Foster the People Biography

Foster the People is a Grammy-nominated Los Angeles-based indie pop band formed in 2009. Its current members are Mark Foster, Mark Pontius, Sean Cimino and Isom Innis. The group is best known for the 2010 hit Pumped Up Kicks. 

Early Years & Breakthrough

Mark Foster moved to LA after graduating high-school. He struggled with drug addiction for a while, but he quit before turning 19. After several failed attempts to start a band, he waited tables, until 2008. In 2009, he finally managed to found Foster the People, which refers to nurturing or taking care of people. Their breakthrough single, Pumped Up Kicks, came out one year later and became the band’s most successful to date. The catchy tune with a strong, dramatic message reached 6x Platinum in both the US and Australia. Moreover, it peaked at number 3 on the Hot 100 chart.

Studio Albums

In early 2011, Foster the People released their eponymous debut EP and, shortly after, their first full-length album as well. Torches spawned 3 more singles besides the iconic Pumped Up Kicks. Helena Beat, Call It What You Want and Don’t Stop (Color on the Walls) all received gold certifications. The album peaked at number 8 on the Billboard 200 and topped the Alternative chart. After that, the group appeared on numerous late-night talk shows and toured extensively. Foster the People’s next album came out in 2014. It generated 4 singles, notably Coming of Age, which reached number 4 on the Alternative chart. In April 2017, they released a third EP, called suggestively III. Their third studio album is due for 2017 as well.

Photo credit: Ryan West Photo