The Los Angeles-based indie-pop trio was founded in 2009 by Mark Foster (lead vocal) and joined by Mark Pontius (drums) and Cubbie Fink (bass). Foster wrote and recorded “Pumped Up Kicks,” in March 2010 and posted it as free download on his website. The catchy song went viral and the band garnered enough attention to debut at the South By Southwest festival. Just a few months later, the band signed a multi-album deal with Columbia Records.
While hard at work on their debut album, the band was booked for a month-long residency at The Echo, a Los Angeles nightclub. The series of shows at the club helped grow the trio’s fanbase. The band also performed at the immensely popular Coachella music festival.
The launch of their first album Torches last May 2011 was a mainstream success. It debuted at number eight on the Billboard 200 chart. “Pumped Up Kicks” eventually peaked at number three on the Hot 100 chart and was the sixth best-selling digital song of the year.
The band received nominations at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards for Best New Artist and Best Rock Video for “Pumped Up Kicks.” This year alone, they scored two Grammy nominations for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Pumped Up Kicks” and Best Alternative Album for Torches. They also had five nominations in the 2012 Billboard Music Awards and received a Top Rock Song award for “Pumped Up Kicks.”
Filipino fans of the band can look forward to hearing songs from Torches including the other singles “Helena Beat,” “Call It What You Want,” “Don’t Stop,” and “Houdini.”
Catch Foster the People live on October 6, 2012 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Tickets may be purchased from Ticketnet outlets or the Ticketnet Website www.ticketnet.com.ph. For inquiries please call 911-5555. (advt)