Andrew Dost

Last updated
Andrew Dost
Andrew Dost.jpg
Dost performing with Anathallo at Coachella in 2007.
Background information
Birth nameAndrew Paul Dost
Born (1983-04-10) April 10, 1983 (age 41)
Cass City, Michigan, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Musician
  • singer
Instruments
  • Piano
  • keyboards
  • glockenspiel
  • guitar
  • bass
  • drums
  • flugelhorn
  • theremin
  • trumpet
  • vocals
Years active2000–present
Labels Fueled by Ramen

Andrew Paul Dost (born April 10, 1983) [1] is an American musician and singer; he is a member of the indie possa nova/jazz band Metal Bubble Trio, [2] in which he is the lead singer. He was formerly a member of the indie rock band Anathallo from 2003 to 2007, as well as the indie rock band fun. from 2008-2015.

Contents

Early and personal life

Andrew Dost was born to father Mark Dost, a retired teacher at Frankfort High School, [3] and mother Cheryl, also a retired teacher at Frankfort High School. [4]

Dost grew up in Cass City, Michigan and Frankfort, Michigan. He graduated from Frankfort High School in Michigan as valedictorian in 2001, [3] and graduated from Central Michigan University with a degree in journalism in 2005. [5] [6]

Regarding Dost's musical ambitions, his father, Mark, has said, "We always encouraged it because he plays flugelhorn, keyboard, guitar, melodica and drums. And he can sing. I am so pleased and proud that he's able to do what he loves to do and make a living at it. You wonder how is this going to work out as far as making a car payment. Yet as a parent you want your child to be fulfilled." [3]

Dost is also a fairly active LGBTQ+ ally, [7] [8] [9] [10] and a founding member of The Ally Coalition, [8] an organization "that works with entertainers and their fans to raise awareness, action, and funds in support of LGBTQ equality . . ." [11]

Career

Anathallo

Dost began his musical career as a member of the band Anathallo, which was formed in 2000 at Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, with Dost joining in 2003. [1] [12] He left the band halfway through writing album Canopy Glow in 2006; he has said that he left because the band had relocated to Chicago and he was not able to move with. [1]

Columbus

After leaving Anathallo, Dost began work on a solo album, Columbus. It was based on a musical he had written in 2005 about the life of Christopher Columbus. According to an editorial review, "The story is a comedy of sorts, taking preposterous liberties with the legendary tale of Christopher Columbus . . . Columbus takes a quirky story and creates a heartfelt world for it." [13]

The album was written, produced, and recorded almost entirely by Dost, along with help from Michael Nau (of Page France and The Cotton Jones Basket Ride), Nate Ruess (of The Format), Joel Thiele (of Anathallo), Chris Fafalios, and Steve Soboslai. The album was released in 2009 on vinyl and digital. [14]

Fun.

In 2008, Nate Ruess (former frontman of The Format) asked Dost to join him and Jack Antonoff (of Steel Train) in a new band, which became Fun. [1] Dost already knew the two, because their former bands had toured together. [1]

While making Fun.'s first album, Aim and Ignite , Dost remained based out of Michigan, while Ruess lived in Phoenix, Arizona, and Antonoff in New Jersey.

Fun.'s second album, Some Nights , saw the band's first #1 hit single, "We Are Young", which Dost co-wrote with Ruess, Antonoff, and Jeff Bhasker, the band's producer. [15]

Dost also created an original score for the beginning of the "Carry On" music video in 2012.

Scores

He composed the soundtrack to the movie The D Train , released in 2015. The soundtrack contains a collaboration with his Fun. bandmate Jack Antonoff.

Solo career

In late 2015, Dost has mentioned that he hopes to release new music soon. [16]

On April 20, 2016, Dost said in an interview with the Metro Times that he's, "finishing an album, and scoring some films and TV shows in the meantime. It's been fun to have some time to experiment with music in a lot of different ways." [17]

In this same interview, Dost also said, regarding his music, "I'm pretty heavily influenced by '60s pop, but also love experimenting with modern sounds. I like the Beatles, I like musical theater, and I like Drake." [17]

On April 29, 2016, Dost performed a new song titled "Where Did They Go" along with an unreleased song titled "Young Republicans" at the Detroit Music Awards. These songs have not been released officially as singles. [18]

