Interview: Vancouver-Born Artist Rose Ranger Blends Country, Folk & Heartfelt Sentimentality on New Single, “Dear Dad”

Rose Ranger‘s new single, “Dear Dad,” is a poignant, tender reflection on loss, love, and the enduring connection between a daughter and her father. Written as a letter to her late dad, who passed away unexpectedly on his birthday in October 2022, the song offers a raw glimpse into her personal grief and healing. Recorded in Nashville with a lineup of seasoned musicians including multi-JUNO Award winner Steve Dawson on pedal steel, the song showcases a classic Country-Americana sound with a heartfelt narrative at its core.

Inspired by the memories and sentiments she holds for her father, “Dear Dad” is a testament to the complex emotions of losing a loved one, yet holding onto the hope that their spirit continues to evolve in a new journey beyond. The song’s warm, nostalgic tones are steeped in the timeless sounds of Americana and Country music, with gentle folk influences that echo the love and lessons passed down between generations.

My dad was a fan of country music from the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s eras. So this song (and the new collection of songs) I wrote for my dad all have a Country-Americana-Folk sound as a nod and ode to my dad. The lyrics capture a part of my journey and the deep curiosity I still feel about what happens after we leave this earth. It’s about remembering that we are all made of stars, continuing our evolution beyond this stage. This song is also a reminder of how much I miss my dad. It’s an exploration of that relationship, but it’s also about the hope that the ‘show’ doesn’t end when the curtain falls. – Rose Ranger

1. What did you enjoy most about the recording process of this new release?
I enjoyed the whole experience! I love being in the studio recording new songs. The band and I tracked “Dear Dad” live off the floor. Steve Dawson and I were in the main room recording together. He played pedal steel while I played acoustic guitar and sang. Dave Jacques played upright bass in the room next to us and Justin Amaral played drums in another room. We didn’t do any pre-production. I played them the acoustic song on my guitar and then we started recording. That’s how good these guys are! We did three takes and the version you hear on the release is the third take. This was a unique experience for me because I usually sing after the bed track has been recorded, but this song has an organic real sound and everything fell into place very naturally. The guys could all relate to being Dads themselves and having their own Dads too.

2. Share a nugget of advice that has resonated with you most over the years.
Write your truth and vulnerabilities. The more specific you are about a topic the more universal it becomes.

3. Who would be your dream artist/band to co-headline a tour with?
Sheryl Crow! I love her. She has crossed genres from Pop to Pop-Rock and Roots-Rock to America and Country. I really relate to cross over artists like Sting and Lady Gaga. They also forged acting careers after starting out in music so I can relate to that cross over too.

4. What sets your music apart from others in your genre?
I think that it’s versatility. Creating a country song, then a pop dance song, then a jazz song makes sense for me. I don’t think it’s weird at all. Quite the opposite. I think staying in one lane is kinda weird really.

5. Tell us what your favourite song is at the moment and why.
“Dear Dad” is my favourite song at the moment because my dad was my favourite person in the world. I think my dad would feel really respected and special that I wrote a song for him and put it out into the world. He told me that he would have been a singer in his life if he could’ve been. So this is something I am able to do for him and for anyone else who needs some healing and love. As far as other fave songs right now… I’ve been listening to Chris Stapleton who is an amazing singer and songwriter!