Submitted By Ryan Farley – Hubris Entertainment
Photo Credit Ryan McCue
Barrie-based indie folk artist Rogan Mei celebrates the release of his personal and contemplative single ‘Lefroy’. ‘Lefroy’ is the first single off Rogan’s upcoming EP “Dickie Green Plaid Jacket”, which releases this fall. Its soft acoustics and beautiful vocals are accompanied with the personification of the Canadian landscapes that are reminiscent of John Mayer, Jack Johnson, and The Tragically Hip.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/7hyT7MapoAglhn7JCHo6qt?si=95ee39bfe064423c
Written and performed by Rogan Mei, this track explores the moment of clarity that comes from stepping back — only to realize that escape is temporary, and the real work waits below. With Jacob Diamond on electric guitar, Saint Shepherd on violin, Cousin Anthony Mei on drums, Gweneth Covey singing background vocals, and Wes Covey holding down both bass and mixing duties, the band builds a spacious, dynamic sound that mirrors the emotional climb of the song. Mastered by Dawson Vivieros, it’s a reflection on perspective, responsibility, and the inevitability of return.
Rogan started making music at the age of 12 as a therapeutic way of dealing with his mother’s
sudden illness and an eventual heart transplant. He spent seven years as a Wildland Firefighter
and Smokejumper, diving out of planes and into some of the most remote corners of British
Columbia, protecting communities from forest fires. For two years he worked with and was mentored by the controversial mindset and fitness icon David Goggins – who’s advice led to Mei leaving fire to pursue music full time. Just before his last season fighting fires, he went back to school to study songwriting and production at Seneca College in Toronto.
Mei launched his solo project, linking up with U of T and York University band mates to captivate audiences with their heartfelt performances. Rogan’s focus on live music production is evident on stage with high energy and compelling moments that create memorable experiences for audiences.
In 2025, Rogan began organizing his own shows, playing venues such as the Supermarket, and Toronto’s iconic Horseshoe Tavern, while also doing performances throughout central Ontario. His clandestine approach to recording in familiar spaces, such as his childhood home, where his upcoming single are recorded, compliments the raw authenticity he delivers through his music.
Rogan was one of the Canadian Musicians Cooperative’s Emerging Artists of 2024 and was a
lead singer in the cooperative’s “Showcase” production, which toured small theatres like
Meaford Hall and outdoor stages including Meridian Place. His original song “Lefroy” was
chosen for a spotlight in the production.
The day he started writing the song, Rogan was at the McMichael Art Gallery with his mother on the 13th anniversary of her heart transplant when they observed a painting, Mt. Lefroy, by Lauren Harris. The emotions surrounding the day, triggered by the contemplative moment he had while looking at the painting, inspired him to begin writing.
Rogan had this to say, “I saw this painting of a mountain, Mount Lefroy, which is a real mountain in B.C., and I pictured someone climbing up this mountain. I got the melody in my head and wrote the song over the next few days.” He continued, “The core theme of the song is going to this place where you have a better view of your life and then realizing there’s no escaping the things you need to do. You’re going to end up having to go back down and face those things you’ve been avoiding – the perspective alone won’t fix the problems.”
Watch and listen to “Levroy” on YouTube here: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=pWL64jrNxhM&si=Cze1X8udGmV30lKH
Rogan will be reprising his role as lead singer in the Canadian Musicians Cooperative’s “Barns 2 Beaches Tour” this summer. The tour will feature performances across central and southern Ontario, with the Barrie show taking place on August 22nd, for free @ Meridian Place.
For more on Rogan Mei visit: https://roganmei.com/
Social Media and sites:
https://www.submithub.com/link/rogan-mei-lefroy