Fog

by Jason Birchmeier
Multi-instrumentalist Andrew Broder began making eccentric music as Fog and hooked up with the British label Ninja Tune. Born in Minneapolis, MN, where he continued to reside, Broder turned to music as an escape from the outside world. He confined himself to his basement and learned several instruments while simultaneously taking an interest in the escapist aspects of hip-hop. Eventually, after growing ill and dropping out of school, Broder dedicated himself to music, crafting eccentric tracks that were rooted in hip-hop but integrated numerous other elements and instruments. His recordings attracted the interest of prominent British trip-hop label Ninja Tune, which released a self-titled collection of his work in 2002, followed by the Check Fraud 12". At this point, Broder drafted a few Minneapolis musicians -- guitarist Jeremy Ylvisaker, bassist Baer Erickson, drummer Martin Dosh -- to take Fog on the road. His second record, 2003's Ether Teeth, was also a solo venture. 10th Avenue Freakout followed in 2005, and for 2007's Ditherer, Broder found a stable lineup in bassist Mark Erickson and drummer Tim Glenn.