Foster, The People are an indie pop-rock trio from Los Angeles, California. They formed in 2009 and released their first album, Torches, in May of 2011. The album was produced by Paul Epworth, Greg Kurstin, Rick Costey, and the band’s frontman Mark Foster.
The band rocketed to fame on the success of the single “Pumped Up Kicks.†The song went to number three on Billboard Hot 100 and the top spot on the Alternative Songs chart. In late August of 2010, “Pumped Up Kicks†appeared on the SyFy television series Warehouse 13. The song was also featured in an UK TV advertisement for a popular cell phone. The video to “Pumped Up Kicks†was nominated for two MTV Video Music Awards: Best New Artist and Best Rock Video.
Mark Foster recorded the version of “Pumped Up Kicks†that’s found on Torches all by himself. He made what he thought was a demo but it turned out to be so good that the band decided to put it on the album. Although “Pumped Up Kicks’ has a bright and cheery hook, the track is actually quite dark. Many critics believe the song is about a shooting that occurred at a mall in Omaha, Nebraska in 2007.
“Pumped Up Kicks†is the first and most famous single from FTP’s debut LP. Other singles from the album include “Houdini†and “Helena Beat.â€
Foster, The People is led by singer, keyboardist, and songwriter Mark Foster. He’s joined by drummer Mark Pontius and bassist Mark Pontius. Fans with Foster, The People tickets should also expect to see guitarist Sean Cimino and keyboardist Isom Innis. They join the band whenever Foster, The People tour.
Mark Foster actually named the band “Foster and the People,†but the appellation was misheard as “Foster, The People.†Instead of correcting the mistake, Foster adopted the name. He liked the sobriquet because it connotes “taking care of people.â€
