Bio
As If! — Authentic 90s Rock, Reignited
Driven by the raw, soulful vocals of Laura Rocke and a band built for intensity
Based in Reno, As If! has quickly become one of the most exciting Reno cover bands, delivering the biggest hits of the 1990s to audiences across Northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and Carson City.
As a premier 90s cover band in Reno, As If! brings an authentic, high-energy throwback to 90s grunge, alternative, and pop rock. Fronted by the powerful and emotive vocals of Laura Rocke, the band recreates the sound and spirit of the decade with performances that combine iconic melodies, raw intensity, and unforgettable stage presence.
Founded with a passion for the music that defined a generation, As If! was built to do more than just play songs — the band set out to capture the feeling of 90s music. From gritty guitar tones to driving rhythms and dynamic vocals, every performance is designed to deliver a true 90s live music experience.
The lineup features Bud DiFatta on lead guitar, Rachel Schlingheyde on bass and vocals, and Josh Mathis on drums and vocals. Together, they bring the full sound of a live 90s rock band, recreating the heavy riffs, powerful basslines, and high-impact drumming that defined the era.
Known for their energy and authenticity, As If! has become a go-to choice for live music in Reno, performing at local venues, private events, and regional festivals throughout Northern Nevada. Their ability to connect with audiences makes every show feel like a true throwback to the golden age of rock.
More than just a band, As If! is a dedicated tribute to 90s music — delivering a high-energy live show that keeps crowds singing, dancing, and coming back for more.
Laura Rocke
Lead Vocals
Laura knew she wanted to be on a stage with a microphone in her hand and an audience in front of her since she was four years old and saw Whitney Houston on VH1 in the music video for her song “How Will I Know?” Soon after, she was exposed to Linda Ronstadt, who to this day she credits as one of her favorite female voices and biggest musical influences of all time (followed closely by Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac). As a result of having parents from two distinct generations and thus with diverging tastes in music, Laura was exposed to a wide array of decades and genres, ranging from the rock ‘n’ roll, rhythm & blues, and country of the 50s and 60s on her dad’s side, to the folk, disco, rock and pop of the 60s, 70s and 80s on her mom’s side; coupled with her own exposure to 80s music during her early childhood. When she approached her middle and high school years, the 90s were in full swing with artists such as Sublime, 311, 2 Pac, No Doubt, Alanis Morrisette, Dr. Dre, Shania Twain, Green Day, Eminem, Limp Bizkit, Garth Brooks, Metallica, Collective Soul and SO MANY more making their way to her ear drums and into the soundtrack of her adolescence.
While Laura played a little alto and tenor sax in middle school, her professional music career was still a few decades from launching. Not getting up the courage to even sing karaoke until her late 20s, it appeared as though she was destined to be one of the greatest shower- and car-singers of her generation. But in early 2019, while seeing a local band play, she was inspired to finally try to sing professionally, and just a few months later, the opportunity to front a local 80s-rock cover band presented itself. With that band, she belted out the anthems of Iron Maiden, GnR, Pat Benatar, Judas Priest and many more, while simultaneously taking voice lessons at UNR. In early 2022, while on hiatus from that band, she requested an audition with the dominant 80s-party band in town. What was supposed to be one gig with them turned into a four-years-and-counting run as one of their two front-people. As a result, Laura has played over 500 gigs—venues and stages big and small, and been blessed to warm up the stage for well-known artists such as Don Felder, Voyage, The Fab Four, Starship, Flock of Seagulls and Debbie Gibson (who’s Out of the Blue album was her very first cassette tape).
So, an 80s princess she seemed destined to be, until…she was re-exposed to and thus reconnected with the genre that defined her most-formative years, leading her to realize that she is in fact…a 90s Queen. From that came what is now the band of her own imagination and creation: As If! Using the connections and friends she has made from being born, raised and a professional musician in Reno, NV, she hand-picked the lineup you get to hear play the songs (also hand-picked by Laura) nearest and dearest to her heart and that she feels best represent the genre and express and showcase her as a singer. She hopes you enjoy listening to As If’s song list as much as she labors over perfecting and loves performing it!…
Rachel Schlingheyde
Bass/Vocals
Rae is a musician raised and rooted in Reno, NV whose sound is shaped by early exposure to rock, metal, and vocal harmony. Influenced by her older brother’s introduction to artists ranging from Nirvana, White Zombie & Cannibal Corpse while balanced by her mother’s love of folk and classic singer-songwriters such as Jim Croce and Simon & Garfunkel, she developed a wide musical foundation rooted in both heaviness and melody.
Rae began singing in school choirs at age 9 and continued through high school and college in a cappella and chamber ensembles, later singing in a local women’s barbershop choir. Her choral experience in singing alto and bass parts laid the groundwork for her connection to the bass guitar, an instrument she aspired to learn from age 14.
After years of immersion in the local music scene, Rae began playing bass in 2018, encouraged by her husband, a longtime guitarist active in Reno’s gigging community and supported by a vast array of very talented local musicians. Since 2020, she has performed regularly in a few local bands as a bass player and vocalist, playing both original and cover material.
Being a bass player and back-up vocalist for As If, a project that celebrates the music she grew up with in the 90’s and the songs that shaped her lifelong love of music, allows her the privilege to share that love with others.
Josh Mathis
Drums/Vocals
Josh brings power, precision, and serious stage presence to As If! — driving the rhythm on drums while adding vocals that help give the band its full, dynamic sound.
Since 2005, Josh has built a reputation as a versatile and reliable drummer, with extensive touring experience across the USA, Canada, and Europe. Known for his high-energy playing and consistency on stage, he has performed with a range of nationally recognized acts and developed a strong foundation in live performance at every level.
In addition to performing, Josh has worked behind the scenes as a professional drum tech for established touring bands, bringing a deep understanding of both performance and production to every show.
Whether it’s locking in the groove, powering through a set, or adding vocal depth, Josh delivers the kind of energy that takes a live performance to the next level.
Bud DiFatta
Guitar
Bud is the guitarist for As If!, helping bring the sound and energy of 90s rock to life with a style rooted in authenticity and feel.
Originally from Pueblo, Colorado and raised in Southern California, Bud has been playing live since the early 1990s. He came up through the SoCal music scene during the rise of grunge, punk, and alternative rock, performing across the Inland Empire and Sunset Strip at venues like Spanky’s Cafe, The Scream, the Whisky a Go Go, the Roxy Theatre, and Gazzarri’s. During that era, he shared the stage with national acts including Foghat, Pat Travers, Kansas, and Great White.
Now based in Reno, Bud remains active in the local music scene. In addition to As If!, he plays guitar in Lincoln Skinz and has performed alongside acts such as John 5, Sponge, Otep, Dramarama, and Angry Samoans.
His approach is simple.....serve the song, support the band, and deliver a true 90s experience every time he takes the stage.