The Rough & Tumble, a dynamic duo comprised of Mallory Graham and Scott Tyler, have been captivating audiences with their unique blend of dumpster-folk and thrift store-Americana for over a decade. The Pennsylvania-born Graham and Central California’s Tyler have a knack for weaving together elements of joy, sorrow, comedy, and drama in their music, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats. In May 2023, the band released Only This Far, a 12-song collection drawing from the highs and lows of their lived experiences over all those years.

With a smorgasbord of eclectic instruments and a stunning blend of harmonious vocals, the band has crafted a work of profound emotional depth with this new album. The songs are a symphony of raw, unbridled emotion, weaving together tales of love, loss, and longing with a deft touch that could only be crafted by these two songwriters who have quite literally lived on the road for the better part of a decade. It’s a true testament to the band’s unwavering dedication to their craft.

Standout track “Ain’t That The Way” is a shining anthem of perseverance; a rousing call to action for those who have been told their best isn’t good enough. With its powerful gang vocals and uplifting message, this song is a triumph of the human spirit, a celebration of the resilience and determination that lies within us all. On the other side of the coin, “God of War” — a semi-autobiographical sketch by Graham — delves adeptly into heavier subject matter. It’s a searing exploration in the complexities of identity, a stark and unflinching look at the dark underbelly of modern American culture. With its haunting lyrics and evocative soundscape, this song paints a vivid portrait of a nation at war with itself, grappling with the legacy of its past and the weight of its responsibilities. The band’s ability to seamlessly navigate the contrasts between bold, unflinching balladry and sunny-day sing-alongs makes Only This Far quite the enriching listen.

Writing and performing together since 2007, Mallory Graham and Scott Tyler inevitably formed The Rough & Tumble in 2011 as the friends turned into bandmates. In 2015, after a bad Nashville landlord left them without heat for twelve days during an ice storm, the bandmates-turning-spouses decided to hit the road. They sold everything they could, bought a sixteen-foot camper (despite the warning of their families and the lot salesman), packed up their instruments, their dogs, and a couple of small trinkets shaped like elephants and mice that they couldn’t part with, and hit the road. They’ve been touring relentlessly ever since with their two 100 lb rescue dogs, Mud Puddle and Magpie Mae, in spite of multiple burnt up axles, busted tires, and consistent water leaks. It’s these years and miles and experiences that have culminated in the songs of Only This Far — arguably the band’s most fully-formed work to-date.

Overall, Only This Far is a powerful and thought-provoking collection of songs that reflects The Rough & Tumble’s diverse influences and experiences. The band’s remarkable storytelling ability is on full display here, serving as a timely beacon of hope in a world in dire need of just that. With its powerful lyrics, emotive vocals, and evocative overtones, this is an album that will resonate with listeners long after the final notes have faded away.

In 2022, after a series of strange events including an invitation to see an historic jail, the band found themselves planted in a home in northern New Hampshire– at least part of the year. Home life has them cultivating their local music scene, but can’t seem to keep them from the road– not even after their old home-on-the-road finally fell apart at the end of 2023. The Rough & Tumble called a Hail Mary to their supporters, hoping to scrape together a down payment for a new touring vehicle. In under 3 hours, they made more than a down payment– in 2 weeks, the couple was floored by the support they received and were able to purchase a sturdy new camper outright. They’re happily and safely back on the road in 2024 thanks to their unbelievably supportive fan base.

It continues to look up for the duo as, at the end of 2023, they became one of the twenty two recipients of the Club Passim Iguana Fund. This is a grant program that for the last sixteen years has given over $40,000 annually in grants to New England based artists to be used for tour support, recording projects, and a host of other necessary expenses artists face in today’s musical economy.

It takes determination and stamina to live this hardscrabble lifestyle, but not as much as it takes for them to stay still. With some luck and old-fashioned working together, you’ll be able to see The Rough & Tumble pull their camper into your town to do what they do best; speaking up until they’re heard. We suggest you do the same.

“…Listening for the first time, what strikes you is indeed the unpretentious nature of the overall feel, and how well Mallory and Scott’s interweaving vocals complement the other, with enough ‘edge’ to separate them from the field. In short, no-nonsense, straight-forward, modern-sounding folk music. ”
–Richard Clark, Great Dark Wonder, April 2021

“…beautifully passionate expressions of the social, political, and medical turbulence folks have been enduring since March 2020.”
-Joe Vitagliano,
American Songwriter

“Wow! Do not pass up on the opportunity to host this wonderful duo. Mallory & Scott were the total package–very musically adept and charming. Their joy of playing music together was evident throughout the evening. This joy is what really resonated with our audience and made for very special evening. They and their dogs were the perfect guests. Mags & Puddles got along well with our dogs & were well behaved, so don’t let the fact they travel with them scare you. Overall a truly wonderful experience!” – C. Mccauley, August 2019, Broadlands, VA

“Fun fun, fun, we enjoyed these two. Great songs, great personalities. Wonderful communicators. You know when you wish the songs would go on longer that you have a winner.” – B. Amidon, May 2018, Alamagordo, NM

“Fun and FUNNY! What fun to have this duo in the house, they charmed our audience with their eclectic folk tunes and their silly stories. I recommend Scott and Mallory for any audience, but especially the ones who like to laugh. Great vibes, great guests!” – A. Fletcher June, 2017, NY

To book The Rough & Tumble in North American please contact:
Brad Raley (brad@blackoakartists.com)