Summer festivals for Tuff Guac announced

Emerging from the vibrant Antwerp music scene, Tuff Guac is the solo project of Rafael Valles Hilario, a musician with a knack for blending nostalgic pop sensibilities with raw, garage-infused rock ’n’ roll. Drawing inspiration from everything from Sixties bubblegum pop to punk-tinged fuzz, Tuff Guac’s sound feels both deliciously retro and refreshingly original. Since releasing his debut Green and Handsome in 2020, Rafael has taken his project on the road across Europe, supported live by a tight band featuring Wim De Busser (King Dick), Jasper Suys, and Gert Jan Van Damme (Jerry Lada).

The band’s third full-length album, I Want It Too, dropped in late 2025 and confirms Hilario’s talent for crafting irresistible tunes that feel like they’ve been beamed in from another era. With catchy hooks, playful arrangements, and an analog warmth rooted in his Antwerp studio recordings, the record wraps elements of garage rock, pop, country, and classic rock ’n’ roll into a cohesive yet wonderfully unpredictable package.

Critics have praised I Want It Too for its skillful mix of vintage influences and contemporary creativity. Songs like the swinging title track evoke the sound of a 1950s roller-rink dance, complete with fizzy guitars and toe-tapping beats, while other cuts weave in gritty grooves and psychedelic flourishes that keep listeners engaged from start to finish. The album’s playful spirit and rich musical textures prove that Tuff Guac isn’t just rehashing old sounds — he’s reinventing them with a wink and a wink.

With I Want It Too now out and already making waves among Belgian releases of the year (2025), Tuff Guac continues to expand his sonic universe. Whether you’re drawn to catchy melodies, garage grit, or delightfully quirky rock ’n’ roll, this is a project that rewards repeated listens and marks Hilario as one of Belgium’s most fascinating musical craftspeople today.

This summer the band is announced for a couple festivals in the Netherlands:
30/05: Amsterdam, NL - Stripfest at Oedipus 
11/07: Luttenberg, NL - Lil’Hill 
18/07: Lichtenvoorde, NL - Zwarte Cross 
22/08: Lottum, NL - Badlands