Thursday October 14, 2021 “Pumped Up Kicks” Foster the People
Murder is still in the air and now Robert has found his dad’s gun and “...he’s coming for you, yeah he’s coming for you”.
Formed in Los Angeles, California in 2009, Foster the People are an Indie/electronic band known for today’s hit song 'Pumped Up Kicks'. In 2011, they released their debut album Torches, touring it extensively all over the world. The album would receive platinum certifications in the US, Canada and Australia. But, it's main selling point was still “Pumped Up Kicks.”
In 2008, Foster took on a job at Mophonics writing commercial jingle writer. He says it was here that he learned, from a commercial standpoint, what worked at getting the most attention. So, that's where he came up with all the catchy riffs in Foster the People's songs.
Ask people if they've heard of Foster the People and you may get a confused reaction. Play them the opening part to “Pumped Up Kicks” and they will instantly recognise them. It's a feel-good melody and a song that screams California beaches, but the lyrics of the song are surprising; it's actually about gun control.
Hidden away behind the indie-pop joy of the tune is a much darker,more serious message and story. Foster said he wrote the lyrics when he read about the growing mental health issues in teenagers and the increased shootings carried out by them.
Mark Foster has stated that the Beach Boys are one of his favorite groups, with Brian Wilson being one of his particularly favorite song-writers. When asked to name the greatest song of all time Foster immediately answered the Beach Boys' “God Only Knows”. He said that whenever he speaks about the song he 'wells up' and that he believes it is 'the greatest pop song ever written'. I believe that Paul McCartney has suggested the very same sentiments.
“Pumped Up Kicks” has gone on to sell more than six million copies in the US alone.
Stay safe and well...and do watch out for Robert, he says he’s coming for you.