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Foster the People comes home
By BRANDON JUDEH
Cleveland native Mark Foster, the do-it-all lead singer of Foster The People, was catapulted into the limelight with his band’s debut album, “Torches,” and hit single “Pumped Up Kicks.”
After several more hits — including “Call It What You Want,” “Houdini” and “Helena Beat” — the singer and band mates Mark Pontius (Drums) and Cubbie Fink (Bass and backing vocals) found themselves performing on the Grammy Awards with childhood heroes The Beach Boys.
The Vindicator talked to Foster on the opening night of his band’s current tour, which includes dates opening for the Beach Boys, including a Wednesday show at Blossom Music Center. He talked about growing up in Cleveland, the first time he heard Nirvana and his homecoming show at Blossom.
Q. How was the warm-up show in California opening for the Beach Boys?
A. It was awesome, man; we were so stoked. We were joking around and saying that we wanted to play only four songs and hurry up and get off stage so we could watch them.
Q. What has it been like over the past year with all of the sudden success?
A. It was like a hurricane, and we were swimming as fast as we could to catch the wave. There was a lot of hard work. We didn’t sleep much; at times we were playing five or six sets a day ... radio shows during the day; then at night we would play a concert. But the last few months we have been in a groove.
Q. I love your videos. Where do you get the ideas for them?
A. The process is interesting. Usually we have about 25 directors to go through, and we lean toward the ones that are more left of center. We love how the “Call It What You Want” video turned out. Ace Norton did a great job directing the video. It also helps that Mark and Cubbie went to film school, so we all collaborate.
Q. Any plans for a new album in the near future?
A. I have been writing a lot on the road. I actually put a studio in the tour bus so that we can work on the road. We are going to dive into the record in August and are so excited to start writing and recording again because we have played hundreds of shows in the last year.
Q. What will it sound like?
A. I have a sound in my head that I am excited about.
Q. Tell me about growing up in Cleveland?
A. I owe a lot to Cleveland. My first music teacher gave me a solo in first grade, and that encouraged me a lot. In sixth grade I was recommended for the Cleveland Orchestra Children’s Chorus, and that was huge and shaped me.
Q. What was the main reason you left Cleveland? Was it to pursue your career?
A. Yes, that and I always had a wanderlust. I have a strong desire for adventure and travel. When I was 10 years old, I begged my parents to let me have my own apartment. I was always independent.
Q. What was it like playing with the Beach Boys on the Grammys?
A. It was probably the highlight of my life. It’s something I will always think of and smile about it. They have been my favorite band since I was a kid, and they were actually my first concert. I saw them at Blossom.
Q. Speaking of Blossom, how did the Cuyahoga Falls and California gigs with the Beach Boys come about? Was it talked about at the Grammys?
A. Yes, we were hanging out at rehearsals and got to talking. Mike Love suggested doing some shows together, and I was really excited, but approached it casually. I then told him about how I saw them at Blossom when I was a kid, and he said, “Why don’t you play the show with us on June 13th.”
Q. What are some other musical influences that have inspired you?
A. Nirvana was a big one. When I first heard “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” I started playing electric guitar that week. They were such a huge influence on me because they opened the door for me to check out other bands, like Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, David Bowie and many others. Kurt Cobain was a visionary and went against the norm. It opened my eyes.
Q. Foster The People hasn’t played in Cleveland much since hitting it big. Why is that?
A. Well, we played the Grog Shop last year, and I am very excited to be playing at Blossom. But to be honest, I’m not sure. I would like to play more shows here. I will have to talk to my agent about this.