Flashback Friday: Martin Dosh, Andrew Broder & Crew’s Early 2000’s Instrumental Project Lateduster

In the world of algorithms and internet cookies microtargeting you to note what you “may like,” I found out about the long-defunct Minneapolis band Lateduster in a pretty quaint and old fashioned way. This summer, at one of the Open Streets block parties, I made time on a beautiful Sunday afternoon to head to south Minneapolis to see some artists I liked and support local arts. On the bill, back-to-back, were rising rapper Nur-D and local legend Dosh. I had seen Nur-D the night before and really liked it, and Dosh is basically a surefire amazing set, no matter what configuration he decides to bring. I saw him setting up behind his drum/keyboard fortress, but then noticed two guys with guitars getting amps turned on and positioned. I was confused.

I had previously felt pretty well versed in the various projects of two of my favorite local artists, Martin Dosh and Andrew Broder, so I was surprised (and a tad embarrassed) to find out they had a great project called Lateduster they worked on together in the not too distant past (’99 to mid 2000s), and that this group (sans Border for the day) was going to be playing a “reunion” set (video above). A good reminder that good music can exist before you begin paying attention to an artist.

The band consisted of Andrew Broder, Martin Dosh, JG Everest and Bryan Olson, and they put out a handful of CDs and a DVD on small regional labels, garnering what seems like some good attention during their run. If you are like me and missed this, a good starting point is the quasi-compilation Easy Pieces, which is below (find more at their Bandcamp page). Over eight songs, it shows the band’s breadth of sound, from dusty hip hop beats to quasi jazz to atmospheric post-rock. It is kind of the like if you took all of the best instrumental music and forced it to be boiled down to guitar, keys, record scratches and drums. It is massive in scope yet feels like a warm blanket on a cold winter night.

I could go on about their earthy-yet-cosmic sound, but I feel like if you didn’t already know them and aren’t already opening another tab to find their music, there isn’t more I can do. Finding this band was both a great experience in getting awesome music into my life, but also in remembering the power of community and not missing the forest for the trees.

Go see live music, even if you don’t know the bands. Go see bands you’ve seen before, especially if they aren’t getting the attention from mainstream media outlets. Their job is to tell you what they think you’ll like and click on, which obviously narrows the scope. In a time where it feels like our cultural appreciation is a mile wide and an inch deep (which song is next), dig a little deeper. Allow for the universe to direct you to a band you didn’t know but you find out immediately that you love. And while you’re doing this, listen to Lateduster because their music is timeless and perfect for thinking about the craziness of this life and random, short journey we’re all on together.