Mixtapes

Playing aggressive but upbeat pop-oriented punk rock with witty and self-reflective lyrics, Mixtapes was formed in 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio by friends Ryan Rockwell and Maura Weaver (the latter of whom was still a senior in high school). Rockwell and Weaver met at the Mad Hatter, a local music venue, and as they were both dealing with personal issues, they started writing songs together as fun, informal therapy. Rockwell and Weaver decided to form a band to play their new songs on-stage and possibly make a record. In 2010, they cut a homemade album, Maps, credited to Mixtapes, and made it available as a free download through Death to False Hope Records. Mixtapes soon evolved into a full band with the addition of bassist Michael Remley and drummer Boone Haley, and an EP, Thought About Growing Up, followed by the end of the year. Within 18 months of forming, Mixtapes had released 48 songs through a variety of labels and formats (including an acoustic EP, How to Throw a Successful Party), and were touring regularly, even breaking out of the United States to play some shows in Great Britain. In 2012, Mixtapes signed with No Sleep Records, and cut their first LP for the label, Even on the Worst Nights. The album earned enthusiastic reviews from the independent music press, and Ordinary Silence, the band's second full-length for No Sleep, appeared at the end of 2013.