Alumni Success Story: Justin Ploof

As Technical High School revs up to celebrate 100 years of tradition and excellence, 2002 graduate and professional musician, Justin Ploof, will be bringing in the band.

Justin Ploof
Justin Ploof

Justin Ploof and The Throwbacks is a familiar name in central Minnesota. The band is one of the newest sensations on the music scene, especially since their original “Rockumentary” videos, containing vintage footage and narration to accompany their performances, were recently released.

“I’ve always loved music and loved documentaries as well as performing,” says Ploof. “We create a documentary to accompany the music-whatever we are covering that night. It’s like if you went to a movie theater to watch a movie, only with a live band.”

Ploof’s band covers many styles of music ranging from The Monkees, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Beach Boys to others like Eric Clapton and local favorite Bobby Vee.

Remember Joan Jett or Soul Asylum? Well, Ploof and his band have shared the stage with them as well.

Ploof’s love of music started at an early age. He’s always loved music, but he “really got into it” while in elementary school when he received his first guitar. His first band consisted of some Talahi elementary friends who owned guitars and a drum set.

“I’m sure we were a lot worse than we really thought,” says Ploof, looking back at his first band.

He does remember watching reruns of “The Ed Sullivan Show” when he was younger. Watching the bands made him think that it would be a good job.

Ploof describes what it feels like to be on the big stage.

“It’s amazing. You start out in little venues and coffee shops, and it is a far cry from the 30 or so friends that show up to support you. It’s just such a rush that is indescribable.”

Earlier in his career, he and his family created two albums, and it looked like they were going to get signed by a record label. However, it didn’t pan out at the time. Ploof later started getting a “weird” feeling that he should go out as a solo artist.

Justin McGuinn is his solo persona and his solo album is “Love Song and Others.”

“I came up with the name for a two-fold [purpose]. A stage persona:  if I had a different name, it didn’t feel as weird [being a solo artist].”

The other reason was to keep a similar name.

Ploof now has a record deal and a new album. A full-length video is also about to be released.

“It’s been a whirlwind with this whole record deal,” explains Ploof. “I went back to school, and all at once the deal came around.”

He always advises, “Don’t expect the music industry to be easy and don’t expect handouts.”

But, he also says, “Don’t be afraid to chase the dream.”

As most artists dream, Ploof hopes that his music catches on. He loves to create music with other artists and wants to continue following his passion.

It is more than fitting that Justin Ploof and The Throwbacks is performing at the Tech Centennial Celebration on July 28. It is an opportunity to celebrate Tech’s success through the life and music of such a successful grad.

Check out his other upcoming performances in St. Cloud.

Justin Ploof performing.
Justin Ploof performing.

Read other alumni success stories.

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