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Formed in 2023, Newcastle’s rising alt-rock trio CANE ROUGE brings together the formidable talents of Ant Clarke (vocals/guitar), Dale McGee (drums), and Joe Harrison-Brown (bass). Fusing 90s grunge grit, punk urgency, and a touch of indie edge, the band have quickly carved a name for themselves through high-octane live shows and an unapologetically raw sound. Ant talks us through the background of the band:
What are the origins of Cane Rouge? How long have you been playing together?
Myself and Dale have been playing together in and out of bands since we were at school, (fond memories of doing Territorial Pissings at the school talent show, we don’t think they were quite ready for that haha!) After some time apart, we wanted to get together just to play music in a room once again. We were mainly just jamming out some covers, but these very quickly turned into songwriting sessions and getting ideas down, so we reached out to Joe through the forum joinmyband. I sent him over some sketchy phone recordings of me and Dale making a racket. He loved it and wanted to be a part of it. I think it was around November 2022, after that, Cane Rouge was born.
What should people expect when they check the band out? How would you describe Cane Rouge?
I think when people check us out, they’re surprised by how raw it is. In particular, when you see us live. We have a very real sound that is unapologetic. I’d describe us as an electric hurricane.
How did you feel performing your first gig as a band, and how was it?!
Our first gig was just great. It was April 2023, and we had this tiny little corner of a venue called Mosaic Tap in Newcastle. There were about 15 people there. Joe’s bass cab blew up as soon as he turned it on. In true Rouge fashion, it was chaos, but it felt so great to be playing these songs together in front of people that were just ideas in my head.
What are you working on at the moment that people can check out?
Our EP “Lights Out” is out October 10th on all platforms. Keep an eye out on our YouTube channel for videos that we’ve got to go with the singles, too.
Regarding a similar audience, which band at the moment do you feel that you would be best suited to open for?
I think we’d be a good opener for Amyl and the Sniffers, they’ve got this incredible punk energy that I reckon we’d be suited to.
Excluding yourself, which new band would you like to see break out and become a success?
I’d really like to see Keo break out and become massive. They’ve got this cool sound, serious guitar tones, melody, and passion in their songs.
What frustrates you about the music business?
I guess what frustrates me personally is how hard it is to do this whilst working a full-time job. There are not enough hours to put into your passion, but it makes you appreciate it so much more at the same time.
What are your first musical memories? And what lightbulb moment made you say “I want to do that”?
I was always around music growing up, my mam was a part of the Soundroom community project in Gateshead, singing in groups and running music cafes. And it’s quite funny, I was watching an episode of Two and a Half Men where the young lad Jake plays Smoke on the Water, and I was thinking I want to do that. He was playing a red Strat. Next thing you know, my mam bought me a mini squire exactly the same colour as it happens!
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
My last gig was Wunderhorse at Birmingham Academy back in May. What a gig, they are on another level when it comes to live performance, such incredible energy and songwriting.
What current social issues are you particularly passionate about?
The cost-of-living crisis in this country at the moment is just heartbreaking. You’ve got people who can’t afford to feed their families, food banks are getting relied on more and more, and prices are just soaring. Utility companies have never seen profits like it, and for what? So they can get a better holiday? It’s really shocking.
The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
Paolo Nutini – Sunny Side Up, it’s an album that reminds me of happy, nostalgic times. I’ve always loved Paolo. I think he has such an incredible voice.
Everybody is a fan of something. Who or what are you a fan of?
I’m a Newcastle United fan and I’ve always been quite fascinated by old architecture, Newcastle is full of it. The buildings on Grey Street are a great example of that.
What new music have you been enjoying so far this year?
This year, I’ve been loving the debut EP from Keo, the latest release from Basht. Also, albums from Gurriers, Turnstile, and Viagra Boys.
What does the rest of 2025 hold for Cane Rouge?
As well as our EP coming out later this year, we’ve got gigs lined up, including an EP release show in Newcastle. A ton of merch ideas we’re looking into, and we’re constantly writing too, so we’re always working behind the scenes!
How active are you on social media, and where can people connect with you?
We’re very active on Instagram, you can see what we’re up to and what we’ve got coming up. You can find us on there @cane_rouge__
Credit – Phil Roberts
