T.U.G.G. (pronounced TUGG)
The west coast of Wisconsin isn’t typically thought of as a hotbed of alternative reggae music, however, T.U.G.G. (pronounced tug) hailing from La Crosse, WI has done an admirable job channeling tropical grooves and breezy melodies and has quickly become one of the Midwest’s top draws. The bands sound is described as a fun and danceable mixture of reggae, rock, and ska. The group has always been careful to pay homage to the roots of the music they play, most notably with their song “Revolution”. Released in 2009 it features production from legendary reggae/dub Producer Mad Professor and a guest vocal appearance from well-known reggae singer Pato Banton. T.U.G.G. has been fortunate enough to share the stage with groups like Slightly Stoopid, Iration, Karl Denson, Rusted Root, Pato Banton, Joseph Israel, Bag of Toys, Tech Nine, Shakedown and many more. They’ve spent the better part of 2010 earning fans all around the Midwest in clubs, bars, colleges and outdoor festivals with their high-energy live show and loyal fan-base. The group has also been busy this year crafting their latest album in a basement studio of a small Wisconsin town with none other than one of their musical heroes, Brad Ziggen who’s band The Ziggens came to notoriety in the mid-nineties as a member of Skunk Records as well as tour-mates and ever ready source of song material for Sublime. It just so happens that The Ziggens drummer and T.U.G.G. both call Western Wisconsin home and after a chance meeting they have teamed up to record “Come Sunrise… “ A collection of 13 songs that seamlessly float between reggae, ska, surf an acoustic music. Released on T.U.G.G.’s own independent record label Last Call Records, they are embarking on a summer tour to promote the album. For more information and to listen to T.U.G.G.’s powerhouse sound please visit www.tuggmusic.com
What People Are Saying About T.U.G.G.
“Tropical feelings pervade when these warm reggae vibrations envelope the melodies and happily bounce along with the wise minded values expressed. Featuring guest musician Pato Banton their jams continue to expand. Hard to believe they are from Wisconsin.”
Maximum Ink Magazine Madison, WI
"T.U.G.G. has developed a large, loyal fan base over the years. They always put on an amazing show and when we did 'Don't You Go' for Play it or Hate it, got an overwhelming amount of positive feedback. These dudes are a must-see!"
Ballzer (Night host and Music Director of Z93-La Crosse, WI)
"T.U.G.G. is an infectious new sound with very personal songwriting. Their song "Mexico," off their latest EP Slow Chill, is what music all about. If you love freedom, kicking back, and looking for the enjoyment of life, T.U.G.G. is one of the freshest new sounds in music.
Tom Gilding General Manager WBSD 89.1 Burlington, WI www.wbsdfm.com
“These Midwest Reggae Rockers do a very nice job of channeling tropical grooves and breezy melodies in the same vein as Slightly Stoopid and Pepper have before them.”
The Music Spot Blog http://themusicspot-jbtman.blogspot.com/
“We were so fortunate to have T.U.G.G. join us during News Channel 8. Right from the get go, they were so amazing. Their music makes you want to get up and dance. Fun, fun, fun! We can’t wait to have them back.”
Jennifer Livingston -WKBT Morning Anchor-La Crosse, WI
“The west coast of Wisconsin isn’t typically thought of as a hotbed of alternative reggae music, but T.U.G.G. has done an admirable job of channeling tropical grooves and breezy melodies coming straight outta La Crosse, I. The vocals are full, the harmonies are rich, the drums are on-point, and the lyrics are yearning.”
Adam Bissen- Editor Second Supper, La Crosse, WI
"T.U.G.G. is what happens when reggae/ska is done right.from the soul, these guys just write great songs." Bryan Grob - The Nestor Tavern, Fargo, ND
“In need of a Caribbean cruise but you just can't afford one? Grab the blender, Tequila and Margarita mix, throw on T.U.G.G.’s CD Slow Chill and breathe in the good vibes.”
Dio (Night host, 95.7 The Rock-La Crosse, WI
TUGG RECIPE:
2 cups of reggae
1 cup of ska
1 stick of funk
1 lb of raw energy
4 highly talented musicians
1 modified mini bus
Preparation: Take the reggae, ska, and stick of funk and combine them in a bowl. Whip it until the mixture is a smooth and frothy blend of unbelievable "Midwest Magic”. Take this sweet concoction and drizzle atop the four musicians until they're completely coated.
Influence the musicians with a dash of: Sublime, Bob Marley, Rancid, Toots and the Maytals, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Mad Professor, The Specials, and George Clinton. Place the band in recording studios with widely known reggae artists like Jah Teff and Pato Banton and the legendary mastermind Dub Producer, Mad Professor.
Let this sweet reggae influenced rock and roll simmer slowly.
Place the band into the mini bus and ship them off on nationwide tours. Book shows with other musicians like: Slightly Stoopid, Rusted Root, RadioActive, Karl Denson, Trampled by Turtles, Tech Nine, Shakedown, Iration, Part One Tribe, The Big Wu, The Kingston 10, The Dollyrots, Fat Maw Rooney, The Know How, Joseph Israel, God Johnson, Pato Banton and many more.
As prepared, T.U.G.G. will serve all those willing to listen and leave them begging for the recipe!
Promo Video For T.U.G.G.'s New Album