Dost also composed music for dogs in 2014. [19] Since Fun. went on hiatus, Dost has been involved in films, podcasts, TV shows, and NFTs. [20]

In 2021, Dost returned to Michigan with the intent to work on his music and other art locally. [20] He began teaching in the singer-songwriter program at Interlochen Center for the Arts around this time. [21]

Songwriting credits

YearArtistSongCo-written withU.S. peak
position
U.K. peak
position
2011Fun."We Are Young"Nate Ruess, Jack Antonoff, Jeff Bhasker1 [15] 1 [22]
2012Fun."Some Nights"Nate Ruess, Jack Antonoff, Jeff Bhasker3 [23] 7 [24]

Discography

Albums

Soundtracks

Singles

  • "Mean What I Say" (2015) by That Dog

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glenn Frey</span> American rock musician (1948–2016)

Glenn Lewis Frey was an American musician. He was a founding member of the rock band Eagles. Frey was the co-lead singer and frontman for Eagles, roles he came to share with fellow member Don Henley, with whom he wrote most of Eagles' material. Frey played guitar and keyboards as well as singing lead vocals on songs such as "Take It Easy", "Peaceful Easy Feeling", "Tequila Sunrise", "Already Gone", "James Dean", "Lyin' Eyes", "New Kid in Town", and "Heartache Tonight".

Interlochen Center for the Arts is a non-profit corporation which operates arts education institutions and performance venues. Established in 1928 by Joseph E. Maddy, Interlochen Center for the Arts is located on a 1,200-acre (490 ha) campus in Green Lake Township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan, near the eponymous community of Interlochen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Format</span> American indie rock band

The Format was an American indie rock band, formed by vocalist Nate Ruess and multi-instrumentalist Sam Means. Their style can be considered a mixture of indie, alternative, punk and folk music, with elements of 1960s and 1970s pop music. Though Means and Ruess are the foremost members of the band, they have played, toured, and recorded with Mike Schey, Mark Buzard, Don Raymond, and for the DVD recording and summer 2007 tour, The Honorary Title's drummer Adam Boyd. The Format chose their name to make fun of the music industry's inclination towards a cookie-cutter "format" for a hit. Formed in 2002, the band announced a hiatus on February 4, 2008. On February 4, 2020, they announced a return from their hiatus for a tour of special shows that were later cancelled due to the pandemic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anathallo</span> American indie rock band

Anathallo was a band originally from Mt. Pleasant, Michigan and then based in Chicago, Illinois. The band started practicing in the fall of 2000 and played their first show soon afterward. Their name is derived from a Greek word meaning "to renew, refresh or bloom again."

<i>Floating World</i> (Anathallo album) 2006 studio album by Anathallo

Floating World, a CD based upon a Japanese Fairy Tale, is the third album by Anathallo. It was self-released in 2006. "Floating World" is the English translation of the Japanese concept of Ukiyo.

<i>Dog Problems</i> 2006 studio album by the Format

Dog Problems is the second studio album to be recorded by American rock band The Format; the album was released on July 11, 2006, through the band's label The Vanity Label. Following the release of their debut studio album Interventions + Lullabies (2003), The Format were moved from Elektra Records to Atlantic Records, who were unable to promote them, causing the band to leave the label in late 2005. The Format recorded their next album Dog Problems with producer Steven McDonald in Los Angeles, California. Dog Problems is an indie pop, indie rock and power pop album that has been compared to the work of the Cars, Ben Folds and Jimmy Eat World.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fun (band)</span> American pop band

Fun is an American indie pop band based in New York City. The band consists of Jack Antonoff, Andrew Dost, and Nate Ruess.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nate Ruess</span> American singer and songwriter

Nathaniel Joseph Ruess is an American singer and songwriter. He formed the indie pop band fun. in 2008, for which he serves as lead vocalist. He also does so for the indie rock band the Format, which was formed prior in 2002.

<i>Canopy Glow</i> 2008 studio album by Anathallo

Canopy Glow is the fourth and final studio album by the American pop band, Anathallo. It was released on November 18, 2008, on CD and re-released on vinyl on May 26, 2009.

