Toy Machine Gun is a 4-piece alternative rock band from the land of Gene Wilder, Harley-Davidson, and breweries. Also known as Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Formed in 1995 by teenagers Mark Strothmann (Vocals, Bass) and Sam Taylor (Vocals, Guitar, they were soon joined by childhood friend guitarist Chad Larkin and drummer David Marks.
Toy Machine Gun draws on classic and alternative rock influences to create a unique sound that captures the spirit of a lifelong friendship and love of rock-n-roll. The band crafts catchy songs like “Dubrighteststar,” “No Second Guess,” and “10 Cent Lemonade,” with a dash of sentimentality that describes their experience. The band has played throughout the Midwest and released two albums: 2001’s “Where’s the Mansion,” followed by “Split the Dayz,” released in 2005.
After a long hiatus, the band reunited in 2014 to play some shows and began writing material for their third album. The band convened in Seattle, WA, to record their third album, “Waiting for Diamonds,” scheduled for release on October 16, 2026 through Ton-Up Records. The first single, a power pop gem, “All the Same,” featuring a guest appearance by Michael Musburger (The Posies, Fastbacks, Supersuckers, Love Battery), is out on September 18, 2026. Toy Machine Gun’s current lineup is Sam Taylor (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Mark Strothmann (Lead Vocals, Bass), Chad Larkin (Lead Guitar, Vocals), and Joe Taylor (Keyboard, Piano, Rhodes, Backing Vocals)