Album Notes

The RoGue Experience

Rogue is a true testimony that real music still lives. Their debut album features an organically rich sound birthed by the marriage of alternative, jazz and soul styles. Escaping from the trite trends of commercialized music (as the name of the group implies) each song promises introspective, soul-searching lyrics stretched out over complex harmonies and original musical arrangements. It's very possible that this eclectic new group has created a brand new genre of music. But it's definite that they've created the new bandwagon to jump on.

Rogue is fairly new chapter in the lives of three very gifted Bay Area sisters. Erika, Melina and Krystle Hicks have been singing their entire lives. Encouraged by their father, a jazz composer, they have spent years performing and creating a variety of music styles and other artistic paradigms. However it was nearly two years ago that Melina's soul-searching lyrics and Erika's innovative compositions formed a union, spawning the Rogue revolution. Now the trio embarks on a new hybrid of music. Amazing harmonies that push and pull. Lyrics that communicate and challenge. Krystle explains the story behind the track Mr. Finnelly. "This is a song about recognizing who you are and battling the perceptions of other people."

The group's members are as unique as their music. Erika tries to be a source of inspiration to the group. One of her strengths is that she enjoys bringing people together to work on projects. She has an interwoven sense of artistry and a strong jazz background inherited from her father that strongly influences the musical tapestry.

Melina brings in a very poetic perspective to things. She's the author of the group's lyrics. Erika notes Melina's keen observation of the world around her. "She can take a moment in time and put it into a lyric or a melody. She brings a lot of soul to the group."

Krystle is an engineer in how she looks at things. She's practical and logical. Her ideas are very streamlined. She brings a sense of stability in what can be a very unstable industry. "Krystle keeps us from just floating away," Erika says.

The Rogue band is comprised of Randy Reeman on piano, Joe DeRose on drums, and Rick Silvestri on the bass. These guys aren't just a backdrop for the voices, they are an integral part of the Rogue experience. Each musician has contributed to the group's eclectic sound.

What can we expect from the group in the future? "We love different styles of music and we don't plan on pigeon-holing ourselves," says Melina. Listeners can look forward to dynamic live performances, and an ever-changing style leading listeners on an amazing journey towards the edge of the musical world.

Rogue's debut album is currently available on CD Baby. The group just launched their LA Tour in Spring 2002. For tour dates and more information you can go to the band's website at www.emkproductions.com.

By Shetia Mays