Hey, guys
Since tour season is upon us there's likely an uptick in newbies taking over the fandom so I wanted to pop in to discuss how to make the best of this new situation as I am also a new, or I guess late, to the party alongside you. Here are a couple of key points to keep in mind when integrating into the Foster The People land. Let's get started on your journey and enjoy that new rookie smell!
The most important way to begin integrating is simply by listening to the band's debut “Torches” released on May 23, 2011. If you continue listening through to “Helena Beat” you'll stumble upon their biggest hit “Pumped Up Kicks” which, if you're not familiar with this track by now, is their most successful song to date charting at number 3 - it even landed the band their first Top ten! The original lineup consists of drummer Mark Pontius, bassist Cubbie Fink, and vocalist and pianist Mark Foster. One tidbit not a lot of fand know is the fourth member, Zach Heiligman, who stepped away from the ensemble when the pressure of touring became too much to handle.
Also, touring musicians Sean Cimino and Isom Innis would later join the fold when Ponsi and Fink departed from the band. Fink co-authored a book with his wife Rebecca St. James, called “Lasting Ever” publishing through David C. Cook, debuting soon! One more thing: there used to be additional members of FTP's backup crew Phil Danyew and Tyler Hartford, among some others.
These fab three dropped their sophomore album on March 14, 2014 called “Supermodel”, landing a second Top Ten. Although Fink left FTP in 2015 it worked for the best when Innis and Cimino were included into the band come 2016. Innis actually began working in tandem with Foster on this album and every time after that. The new era officially began taking shape during their second album cycle.
The EP “III” was released digitally on April 27th, 2017 before a new album dropped showcasing the band's fresh sound since recruiting new members. The featured tracks were “Pay The Man”, “Doing It For The Money ”, and “SHC”.
On July 21st, 2017 Foster The People released their third effort, and my most favorite record yet, “Sacred Hearts Club” as a four-piece instead of the three members from 2010. This is also the last album with label Columbia before making the leap over to Atlantic in 2024.
On December 11th, 2020, during the Pandemic lockdown, the boys released the EP “In The Darkest Of Nights, Let The Birds Sing” and several visualizers were uploaded to YouTube as limited quantities of physical vinyl were sold via the band's webstore. The boys briefly went independent as they transitioned to the next chapter of their career. However, during mid-October 2021, a second founding member, Mark Pontius, left the group to raise his child and pursue his own goals, so that left Innis and Cimino as the new members of Foster The People. However, this would soon change when Sean took a break leaving only Mark and Isom in charge of everything.
Now that you're educated about Foster The People here are some tips to make the most of this new experience. In 2021, Foster The People released a deluxe edition of “Torches” on orange vinyl to commemorate a decade since their debut. The compilation featured “Broken Jaw”, “Ruby”, “Love”, “Downtown”, and “Chin Music For The Unsuspecting Hero” .
Along with a remastered vinyl the boys also broadcasted some gigs online at The Wiltern in Los Angeles on November 18, 19, and 20th, 2021. The members in attendance were Sean, Isom and Mark. The singer also announced there was a full moon that night! If you prefer it, there's a 2011 live tour edition containing a DVD available on Amazon for a hefty price.
Fast forward to August 16, 2024 when the duo announced “Paradise State Of Mind” on Atlantic Records. This earned the group their third Top Ten on the Billboard chart as they released three bopping singles after a seven year hiatus. Since they're one member down, Isom and Mark took to performing popup DJ sets around North America and other distant lands to warm up a crowd for their packed 2025 schedule. If you can, think about purchasing the Japanese bonus edition of “PSOM" containing the unreleased track “Rabies Shmabies”.
One way to win Foster The People is by spending time listening to side projects and podcasts. Sean and Isom, the two members of Peel, released their debut “Acid Star” via Innovative Leisure on March 29th, 2024. I've bought this on CD and vinyl and I'm a huge fan of this fantastic duo.
If you're into podcasts Mark Pontius hosts his own on YouTube discussing his experiences with fame and success. I would recommend it if you're looking to get into the super grimy music industry. He also goes into detail about his personal life, if you're nosey like me. Ponsi and his sister Rebecca Pontius also started their own charity in 2011 called Do Good Bus, and it's worth checking out if you're interested in volunteering.
I'd also suggest exploring the community you're integrating into by combing through other artists associated with Foster The People. FTP are touring with Good Neighbours in a matter of weeks so I'd take advantage of this opportunity since they're on track to blow up in the not so distant future. I'd suggest also listening to other band's they've toured with as well as what they're listening to at the moment. The boys have stated Caribou and Empire Of The Sun are one of their favorites.
There are a multitude of fan pages, websites and blogs all over social media so have fun checking it out! It's always fun exploring your surroundings and entering into a new environment. I wish you well, newbie! Welcome to Foster The People!
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