Mystic Roots Band has been touring the West Coast for six years bringing its unique style of positive “Hip-hop/Reggae,” and dance music to thousands of people throughout the United States and Mexico. Having recorded two full-length albums (Chico Style-Released in 1997 & Constant Struggle-Released in 1999) as well as numerous singles, Mystic Roots Band has secured an incredibly loyal fan base that stretches from California, across the United States, and even into some European and South American Countries. With the upcoming release of a third full-length album, MRB have kept busy, as can be seen, in both the studio as well as on tour.

Founded in 1996 by lifelong friends cootdog and Shayne T. along with some of their best buds, Mystic Roots quickly became one of the hottest acts in their college town of Chico, California. Pumping out a brand new mix of roots reggae and R&B with the flavor and energy of hip-hop, the music was perfect for the region: an intellectual message for struggling college students blended with the energetic force of highly-danceable beats for Playboy Magazine’s #1 party school, Chico State. It wasn’t long before any and all Mystic Roots shows were performed to guaranteed sold-out crowds whether it be at the bars or at the block parties.

After the release of Chico Style, original members Joaquin Guerrero (bass) and Jason Flathers (guitar/vocals) both graduated from the University and left Chico as well as the band to pursue other interests. Meanwhile, the album was selling out in the stores and it was obvious that the band had found an audience and must push forward.

Eric Iverson knew cootdog through Chico State where they were both pursuing degrees in Music. Being an established guitar player in the local music scene, Eric was invited into the band. Eric’s positivty, commitment and incredible talent made him the obvious choice to be Mystic Roots’ new lead guitarist. Along with Eric, came his good friend Sebastian Ramos to take over the spot as bass player. Sebastian remained the bass player for many years touring extensively with Mystic Roots as well as recording on their 2nd album, Constant Struggle, before graduating from Chico State in 2001 and returning to his home in Venezuela.

Constant Struggle was released in early 1999 and that’s when things really began to take off for Mystic Roots. The album could not stay on the shelves in the stores and was selling out at the merchandise booth at every show. Through the internet, it garnered the attention of Reggae fans worldwide and gained the band airplay in various countries around the world. With songs like Pass The Marijuana, April Rain, Smoke Out, as well as the title track, the band had a bonafide hit underground record.

When promoters caught wind of the success and popularity of Mystic Roots and their latest album, the band was put on the road. Though the band was based in Northern California, they enjoyed making various friends on the road, sharing the stage with nearly every major player in Reggae Music; including Bob Marley's Wailers Band, Pato Banton, Eek-A-Mouse, Michael Rose, Gregory Isaacs, The Itals, The Meditations, The Abyssinians, Toots & The Maytals, The Wailing Souls, The Congos, Strictly Roots, and The Fully Fullwood Band as well as Spearhead, The Long Beach Dub All Stars, B-Side Players, and Ozomatli. To their credit, they rocked thousands of fans young and old at the Renegade Music Festival; The International Festival; The Fairfax World Music Festival, The Spring Break Concert Series in Rosarito, Mexico; and The Napa Valley Reggae Festival.

They had gone from playing back-yard Chico parties to making appearances at such nightclubs and hot spots as The Maritime Hall in San Francisco, California; Harlow’s in Sacramento, California; The World Famous Lighthouse Cafe in Hermosa Beach Los Angeles, California; and many other venues. It's no wonder reggae guru and founding editor of the Beat Magazine, Roger Steffens, has ranked the band "One of California's finest Reggae bands."

After a couple of great years of touring, original drummer Johnny Kind decided to leave the band to start a family with his then girlfriend, now wife and mother of his child. Again Mystic Roots were without a crucial part of the band. In late 2000, while home visiting his family in Venezuela, Sebastian came across an old friend named Enrique “Kike” Alvarez, who was a very popular, immensely talented drummer in Valencia. Immediately attracted to the idea of being a part of Mystic Roots, Kike left his home country and moved to Chico, California to become the permanent drummer of Mystic Roots. Though never before having played reggae music, Kike was a natural and completed the sound to step into the Millennium.

During 2001, cootdog took some time to work on a side project with some other musicians in Chico. This band was more hip-hop oriented and through this venture he met bass player Chris Henderson and vocalist Nikki Sierra. After Sebastian graduated and returned home to Venezuela, the band was missing a bass player and this is where Chris stepped in. Routed in funk, Chris was new to reggae but quickly adapted his sound to complement the hard-hitting feel of the band’s bass lines. Adding his own unique style of jam/funk, it even further broadened the appeal of the bands universal sound. Chris played with the band for almost two years before recently leaving to study music in Mazatlan, Mexico.

Nikki, as a female vocalist, was a new and different addition to the MRB sound. Her presence created a unique three piece harmony which can be heard on The Breakfast Sampler and The cootdog Project albums. She toured with the band for over 18 months before her departure in Fall 2003 to pursue solo interests.
After Chris' departure, the band was seeking a new bass player. Eric's life-long friend and former bandmate, Miles was the ideal replacement. Already having an obvious chemistry with Eric, it wasn't long before Miles was sitting right in the pocket rockin' the deep lines.

Throughout these years the band also had many other players Throughout these years the band also had many other players complement the line-up such as DJ Goodfoot on the turntables, Chris Simpkins on bass, Rich White on Drums, Shane "Storm' Baird and the Tri-Tone Horn Section, Johnny Dutro on Percussion, Matt Baldoni on guitar and many more guests...

After winning many awards and praises from the fans and media, the band was ready to take it to the next level. The timing was impeccable as San Diego based record label, Stay Positive Productions signed the band to a multi-album deal and moved the band down to Oceanside, Ca. With so many more places to play and such a bigger audience, the band had found a new home. Recognizing so many changes in the line-up and now a change in location, the band decided to recognize that it was a new group and appended their name, adding the word "Band" to the end of the title, creating the new band name: “MYSTIC ROOTS BAND” or MRB for short.

Today cootdog, Shayne, Eric, Miles and Kike, along with hip-hop vocalist MJ and sound engineer Rich I are now working tirelessly on the band’s third release and playing countless shows wherever they can spread their message. The bands message has always been and will always be a message of love, unity, positivity, and struggle. Through this music and with this message, the band has gained followings, or Mystic Branches in multiple states and countries around the globe and is gearing up for another tour.

Forever the road soldiers, this group has been up and down the West Coast playing in scores of venues from Mexico to the Oregon border. Always in tune with the spirit of love, here to spread positivity through music globally and make a difference, we give you...Mystic Roots Band.