Mixtape Junkies is a Chicago based rock band that prides itself on musicianship and a one-of-a-kind playlist. We grew up in the 80’s on a steady diet of the incredibly diverse music of the time. Many of us played those favorite songs while they were still on the Top 100 charts. Mixtape Junkies was formed with the idea of covering Rock’s “Mixtape era” (70’s-80’s), but we wanted to do it differently. We formed our identity by choosing songs that many other 80’s bands don’t (or can’t) cover. We thrill our audiences by faithfully reproducing even the most challenging music, ensuring that what you hear is exactly the way you remember the song. As a result, our music always elicits an “oh yeah, I LOVE that song!” response. We LOVE the look on people’s faces as they sing along with a favorite song they haven’t seen performed in years. ​Since our launch in 2017, Mixtape Junkies has had the pleasure of entertaining crowds all over Chicagoland, including Naperville’s Ribfest and Last Fling, The Bolingbrook (Roger C. Claar) Performing Arts Center, Naperville Municipal Band Shell, Morton Grove Summer Concert Series, popular west suburban clubs including Two Brothers Roundhouse, Ballydoyle Pub, Basecamp and more. In addition, Mixtape Junkies has played private engagements and charity shows. Whether you’re out to chill and listen or pack the dance floor, we have your music. Pause your mixtape, get out to see our show and enjoy singing along with your favorite iconic 80’s tunes!

Chris’ high energy charisma and performances ignite the stage. Before joining Mixtape Junkies, Chris had a decades-long career in a capella music, with hundreds of live shows and eight albums to his credit. Chris has a powerful vocal instrument and the skills to deliver everything from the growling rasp of Billy Idol to the shimmering falsettos of Supertramp and Sting. Chris is the only member of the band who still owns an authentic 80’s boom box. Favorite 80’s Band? Boston ‘76… I was still listening in the 80’s First CD/Album/Tape You Bought? First 45- Convoy - C.W. McCall First Concert? .38 Special/Ted Nugent Musical Hero? Phil Collins Favorite Movie? Blind Side What brand(s) of musical equipment do you play? ‘76 Ludwig Vistalite and Shure mics

Rocco has been anchoring rock bands for more than 30 years. In Mixtape Junkies, he’s the absolute heart of the band, nailing his parts with astonishing skill and time. Rocco is a student of every song we play – ensuring that groove, feel and fills are true to the original songs. Rocco’s formal training shines through in some of the most challenging music we play. In addition to being a highly skilled drummer, Rocco also makes a mean pizza. ​Favorite 80’s Band? Toto - although not confined just to the 80's, I'd have to call the 80's their Golden Era First CD/Album/Tape You Bought? Pyromania/Def Leppard on cassette. ​First Concert? Billy Squier with Ratt opening ​Musical Hero? Jeff Porcaro ​Favorite Movie? WAY too many to mention - However, I do love a good quotable comedy though What brand(s) of musical equipment do you play? Sonor Drums & Zildjian Cymbals

Dave is an incredible guitar player, lending his talents to a number of great bands over the years going back to the early 90’s. Dave ensures that the guitar tones and solos are always spot on, pouring himself into every note. As a guitar teacher and music theory junkie, Dave ensures our arrangements are spot on. Dave’s guitar hero is Brian May (Queen) and Dave was a 2009 top 10 finalist in Guitar Player Magazine’s Guitar Superstar Competition. Favorite 80’s Bands? Journey, Asia, Rick Springfield, Van Halen First CD/Album You Bought? Whitesnake ("1987") First Concert? Rush (Garry Moore opening) Musical Hero? Tim Pierce (L.A. session guitarist - Rick Springfield, Goo Goo Dolls, and countless artists for the past 40 years) Favorite Movie? WAY too many to mention What brand(s) of musical equipment do you play Tom Anderson guitars (main), Ernie Ball Music Man signature models, Kemper amps

Paul’s formal training has served him well over 30+ years of playing in bands. Paul was playing 80’s hits on keys while they were still on the Top 100 charts. Paul prides himself on being a digital alchemist, mixing up exactly the right sounds and sonic textures for each song, ensuring that what you hear is what you remember. You may think he’s using a flux capacitor, but all of Paul’s parts are played by hand. Paul is a co-founder of Mixtape Junkies, along with Steve. ​ Favorite 80’s Band? Tie: The Tubes, INXS First CD/Album/Tape You Bought? Supertramp Live in Paris First Concert? Journey “Frontiers”, 1983 (opened by Bryan Adams) Musical Hero? Tie: Howard Jones, Jonathan Cain Favorite Movie? Apollo 13 What brand(s) of musical equipment do you play? Korg Kronos 2 88, Yamaha MODX8, Radial Key Largo mixer/DI, EV ELX200-12P monitor, Apple iPad Pro 12.9 running Camelot Pro

Steve has been playing in bands since the heyday of mixtapes. Starting from prog rock and classic rock roots, he added jazz, gospel, and funk to his repertoire over the decades and draws from those experiences in his playing. Despite enjoying playing busy bass lines, slapping and tapping, Steve is most at home playing in the pocket. Groove first! Steve’s weapon of choice is a five string bass - because “its one more than four”. Finally, Steve is co-founder of the band with Paul and serves as the band’s business manager. ​Favorite 80’s Band Excluding the classic rock that dominated my record collection, my favorite eighties band was INXS. ​First CD/Album/Tape You Bought? Foreigner, Records. On vinyl! First Concert? Rush, Grace Under Pressure Tour. 1984. (Same as Dave!) Musical Hero? Growing up it was Geddy Lee. I've added Tony Levin and Marcus Miller to complete my "bassist trinity". Favorite Movie? The Godfather ​What brand(s) of musical equipment do you play? Musicman and Mike Lull basses, and Bergantino and GK amplification.