After playing over 200 shows, including runs with Steve Earle, M.Ward and Josh Ritter, Pug took to the studio to record his sophomore release. While Nation of HeatMessenger solidifies his spot among the finest songwriters of his generation. Pug's soulful voice and lyrical vignettes guide listeners through the album's ten tracks, none of which retreat to the comfortable and familiar haven where typical singer-songwriters rest. may have earned him the title of talent to watch,

With Messenger, Pug explores new territory, sneaking pedal steel guitar into "The Sharpest Crown" and backing "The Door is Always Open" with a powerhouse rhythm section. The album's subtle beauty is showcased through the supporting cast Pug uses to expand his sound. However, he does not let his solo charm escape the album. Songs like "Bury Me Far (From My Uniform)" and "Unsophisticated Heart" make it obvious that Pug is still master of the-guy-and-the-guitar song.

Lightning Rod Records is a Nashville-based independent record label that is also home to James McMurtry and Jason Isbell. In North America, the label is distributed by Thirty Tigers/RED.

Two tracks will be available for preview at www.joepugmusic.com

Track listing for Messenger:
1. Messenger
2. How Good You Are
3. Not So Sure
4. The Sharpest Crown
5. The Door Was Always Open
6. The First Time I Saw You
7. Unsophisticated Heart
8. Disguised as Someone Else
9. Bury Me Far (From My Uniform)
10. Speak Plainly, Diana

In preparation for his February 2010 release, Pug will hit the road supporting Justin Townes Earle, kicking off in San Diego on February 9th. Full list of dates listed below.

12/02/09 Roma Circolo Degli Artisti Rome, Italy
12/03/09 Strade Blu Festival at Teatro Masini Faenza, Italy
12/06/09 Glasgow Royal Concert Hall Glasgow, Scotland
12/07/09 Perth Concert Hall Perth, Scotland
12/08/09 Aberdeen Music Hall Aberdeen, Scotland
12/10/09 Iverness Ironworks Iverness, Scotland
1/23/10 The Park Theater Winnipeg, MB
2/05/10 Colorado Mountain College Breckenridge, CO
2/09/10 The Loft San Diego, CA*
2/11/10 The Echo Los Angeles, CA*
2/12/10 The Crepe Place Santa Cruz, CA*
2/13/10 Great American Music Hall San Francisco, CA*
2/14/10 The Doug Fir Portland, OR*
2/15/10 The Tractor Tavern Seattle, WA*
2/16/10 The Biltmore Vancouver, BC*
2/18/10 The State Room Salt Lake City, UT*
2/19/10 The Bluebird Denver, CO**
2/20/10 The Sheridan Opera House Telluride, CO*
2/23/10 The Mill Iowa City, IA*
2/25/10 The Turf Club St. Paul, MN*
2/26/10 High Noon Saloon Madison, WI*
2/27/10 Lincoln Hall Chicago, IL**
2/28/10 The Magic Stick Detroit, MI*
3/02/10 The Mohawk Buffalo, NY*
3/04/10 Great Scott Boston, MA*
3/05/10 Bowery Ballroom New York, NY*
3/06/10 Johnny Brenda's Philadelphia, PA*
3/07/10 The Birchmere Alexandria, VA*