Joe Pug

Chicago singer-songwriter Joe Pug doesn't take his namesake from the cute dogs of the same name, though he has managed to capture a faithful following much like the animal itself. Pug writes mainly folk and rock inspired songs, in league with the M. Wards and Josh Ritters of the world, however Pug's passion for music has led him to some ingenious self-marketing. Touring extensively, Pug often sells his own tickets through his website, most of them at cheaper prices than ticketing partners. Pug also gives out sampler CDs of his music for free, which he claims has boosted his actual album and song sales dramatically, a prime example of how music as a gift inspires its subsequent purchase.