<i>Aim and Ignite</i> 2009 studio album by Fun

Aim and Ignite is the debut studio album by American indie pop band Fun. It was recorded at Appletree Studios.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">We Are Young</span> 2011 single by Fun

"We Are Young" is a song recorded by American pop rock band Fun, featuring American singer Janelle Monáe. It is the third track on the group's second studio album, Some Nights (2012). The song was released on September 20, 2011 as the lead single from the album. The song quickly received widespread acclaim from music critics, with many noting the song as a breakthrough for the indie genre and praising the song's catchiness. "We Are Young" attained commercial success worldwide, reaching number one in several countries.

<i>Some Nights</i> (album) Second album by fun

Some Nights is the second and final studio album by the American pop rock group fun. It was released on February 21, 2012, through Fueled by Ramen. It was recorded in 2011 and produced by Jeff Bhasker. After signing to the new label, the band began to work on Some Nights for over nine months throughout 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Some Nights (song)</span> 2012 single by Fun

"Some Nights" is a song by American indie pop band Fun. It was released on June 4, 2012, as the second single from their second studio album of the same name. The song was written by Jeff Bhasker, Nate Ruess, Andrew Dost, and Jack Antonoff. Musically "Some Nights" is an alternative rock song with elements of power pop and progressive pop while the lyrics depict the protagonist having an existential crisis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fun discography</span> Band discography

The discography of American indie pop band Fun consists of two studio albums, seven extended plays, 11 singles and seven music videos. Following the split of his previous band The Format, lead singer Nate Ruess formed Fun in 2008 with musicians Andrew Dost and Jack Antonoff, both of whom had previously toured with The Format. Fun began recording sessions for their debut album in September 2008 and embarked on a North American tour the following month. In May 2009, they issued their debut single, "At Least I'm Not as Sad ". Aim and Ignite, the band's first full-length album, was released by Nettwerk Records on August 25, 2009, and peaked at number 71 on the United States Billboard 200 chart. The album produced an additional two singles, "All the Pretty Girls" and "Walking the Dog", which were then followed by the release of the single "C'mon", a collaboration with American alternative rock band Panic! at the Disco.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carry On (Fun song)</span> 2012 single by fun.

"Carry On" is a song by American indie pop band Fun. It was released on October 23, 2012, as the third single off their second album, Some Nights. The song was written by the band members, Nate Ruess, Andrew Dost, Jack Antonoff, alongside the album's producer, Jeff Bhasker.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Just Give Me a Reason</span> 2013 song by Pink and Nate Ruess

"Just Give Me a Reason" is a song recorded by American singer Pink featuring Nate Ruess of the band Fun. The song was chosen as the third single from Pink's sixth studio album, The Truth About Love (2012). Written alongside producer Jeff Bhasker, "Just Give Me a Reason" is a pop ballad about the desire to hold on to a relationship even when it appears to be breaking down.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jack Antonoff</span> American musician (born 1984)

Jack Michael Antonoff is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. Antonoff is the lead vocalist of rock band Bleachers. He was previously the guitarist and drummer for the pop rock band Fun and the lead vocalist for the indie rock band Steel Train. Aside from his work with the three groups, Antonoff has been prolific in songwriting and production for various music industry acts, including Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, P!nk, Sara Bareilles, the 1975, Lorde, St. Vincent, Florence and the Machine, Lana Del Rey, Sabrina Carpenter, Gracie Abrams, Fifth Harmony, Kevin Abstract, Carly Rae Jepsen, the Chicks, Tegan and Sara, and Clairo. Antonoff is credited with impacting the sound of popular music throughout the 2010s and 2020s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Wanna Get Better</span> 2014 single by Bleachers

"I Wanna Get Better" is the debut single by American indie pop act Bleachers, released on February 18, 2014 through RCA Records. The song is from their debut studio album Strange Desire, and was written and produced by frontman Jack Antonoff and John Hill. "I Wanna Get Better" topped the Billboard Alternative Songs chart, becoming the band's first number-one single, and also reached the top ten of the Hot Rock Songs chart. Its accompanying music video stars Antonoff as a therapist and was directed by his then girlfriend, actress and filmmaker Lena Dunham.

