The Latebirds, a Finnish rock group formed in 2000 in Helsinki, consisted of lead vocalist and guitarist Markus Nordenstreng, drummer Janne Haavisto, bassist Mikko Mäkelä, keyboardist Matti Pitsinki, guitarist Jussi Jaakonaho, and previously Miika Paatelainen. Their breakthrough came with the debut album Fortune Cookies (2003), recorded with producer Lasse Kurki and featuring guitarist Marc Ribot. In 2005, the band released Radio Insomnia, co‑produced by Ken Coomer and Charlie Brocco, and recorded in New York with guest appearances by Wayne Kramer and Benmont Tench. Their third album, Last Of The Good Ol' Days (2010), was produced by Jim Scott in Los Angeles and included contributions from Wilco guitarist Nels Cline and actress and singer Minnie Driver. The group toured the US and Europe, supporting acts such as Wilco, Patti Smith, and Mumford & Sons, and became the first Finnish act to perform at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium in 2006.
