Mudpony Music
Making some of the finest Classic and Modern Rock n Roll!
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Mudpony is the solo music project of Conrad Oster, blending bluesy grit with cinematic storytelling and a classic rock edge. With songs like "Black Road" and "Don't Let Go" featuring authentic instrumentation and emotional depth, Mudpony delivers powerful tracks that reflect resilience, identity, and a deep-rooted love for rock and roll.
Time Capsule
Explore the legacy of Conrad Oster’s musical journey. From the raw college energy of Downtime, through the introspective grit of Weary, to the experimental edge of Cloud 9, each band marks a chapter in the evolution of Mudpony Music. Click below to dive into the stories, sounds, and memories that shaped the path.
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Downtime was an original rock band formed in the early 1990s at Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota. Known for their thoughtful songwriting and dynamic performances, the group quickly built a local following through campus events and regional gigs. With a blend of melodic rock influences and a strong collaborative spirit, Downtime delivered authentic, emotionally-driven music that captured the essence of their era
Conrad’s musical path began in South Dakota while attending Dakota State University. There, he joined with fellow musicians to create DownTime, navigating the challenges of college, part-time work, and life on the road. The band released a self-produced debut record and toured throughout South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota.“I’ve really learned a lot from my experiences and met so many great people,” Conrad says. “Trying to juggle school, work, and the chaos of a rock band was definitely a challenge—but it was a successful adventure.”After three and a half years, tragedy struck when bassist Curt Beasley, just 18, was killed in a workplace accident with Sioux Valley Electric. The loss deeply affected the group and ultimately led to its breakup. While other members moved on to careers and families, Conrad continued pursuing music.As a solo artist, he toured with Midwest rock acts like Kory and the Fireflies, opening for regional favorites such as Indigenous, The Nadas, and Mango Jam. Later, he collaborated with his brother Kent and longtime friend Tommy Reinhert to create the high-energy cover band Cloud9, known for delivering extended sets of crowd-pleasing rock from bands like Aerosmith, Eve6, Lenny Kravitz, and Third Eye Blind.“That was probably the most fun I ever had in a band,” says Conrad. “Between the three of us, we could rotate frontman duties and keep the energy going for hours.”When Kent and Tommy moved to Los Angeles, Conrad stayed in Sioux Falls and teamed up with young local talents Chris Hill (15) and Trevor Heeney (16) to launch a new project under the name CONRAD. Sponsored by Got Milk? and named South Dakota’s Best New Rock Band, the trio performed across the region and gained a large high school fan base. Despite the momentum, personal and family issues eventually caused the group to split.After returning to Colorado, Conrad reconnected with the local music scene in Longmont. He began collaborating with drummer Eric Erdmann and bassist Steve Haines in a new project called WEARY. The group gained local traction and began work on a full-length LP before disbanding due to Eric’s departure and resurfacing personal challenges.Now, Conrad stands at a new crossroads—carrying forward years of stage experience, hard-earned songs, and the same creative fire that fueled every chapter of his journey. Whether in a new collaboration or as a solo artist, the next chapter is already in motion.
Acoustically SpeakingConrad Oster will be making a cameo appearance with White Hot & Blue, and Indigenous Thursday, April 15 promoting his second CD “Acoustically Speaking”. Conrad’s appeared with downtime, the Glory Holes, Kory and the FireFlies, Mango Jam, and Life In General, and will be touring this summer in support of his new CD. The CD when complete, will feature interactive multimedia and 12 songs written by Conrad Oster and produced by Dustin Siakey.
Conrad has been busy working in the studios with several guest musicians who will also appear on the album. Look for the record to be complete by Christmas 99.(Conrad on tour with the fireflies, summer 98)
KORY AND THE FIREFLIES fly with a sparks..
(Dakota Access)
This summer I had to opportunity to travel with this year’s “Best Local Rock Band”, Kory and the Fireflies. It was a great experience and should of counted it as an Internship. Note this as a reminder to those who put off the paperwork, get it done early and then add the experience to your resume.Our travels took us all over the states of Minnesota and South Dakota, playing for huge Festivals in Rapid City, to a jam packed sellout in Sturgis. Minnesota offered equally as enthusiastic crowds, and Radio Promotion from 99.9 KKCK as Kory and the Fireflies scored as high as 7 on their local “Top Nine at Nine.”If you haven’t heard all the buzz, things are looking up for this once local band. A recent record contract with Samson music based in Omaha Nebraska, is sparking a widespread fire that is going to spread across the nations radio stations. “Basically, we have went from driving to Rapid City, Sturgis, and Minneapolis to flying from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and Chicago, Illinois.”Things are looking up for Kory and the FireFlies who have visited Dakota State on a few occasions sponsored by Project Shape. Reflecting on last Summers touring highlights include, the most outstanding local event “Bash in the Grass” where the fireflies brought the house down before a crowd estimated at 10,000 Overwhelmed security tensed as the crowds almost took down the barricades.(DSU Alumnus Andy Yost and Steve Holbeck, along with motley, road crew Matt, Derek and Danny Yost(Kory Vansickle awaits sound check backstage)This summer Samson Music will have the FireFlies out on the road for months at a time promoting the nationally released CD “Radiate”.
I am excited about the exposure and look forward to hitting the road. Sometimes after lots of hard work and wishing, dreams come true.Look for music notes next issue.
Conrad Solo Work 1998
Kory and the Fireflies
Got Milk Chris and Trevor
Conrad Oster Band
4 surgeries later
Conrad Solo
American Country Star
Erie Co.
American Country Star Sat, 22 May 2010