Page 82 - ION Indie Magazine SeptOct 2018

I call this duo a lightning bolt in a bottle that is about to break out. They are already well-
known and appreciated in the music mecca of Austin, Texas. All of the aforementioned
reasons are why Tough On Fridays is ION Indie Magazine’s “ReverbNation Artist of the
Month.”

Tough On Fridays has been officially performing together since 2017, but as stated
previously, they have been playing together for a very long time. They both write music and
lyrics, yet again, very differently. Caleigh tends to write from her imagination, which results
in stories. Katie writes from life experiences and the accompanying emotions. Katie typically
writes with the acoustic guitar. Caleigh does not. Katie’s influences include John Mayer,
Coldplay, Jimmy Page, and early Green Day. Caleigh lists as her influences Blink 182, Nirvana
(specifically Kurt Cobain), and Saturdays spent watching MTV. The result has been an ever-
expanding catalog of material that has resulted in a maturing songwriting style that has hints
of reflection, introspect, and attitude. Every new track I hear from them surprises me with
their obvious growth. I am clearly not the only one who has noticed.

Eric Nielsen of Dead Rose Management handles the duo’s day to day business. A well-
respected Austin scene musician himself, back in the day. He is tasked with serving as a
mentor as well as keeping the young ladies away from vultures and wolves. He has done a
fantastic job and has helped them develop a growth plan that reflects where they are in
their careers and where they possibly may be headed.

Besides making a name for themselves in Austin, Texas, Tough On Fridays is developing a
strong regional fanbase in central Texas…and beyond. They are garnering some national
attention with radio stations (terrestrial and internet) across the country. Los Angeles is a
market looming for their genre and they are additionally receiving airplay there. Southern
California at some point will be a great fit for these two developing rockers. It definitely
helps to have a producer such as Tim Palmer (Pearl Jam, Tears for Fears, The Cure, U2) co-
produce a track (“lush”). Or, how about their single “Yachats” -- which was co-produced by
Beau Burchell (Moose Blood, 888, Saosin)? They routinely get compared to the likes of The
1975 and Blink 182, and their musical resume is building up fast. Tough On Fridays was most
recently selected from thousands of submissions to perform on the nationally syndicated
PBS program “The Texas Music Café.”

I was lucky to catch the ladies live in Austin, Texas. They are blessed with poise and
confidence on stage. I love the rock ‘n’ roll vibe they emit. While speaking with them, I
quickly realized that they remain humble and without a hint of arrogance, despite the
attention they receive and success they have achieved. Tough On Fridays is on the right path,
and their steady growth has positioned them to breakout at some juncture. I will enjoy
watching their progression.

Sometimes, I feel as if maybe I should have paid more attention to my 6th grade math
projects. However, it doesn’t take a mathematician to solve this equation…Katie plus Caleigh
equals great music!

Check out Tough On Fridays on ReverbNation at:
https://www.reverbnation.com/toughonfridays