The west coast of Wisconsin is not typically thought of as a hotbed of alternative reggae music. However, TUGG, hailing from La Crosse, WI has done an amazing job channeling tropical grooves and breezy melodies and has quickly become a top draw in the Midwest and beyond.
Coming from a state known more for the Green Bay Packers, cold weather, and cheese, they boast an impressive resume of rubbing shoulders with reggae heavyweights. From shows with Barrington Levy and Slightly Stoopid to recording tracks with the likes of Pato Banton, Josh Heinrichs, and Outlaw Nation, TUGG continues to prove why they are a fast rising star in the alternative reggae scene.
Both of the bands last 2 albums, 2009’s Slow Chill EP, and their full length 2010 debut, Come Sunrise (Produced by Brad Ziggens courtesy of Skunk Records) debuted in the Top 40 of the American Reggae Charts on iTunes and spent 10 weeks in the Top 10 of the Reggae and Reggae/Rock charts on Cdbaby.com.
In the Spring of 2011, TUGG was asked by The Dirty Heads (EMG) to provide support for a string of shows in the Midwest on their first ever headlining tour, which included a sold out show at the House of Blues-Chicago on St. Patrick’s Day.
It is often said that to achieve greatness you must first surround yourself with greatness. If that is any indication about TUGG than their future is looking good. In the last few years alone they have been fortunate enough to share the stage with: Slightly Stoopid, The Dirty Heads, Cage the Elephant, SOJA, Barrington Levy, Pepper, The Aggrolites, Tribal Seeds, Ballyhoo!, Iration, The Movement, Mad Professor, Karl Denson, Rusted Root, Pato Banton, The Ziggens, Josh Heinrichs, New Politics, Pacific Dub, Tech Nine and many more.
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Mexico |
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Straight Home / |
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Lovers Rock |
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Fly By Night |
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What People Are Saying About T.U.G.G.
“As one of the Midwest’s finest staples to the reggae-rock community, T.U.G.G. is notorious for their tropical vibes, breezy melodies, and living-the-life message”
- ThePier.org
“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
“I saw the video with you guys in St. Louis w/ Mr. Heinrichs. Great stuff! Can’t wait to see you guys again!”
- Chad Hiljie- Dub Rock Syndicate
"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)
“A tasty blend of reggae, rock, and ska from Wisconsin”
- Insomnia Online Radio
www.insomniaradio.net
“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
"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 is 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
“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, WI. The vocals are full, the harmonies are rich, the drums are on-point, and the lyrics are yearning.”
- Adam Bissen: Editor of Second Supper, La Crosse, WI
