Knoxville, TN indie-electronic band The Tough Pills have a sound filled with pop undertones and is led by Jonathan Sexton’s vocals and Stewart Pack on everything else. With a sound that’s labeled a cross between Gorillaz and Beck, their subtle reminders like “there can be no silence in the work of justice” are welcomed. As for the duo’s origin story, some say they met in rehab while others believe they met on the moon, but it’s clear they hold a spark together. “Jonathan and I are something different, it’s a true partnership in music. He’s my brother… He’s what’s been missing,” says Stewart. The first “tough pill” they had to swallow was scrapping everything they’ve done in the past to create a sound unlike anything heard before. There is something The Tough Pills love in every artist, from Morrissey to Britney. They draw on all sources of inspiration to pack a punch in each note of their songs. Being music lovers at their core, the band’s list of influencers is long, but pinpointing their sound is more difficult than you would think. “I’m inspired by Fleetwood Mac’s vocals, Paul Simon’s ability to write songs (and reinvent himself), Brian Wilson’s limitlessness, Bon Iver’s tears, Dolly Parton’s magic, Willie Nelson’s authenticity, and any 90’s RnB song,” Jonathan says. “I’ve never heard what we do. The idea of we ‘sound like someone’ evades me,” explains Stewart. Fueled by their obsession for the art, The Tough Pills believe in the power of music to bring people together. During this divisive era in American politics, the band wants to focus on our similarities instead of differences. It’s easy to find something to point a finger at. Let’s get real weird and find something to agree on, a singleness of purpose: music. The duo worked tirelessly to craft an album that will stand up to their idols. After trials and tribulations, their debut EP is finally ready for all to hear. In an industry saturated with so much music, the band wanted to focus on quality over quantity. The result: an EP packed with fun electronic-rock vibrancy!
The Tough Pills recently released their newest single, “Heart’s Beating” that will have you messaging your friends to organize your next getaway. Windows down, open road in front of you, screaming the chorus at the top of your lungs… The track begins with a familiar guitar melody and a soothing male voice, singing positive lyrics like, “Is it better to be safe than sorry?” The track is for those who are afraid to fall, or those who are just plain afraid. With the chorus comes a sense of freedom, “Your heart’s beating now, breathe it in, let yourself go…” as well as a sense of energy as listeners can already envision a crowd singing these lyrics back at the next The Tough Pills concert. You won’t want to miss it! You can follow The Tough Pills and stay up-to-date on all upcoming news, as well as stream and purchase their music, via the following links:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | iTunes/Apple Music | YouTube
