Hello Rockstars!
Today’s Artist of the Week is Dirty Rock Indie Proto-Punk band This Is Rogue Two!
Here is their story in their own words, enjoy! 🙂
Photos by: Fred Morledge
VMS:
“When did you start writing and performing your music.
What’s your backstory and current lineup.”
This Is Rogue Two:
“Rob Hau (aka.- Green Dragon) and Aaron Michaels (aka – AA-Ron Burgundy/Red Dragon) started writing songs in Jan 2020. They were both “free agents” on the music scene, & in their personal lives. At that time, Rob was writing songs (on bass) through a bunch of pedals & amps that combined the sound of bass and guitar playing together. When AA-Ron and Rob decided to jam for the first time, Rob showed him the ‘bass rig.” AA-Ron was intrigued, and immediately started to tinker with the sounds.
Rob jumped on his drums and their creative juices lit right up. It wasn’t long before they started writing some lyrics and playing a cover song or two. Neither of them being “lead singers” created an immediate challenge. They embodied a punk rock attitude, and made it go the best they could. Not realizing the universe was about to throw them a giant curve ball that would shape who they are forever. March of 2020 came along. It was a perfect time to be in a two man band that had little chance to play any live shows anytime soon. They hunkered down in the jam room and never looked back.
This Is Rogue, a dirty rock, indie, proto- punk band, made to flatten the curve, was born.”
VMS:
“What artist or bands inspire you and your sound.”
This Is Rogue Two:
“Royal Blood, Black Keys, Middle Class Rut, Operation Ivy, The Cars, Death From Above, Pink Floyd, The Strokes, Missio, System Of A Down, NIN, Roxferry.”
VMS:
“What’s your writing process and inspiration for your lyrics.”
This Is Rogue Two:
“Rob & AA-Ron typically start off with a jam, and then just let the words flow out from the sound. Rob likes to let the sound speak for itself. An idea will come to him and then the sounds/subject/lyrics will start to emerge. AA-Ron prefers to ponder like a poet. He will often prepare songs outside of the jam room. If he likes a particular riff, he’ll take it home and let it speak to him. Then come back with some structure of a song. In either case, they both offer their input, which is where a lot of the “surprise” happens. Ideas form that on their own they would have never encountered, which is what makes the duo unique.”
VMS:
“I love your songs “(Bang Bang) Boomerang”, “Change of Heart” and “Deranged”. What is the inspiration or story behind these songs.”
This Is Rogue Two:
“(Bang Bang) Boomerang was inspired by an “on and off again” relationship AA-Ron was in. Searing hot when on, and crazy train nuts when off. It’s a situation we know many can relate to.
“Change of Heart” is about a relationship where a woman has a sudden change of heart that leaves the man crumpled in a pile of his own sadness. It’s a real bummer, actually, but that is life sometimes, and our job is to overcome.
“Deranged” is about the addiction/derangement caused by our phones, and our desire to escape where we have gone as a society due to the mass use of smart phones. We suggest “phone vacations”, magic mushrooms, or you can always try the latest medication being offered by our friends at Big Pharma… which it wont take long to learn we’re not fans of.”
Listen to This Is Rogue Two on Amazon Music or Spotify:
VMS:
“Which local artist would you like to work with and why.”
This Is Rogue Two:
“Rob and AA-Ron enjoy the styling’s and friendship of several local artists they continue to share the stage with. They have played with several of their favs already… If pressed to pick an artist they haven’t played with that they would love to make happen, it would be ‘Two Man Riot‘. They don’t play often, but they’re a super rad rock duo that you’ll hardly find a trace of online.”
VMS:
“What’s your overall theme or message of your music.”
This Is Rogue Two:
“Rob & AA-Ron generally write about injustice, relationships/love and overcoming hardships. They like the idea of sounding like grit, determination, a will to win, overcome, and understand why we are here.That is what inspires them.”
VMS:
“Do you have a favorite song that you like to perform.”
Rob says: “Daddy’s Drugs”
AA-Ron says: “Battleborn”
VMS:
“Do you have any crazy or interesting stories from working in the music scene.”
This Is Rogue Two:
“AA-Ron and Rob have lots of crazy stories individually, but in the 5 years the band has existed, they haven’t had too many crazy things happen. Maybe because the “crazy meter” is set pretty high from their past experiences. There was the time they had an interview go viral. AA-Ron played the “interviewer” and basically shit all over Rob the whole time. This was early on, and AA-Ron was disguised well. People thought it was a real interview, and they were pissed at the fake interviewer! Yeah, not that crazy, but that was fun. They have had a lot of fun.”
VMS:
“What does the future hold for This is Rogue Two.”
This Is Rogue Two:
“TiR2 has four new songs coming out. They will be setting up release dates, shows, and a west coast tour if the stars align.
These next releases are the direct result of their work over the last 5 years. They’re like aliens who finally found a habitable planet made just for them.”
VMS:
“What do you want your audience to feel and experience at one of your live shows.”
This Is Rogue Two:
“Joy
Exhilaration
Emotional Highs
Bass in your gut
Kick drum in your chest
Zero Anxiety”
VMS Thoughts:
What I love about This Is Rogue Two is that they make me feel all the emotions, and their music always feels like a breath of fresh air, especially on songs like “(Bang Bang) Boomerang”, which is an infectious upbeat rock heavy experience (and definitely a track I keep coming back to time and time again, it’s definitely the perfect ear worm.) and even on songs like “Deranged” and “Change of Heart” which are incredibly heavy subject matters such as addiction or lost love, they still manage to bring a positive vibe to what they talk about, all while bringing a raw, real magnetic energy to their music.
Musically they are incredibly strong and skilled musicians and have a hopefulness which is a very refreshing feeling, while they effortlessly jump from genre to genre like it’s second nature for them. I really encourage you to go see that incredible kinetic energy that they put in their songs in their live performances as well. They always put on one hell of a show, and you will definitely have an awesome time.
I’m excited to see where the future will take this band, I feel they are all the things I love about Rock: Loud, fun, and not afraid to experiment all while having a good time. I can’t wait for the next evolution of this band, I just know they will take us on another unforgettable ride.
For More Information on This Is Rogue Two, please visit them on all Platforms! 😉
——VMS xoxoxox
Awe,yes they are amazing! 🙂
Great guys and great players!