Elli Hart Reclaims Her Power on Defiant New Single “Don’t Be The Victim”
Canadian indie rock artist Elli Hart delivers a fierce declaration of self-worth on her new single “Don’t Be The Victim,” a dark, driving anthem that refuses to bow to anyone’s expectations. Written after a year of career breakthroughs and backhanded remarks, the track transforms frustration into empowerment – a rallying cry for anyone who’s ever been underestimated, dismissed, or told they don’t belong.
“I wrote ‘Don’t Be The Victim’ after my career was finally gaining momentum – I’d been booked for several festivals, and someone casually remarked that I only got those spots because they ‘needed a girl’s name on the poster,’” Hart shares. “It made me think about the long history of women being punished for their strength – like the witch trials, where if you drowned you were innocent, but if you survived, you were condemned. Living in a state of victimhood only serves the bully, and I refuse to give them that power.”
Driven by Hart’s commanding vocals and searing guitar lines, the track walks the line between defiance and grace, serving as a bold reclamation of agency in the face of dismissal.
“When people underestimate you, that’s actually your advantage,” she explains. “You don’t need to waste your energy proving them wrong – just keep doing the work. While they’re busy feeding their own egos, you’re quietly building something real.”
Hart’s songs often live in those grey areas where strength and doubt coexist. There’s a lot of animal imagery throughout – lionesses, wolves, ghosts – symbols of instinct, survival, and transformation. Sonically, everything leans dark, haunting, and driving, mirroring that inner push and pull between power and vulnerability.
Hart’s upcoming 10-song album – produced by Dave Genn (54-40, Marianas Trench) – features Pat Steward (Bryan Adams) on drums, Darren Parris (Frazey Ford) on bass, and guest appearances from Shaun Verreault (Wide Mouth Mason), Paul Rigby (Neko Case), and Darren Savard (Dallas Smith). Rolling out as singles into 2026, the record marks a fearless new chapter for the Canadian artist.