The Rough & Tumble

The Rough & Tumble aren’t casual road dogs, but they aren’t letting on, either. From their upbeat, commanding stage presence and sharp banter, to their earworm melodies and heartstring lyrics, this dumpster-folk/thriftstore Americana duo refuses to bring the haggard road-worn stereotype to their audience-- even though they’ve earned it. Mallory Graham and Scott Tyler formed The Rough & Tumble in 2011 and a few years later sold everything they could, bought a 16’ camper and hit the road. They’ve been touring ever since with their two 100lb rescue dogs, in spite of multiple burnt up axles, busted tires, and consistent water leaks. On February 19, 2021 The Rough & Tumble dig into the severed branch of their family tree, bringing their newest work, We're Only Family If You Say So, a full length record about what it takes to be family-- and what it means to lose it. Songs like, "You Took Your Turn" and "You're Not Going Alone" are raw, emotive, and touch a nerve unfortunately familiar to listeners, particularly in the aftermath of division in both nation and families alike. ​ The new record follows on 2019's Howling Back at the Wounded Dog an album to which the response was audible, with audiences literally howling back at performances coast-to-coast. The opening track "The Hardest Part" won the Independent Music Awards' Best Americana Song of 2019.