Rachel Antonoff is an American fashion designer based in New York City. She is known for presenting her designs in creative ways, including in the form of a murder mystery, as a "sock hop," and in a dollhouse. In 2015, director and actress Lena Dunham promoted Antonoff's collaboration with & Other Stories in a short film called Vote Audrey. Dunham famously wore Antonoff's Uterus Sweater to a Planned Parenthood event where she then auctioned it off to raise an additional $4,000 for the cause. The text of her popular 2013 "I'm With Her" sweatshirt descended into politics after Hillary Clinton's campaign adopted I'm With Her as the campaign's slogan. Antonoff starred in and was the creative director for the music video for Tegan and Sara's "Boyfriend" in 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Accidentals</span> American musical band

The Accidentals are an American band, formed in Traverse City, Michigan in 2012 by singer-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Sav Buist and Katie Larson. The group has featured an eclectic blend of indie folk, pop, bluegrass, rock, classical, and other genres. They have released seven full-length albums, three EPs, and two live albums.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Sebastian Murdock, "Profile: Andrew Dost", CUIndependent.com, Oct. 4, 2010". Cuindependent.com. 4 October 2010. Retrieved 2013-12-04.
  2. Trio, Metal Bubble. "Metal Bubble Trio". Metal Bubble Trio. Retrieved 2024-03-21.
  3. 1 2 3 DRAHOSmdrahos@record-eagle.com, MARTA HEPLER (2 March 2012). "Frankfort native is having 'Fun.'". Traverse City Record-Eagle. Retrieved 2016-02-18.
  4. STANTONastanton@record-eagle.com, ANNE (30 January 2013). "Frankfort native has 'fun.' in the spotlight". Traverse City Record-Eagle. Retrieved 2016-02-18.
  5. "K.O.A. Zine -- Anathallo Interview". www.koarecords.com. Retrieved 2016-02-18.
  6. "Andrew Dost: Seeing a new city through the eyes of a local". static.record-eagle.com. Archived from the original on 2016-02-24. Retrieved 2016-02-18.
  7. The Ally Coalition (2012-10-15), I'm An Ally - Andrew Dost , retrieved 2016-02-18
  8. 1 2 "Fun. Member On Why Gay Issues Are Near To His Heart". The Huffington Post. 6 February 2014. Retrieved 2016-02-18.
  9. "The Ally Coalition on Instagram: "@andrewdost sighting, I repeat, dost sighting."". Instagram. Retrieved 2016-02-18.
  10. "INTERVIEW: Fun. Keyboardist Andrew Dost Talks 'Glee,' GaGa, and LGBT Issues". ralphieaversa.com. Retrieved 2016-02-18.
  11. "The Ally Coalition". YouTube. Retrieved 2016-02-18.
  12. "Profile from". lastfm.com. Retrieved 2013-12-04.
  13. Columbus, Paper & Plastic, 2009-05-26, retrieved 2016-04-28
  14. "Columbus". 26 May 2009 via Amazon.
  15. 1 2 "James Montgomery,"Fun. Find Breakout Anthem With 'We Are Young'", mtv.com, Feb. 21, 2012". Mtv.com. 2012-02-21. Archived from the original on January 3, 2013. Retrieved 2013-12-04.
  16. "Andrew Dost on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 2016-02-18.
  17. 1 2 Staff, M. T. "Watch out! Here come the 25th annual Detroit Music Awards". Detroit Metro Times. Retrieved 2016-04-28.
  18. "Music Monday: Andrew Dost of fun". WDIV. 2016-04-25. Archived from the original on 2016-04-27. Retrieved 2016-04-28.
  19. DOGTV (25 August 2014). "ABC World News: Andrew Dost composes music for DOGTV" via YouTube.
  20. 1 2 "From The Grammys To Across The Street From His Parents In Traverse City". The Ticker | Traverse City News & Events. Retrieved 2023-08-07.
  21. Sewell, Amanda (2022-12-16). "Christmas mayhem and Muppet mischief with Andrew Dost". Interlochen Public Radio. Retrieved 2023-08-07.
  22. "Tom Eames, "fun. hold off The Wanted to score first UK No.1 single", digitalspy.com, May 27, 2012". Digitalspy.co.uk. 2012-05-27. Retrieved 2013-12-04.
  23. Billboard.com
  24. "Official Charts Company". Official Charts Company. 2012-10-06. Retrieved 2013-12-04.
  25. "Columbus by Andrew Dost on Apple Music". iTunes .
  26. "Andrew Dost - Columbus (Digital - MP3 or FLAC)".
  27. "Columbus - Andrew Dost - Songs, Reviews, Credits - AllMusic". AllMusic .