Tessa and the Tussle (TnT)

Tessa and the Tussle is an Alternative Rock Band built on the idea that life’s hardest battles can become its greatest songs. Their music blends original material with carefully chosen covers that explore struggle, hope, love, loss, and perseverance. Every member brings a unique journey that shapes the sound.

Astrobean is the band's primary songwriter and lead vocalist. Her writing reflects a life marked by extraordinary adversity and the determination to move beyond it. Rather than dwelling on the past, her songs transform difficult experiences into stories of resilience, vulnerability, and strength.

Tessa, the band's drummer and namesake , brings relentless energy and heart to every performance. After overcoming significant personal hardships and embracing her authentic identity, she has become a powerful example of courage and living truthfully as she completes her degree at UNC.

Jordan, on bass, grew up in an Air Force family, giving him a perspective shaped by constant movement, adaptability, and diverse influences. His steady musicianship provides the foundation that holds the band's sound together.

Mike Pelphrey, guitarist and vocals, was raised in Austin, Texas, immersed in one of America's richest music cultures. A thoughtful and intellectually curious musician, Mike approaches every song through the lens of emotion, believing that great music isn't simply heard; it's deeply felt. Mike is more than the guitarist and vocalist, he is the bands musical architect, shaping arrangements, dynamics, and emotional texture.

Together, Tessa and the Tussle deliver performances that are both powerful and deeply human. Their originals invite listeners into real stories, while their covers are reimagined through the band's own emotional perspective. The result is music that is honest, energetic, and unapologetically authentic.

TnT is able to provide full sound system and lighting or plug into house sound. We have an experienced sound engineer and are able to temper mix and volume appropriately for small venues.