! It’s my way of saying, “I’ll prove you wrong,” and I hope it inspires others to do the same.“
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi, I’m Rowan Picard, but you can call me Rogue. I’m the singer, songwriter, and guitarist in my rock band, Rogue Rising, from Kingston, Ontario.
Crush is such a powerful debut! Can you share the story behind the song and what inspired you to write it?
“CRUSH” was written while I was in the process of transitioning from being a guitarist to a lead vocalist as well. I’d only been singing for a short time, and I was feeling a lot of pressure to improve fast. During that time, someone very close to me, someone who always had my back, told me I should give up because I’d never be able to front a band. I immediately picked up my guitar as a way to deal with that intense feeling of betrayal and “CRUSH” just came out. I think that’s what makes this song so powerful – that raw emotion colliding with my determination to prove them wrong. And now, I front two bands. “CRUSH” is my answer to the dream killers out there! It’s my way of saying, “I’ll prove you wrong,” and I hope it inspires others to feel the same.
You worked with five-time JUNO winner Michael Hanson on this single. How did that collaboration come about, and what was it like working with him?
Michael actually contacted me directly on Facebook. A few weeks earlier, I’d left a family Easter dinner to go to a local pub for a jam session fundraiser for Doctors Without Borders. There were a lot of well-known musicians there including Moist bassist, Jeff Pierce, and Jerry Mercer of April Wine. I didn’t bring my guitar because I wasn’t expecting to play, but friends in the Trevor Walsh Band called me up for a few songs. It was a great night. Afterwards, I friended some musicians who happened to be in Michael Hanson’s circle. I think that’s how I caught his attention. We made arrangements to meet up at his studio outside Toronto, and we hit it off immediately. He’s such a genuine, creative soul – and he loved what I had to show him.
When I brought in “CRUSH,” I was a little nervous. It was my first time working with a producer in a real studio, but Michael was so patient and open. I learned a lot. It made the whole recording process fun — so much fun that we recorded more songs together!
I’m a rocker at heart and I love guitar; all of my songs are guitar-driven with catchy hooks and melodic solos. I carefully craft them, but I take inspiration from punk. So I didn’t want the song to sound over-produced. Michael understood and respected my vision. There are few vocal effects and definitely no auto-tune in “CRUSH.” The song has the clean, raw honesty I was looking for. It stayed true to my original vision but got the extra sparkle and spice it needed from Michael to polish it up.
The song was written during a deeply personal time. Was it cathartic to turn those emotions into music?
Absolutely! “CRUSH” feels cathartic every time I play it live with Rogue Rising as well. Music is my way of expressing thoughts and feelings that are difficult to deal with and hard to explain. Turning my pain and confusion into songs is how I process and share that with others.
With “CRUSH,” it felt good to get all that anger out. It really sucks when someone you love or trust doesn’t support you or believe in you. It’s a painful thing that I think many people experience – and it can do so much damage. You can be hurt so deeply that it stops you from becoming who you were meant to be.
Writing “CRUSH” made me feel less isolated; knowing that others were going through the same kind of thing; knowing they would understand and feel it too. It makes whatever I’ve gone through seem worth it, you know, like there’s a reason for the hurt… a reason it happened.
Kingston has a strong rock scene—how has being based there influenced your music?
Kingston is a well-known incubator for some of the biggest rock acts in Canadian music. The Tragically Hip, The Mahones, Moist, and The Headstones have all made their mark. The Glorious Sons have had a lot of success already and they’re taking it to the next level. I think they’re going to blow up even more. It’s inspiring — and motivating. The music scene here is so vibrant; the whole community is very supportive. On any given night, there are multiple shows of different genres going on in various venues. As a musician growing up here, you get a sense — it’s in the air — a feeling that anything is possible.
With Crush now out, what’s next for Rogue Rising? Any plans for an EP, album, or upcoming shows?
We’ve got plans to release more songs and music videos this spring and summer. And I’m really excited for our next show which is happening on March 8th at The Broom Factory. It’s such an honor to be opening for the incredible punk rockers The Anti-Queens in our own hometown! It’s an all-ages, daytime show on International Women’s Day, so we’re hoping to see a lot of little sisters out there getting inspired to pick up an instrument and start their own bands.