Artist Joe Pug
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Joe Pug
Given how deeply Chicago-based singer-songwriter Joe Pug (né Joe Pugliese) steeps his music in the traditions of Americana, it’s only appropriate that the mush-mouthed plucker chose a Johnny Appleseed-esque method to spread his soulful folk. Pug offered to mail a two-song sampler CD to fans, free of charge, on the condition that they then pass it in on to a friend. It was a savvy method of inspiring word of mouth—not that word of weary troubadours like Pug travels any other way. Having distributed more than 15,000 sampler CDs, Pug took a more conventional route in 2010, releasing his first full-length, Messenger. In a fragile voice with just the slightest hint of a twang, Pug sings the songs of the next generation of restless Americans. They may not be mythic figures like Appleseed, but they’re definitely relatable.
Updated 04/20/2011

Chicago:
The best musical Chicago moments of 2011, according to The A.V. Club
Madison:
Madison lends some country to Willie Nelson shows, Cold Case
Chicago:
Win tickets to see Joe Pug at Metro Oct. 16
Chicago:
Drive-By Truckers, Dawes, and Joe Pug at the Congress Theater
Denver/Boulder:
Hanson and Hellogoodbye unite
Chicago:
Local folkster Joe Pug plots cheapie tour
Chicago:
Wavves, Blitzen Trapper, and Wild Flag confirmed to play Wicker Park Fest