Saxsquatch

Born as Dean Mitchell in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Saxsquatch grew up surrounded by music. His family had a rich musical heritage, with his grandfather, known as Gigfoot, and his sister, BigFlute, both being accomplished musicians. Inspired by the saxophone solo in Foreigner's 'Urgent,' he purchased his first saxophone from a local pawn shop and began his musical journey.

Initially, Saxsquatch performed anonymously, concealing his identity behind a furry suit. His early performances were met with mixed reactions, with some audiences intrigued and others apprehensive. Over time, he refined his persona, adding signature accessories like a blue bandanna and Pit Viper sunglasses, which became integral to his image.

Saxsquatch's breakthrough came in 2019 when he began uploading saxophone covers of popular songs to YouTube. His rendition of Daft Punk's 'One More Time' went viral, amassing millions of views and establishing him as a unique musical talent. By 2020, he was averaging 3–5 million views per day across social media platforms.

His performances during the COVID-19 pandemic provided a sense of escapism for many, leading to a surge in his online following. Saxsquatch's ability to blend live instrumental performances with electronic music resonated with a diverse audience, solidifying his place in the digital music landscape.

In 2021, Saxsquatch collaborated with John Oates to create an electronic dance version of Hall & Oates' classic 'Maneater.' The duo's live-streamed performance garnered significant attention and showcased Saxsquatch's versatility as an artist. That same year, he released 'Moondance' with Half an Orange, which was featured in the popular video game Rocket League.

His music has also been featured in Fortnite, further expanding his reach to gaming audiences. Saxsquatch's collaborations with artists like Billy Ray Cyrus and the band WAR have demonstrated his ability to bridge genres and appeal to a wide range of listeners.

Saxsquatch's live shows are renowned for their energy and audience engagement. In 2024, he launched the 'Bigfoot Rave' tour, incorporating a laser show into his performances, which received widespread acclaim. The following year, his 'Footprints' tour sold out 27 shows across the United States, culminating in a sold-out performance at Denver's Cervantes Ballroom.

His stage presence has also led to appearances on television shows like Jimmy Fallon's 'That's My Jam!' and Comedy Central's 'Tosh.0.' Saxsquatch has shared the stage with notable acts such as Tedeschi Trucks Band, Goldfish, Andy Frasco, and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, further cementing his reputation as a dynamic live performer.

Beyond his musical endeavors, Saxsquatch is committed to giving back to the community. In 2024, he partnered with the town of Chapel Hill to organize 'Cryptids with a Cause,' a free concert combined with a food drive benefiting PORCH, an organization that distributes food to local schools and over 700 families monthly.

The event encouraged attendees to dress as 'something they believe in,' resulting in a vibrant gathering of cryptids, aliens, and merfolk. This initiative highlighted Saxsquatch's dedication to using his platform for positive social impact and community building.

https://www.instagram.com/saxsquatch

https://www.saxsquatch.com

https://www.youtube.com/@saxsquatch