Paul Marc Rousseau
The lead guitarist whose intricate, melodic riffs and songwriting have been a driving force in the enduring intensity of the post-hardcore band Silverstein.
Born 1989 (age 37)·Canadian guitarist·Birthday: March 18·Millennials
Biography
Paul Marc Rousseau didn't just join Silverstein; he helped solidify their sound for a new generation. The Canadian musician came into the band in 2012, following the departure of longtime guitarist Neil Boshart. Stepping into a well-established post-hardcore act known for its passionate fanbase, Rousseau quickly proved he was more than a replacement. His technical proficiency and ear for weaving melody into heavy, aggressive music became integral to Silverstein's evolution. He contributed significantly to albums like *This Is How the Wind Shifts* and *Dead Reflection*, co-writing songs that balanced raw emotion with sophisticated musicality. Beyond his work in Silverstein, Rousseau is also a skilled producer and engineer, working behind the boards for other artists, which informs his detailed approach to guitar work. He represents a bridge between the band's early-2000s screamo roots and their mature, refined modern output, his playing always serving the song's heart.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Paul was born in 1989, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Paul Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Paul's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Has been the lead guitarist for the influential post-hardcore band Silverstein since 2012, contributing to multiple albums and tours.
- Co-wrote and performed on Silverstein's critically acclaimed album *This Is How the Wind Shifts* (2013), a concept record celebrated for its duality.
- Works as a record producer and audio engineer, running his own studio and producing for other rock and punk artists.
- Helped Silverstein maintain a consistent and prolific output, including the release of their tenth studio album, *Misery Made Me*, in 2022.
Did You Know?
He is also a member of the alternative rock band Vices, which he formed with friends.
Before joining Silverstein full-time, he filled in as a touring guitarist for the band on several occasions.
He is an avid fan of vintage guitars and recording gear, often discussing his collection in interviews.
He produced the 2021 album *The Way It Ends* for the metalcore band Currents.
“The riff is the backbone; it has to hold the emotion and the aggression.”
