November 2011 Archives

Every year a band comes along that plays the soundtrack to our lives. Phoenix, Passion Pit, Cut Copy, and Miike Snow among others are all pivotal bands that take me back to very specific moments in my life. Foster the People has become part of that roster for me and millions of others around the world. The band experienced an enormous amount of success this year following the infectious "Pumped Up Kicks".

I first sat down with the band back in April when their name didn't have quite as much clout and their buzz was just beginning to gather steam. I found these three young men different from any other band I'd ever met. Their words had purpose and their songs had deeper meaning beyond catchy lyrics and danceable beats. I knew what the band members had to say wouldn't resonate with readers the way I wanted it to until they had a chance to really digest the music and hopefully experience the band during one of their live shows. At the time not many of my friends or peers knew the band even existed. I am not a music snob by any means nor that annoying guy that always says "I listened to them before anyone else." However, I knew Foster the People would strike a chord with audiences. Now after countless music festivals, a few top ten hits, a platinum album and other career milestones, Foster the People has carved out a strong niche in pop culture.

Foster the People is one of the most successful breakout acts of 2011. As this band looks towards the new year and their musical future I want to take a moment and look back at where they were when I interviewed them in April. Many times to learn where an artist is going, you have to go back and see where they began. The early interviews of any artists' career tend to hold the most vulnerable and truthful content. Take Lady Gaga for example. Her bootleg days of American Apparel circle scarves, thrift store sunglasses and weird accents made for more candid and interesting interviews than the ones we get from the mega successful artist we know her as today.

Before Coachella, before the MTV Music Video awards, before world touring, before legions of fans, I sat down with Marc, Cubbie, and Pontius backstage at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn before one of their shows. Check out my interview with Foster the People after the jump.

The Georgia peaches we have known and loved for three seasons returned to the small screen for season 4 last night. Find out my thoughts on the return of the Real Housewives of ATL after the jump!