Foster The People: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Armed with the summer song of 2011, the band brings "Pumped Up Kicks" and more to NPR Music.
Set List:
"Houdini"
"Helena Beat"
"Pumped Up Kicks"
For more videos and to subscribe to the Tiny Desk Concerts podcast, visit npr.org/tinydeskconcerts.

[@erikjakubec3292]

Man, rewatching this almost 9 years later feels nostalgic af

[@chocochips6493]

6cf👍67cccc9y77c9797c6y7c69cc979c9cy8ccc97787c676676c776ccc6c76cf8cf979c78cc6fff6c767767c6

[@trancecod]

houdini gets me every time I come back

[@angelahester24]

Me too!

[@heathersmith6259]

Yesss love all my favs’ tiny desk concerts - check out Half • Alive!!

[@juliechambers6943]

“I tried to say that it’s not the only way, I never knew if I could face myself to change. You were patient I was insecure slip and fall, I’m dodging halls of the prison I’ve been living in 🤯”

[@JacobHoejberg]

Him switching between normal register and falsetto is so effortless. Wow.

[@GabrielMedlin]

goals man!

[@mountainmanlife]

r u serious? you have broken ears

[@89KoopaTroopa]

@@mountainmanlife You are a dick.

[@aerialnight6907]

I didn't know he had a low voice lol

[@pepijnham371]

I red this comment, and half second later he switched. It was beautiful...

[@Mahersal]

The contrast between his speaking voice and singing voice makes me happy.

[@GammaVL]

+Mahersal "you know how it goes"

[@partypiano0729]

Its so fn sexy

[@elsat904]

Mahersal it fucked me up

[@samanthamitchell4115]

Dave from Glass Animals is the same. Love it.

[@AkshayaDeepSinghal]

listen to florence and the machines. you'll be blown away

[@heathergreylive]

Acoustic Helena Beat is such a beautiful melody. Can't tell you how many times I've come back to this video.

[@girthquake9655]

Autistic Helena beat....

[@katemontes_]

11 years later and i'm still loving this

[@Noras_Nobody]

same, the acoustic version is beautiful

[@Laststepp]

"Houdini" 0:00 "Helena Beat" 3:30 "Pumped Up Kicks" 7:20

[@BranDawg81]

My fav!…..Helena Beat

[@pgai824]

You da real MVP

[@JaySantillan-dg8bh]

My pumped up kicks

[@Ninjanoodles78]

Wow his speaking voice is so much deeper than I thought it'd be based on the way he sings Houdini

[@RD-vh8ep]

His range is insane. When i heard him open his mouth after transitioning from Houdini to Helena beat, i nearly fell out of my chair. This version of Helena Beat felt like it almost had. A southern twang to it. I loved it. I have such a strange feeling when I listen to these guys. It reminds me of my youth and it’s nostalgic in a good but yet painful way. Just makes me feel like myself. God bless Foster the People.

[@lizc6393]

Same. This video was uploaded my freshman year in college. Life didn't work out for me, so listening to the artists I listened to when I was happy kinda guts me, but I listen anyway. Not sure why.

[@Brodskyb523]

@@lizc6393 why didn’t life work out for you? You still have plenty of time!

[@lizc6393]

@@Brodskyb523 You're really sweet Ben, I really appreciate you saying that. A lot of people close to me died and I developed depression, etc. Long story. But hey, I'm still here! So there's that.

[@Brodskyb523]

@@lizc6393 That sounds like it has been tough for you. I hope you are able to find happiness, and that you can seek help where needed. We are around the same age so I can relate to where you are in terms of life’s timeline, and while I know things have not been easy so far, I wish that during your many more years ahead, you can find new sources of love and purpose. I am rooting for you!!

[@lizc6393]

@@Brodskyb523 Folks like you are very rare. Thank you so much. I wish the same for you. Find what feeds your soul and hang on for dear life Ben! Personally I'm going back to school for my MA in philosophy, so I have something to hold onto. ♥️

[@FoodStampHero]

You're not about to tell me that Mark Foster isn't the 3rd Mcpoyle brother.

[@melissachamberssss]

Best comment. can't. stop. laughing.

[@WorkwithMe287]

+Richard Fisher-Palmer Hahahaha! Nailed it.

[@phillane2529]

he probably drinks warm milk

[@whitesharkies]

+Ernesto god damn it

[@meya3521]

+Ernesto Im fucking dying laughing right now.

[@caroagus6964]

I just love the way he can change the tone of his voice

[@crystaldelgado8989]

me too . just

[@TomRyckeboer]

Singers, hu

[@rome8180]

His live vocals are really impressive.

[@TheNinetySecond]

Hardly. It seems shaky, and within the first three minutes, he has hit something like 5 off notes in the falsetto.

[@sweatshirt029]

***** so impressive vocals are defined by perfectly hitting the notes? yes of course youre right, lets just remove all the emotion from his singing and then we can call it impressive.

[@TheNinetySecond]

There's art, and there is craftsmanship. He might have the "art" nailed down, that's a much more subjective matter, but the craftsmanship is shabby, and thus, it can't really be "impressive". Besides, perfectly hitting the notes isn't much to ask, anyone can learn to hit notes, especially in such relatively simple songs.

[@ChrisJimenez2010]

you're the life of the party aren't you Clemens

[@FEARmeify]

+Clemens Stubbe completely agree.

[@ayesincere]

I remember going to Vegas to see them live and they didn’t perform Pumped Up Kicks. I didn’t realize why until it was because of the shooting that had taken place a year previously. So much respect for them

[@TribeWilloughby]

got shackles on those words

[@NotSrijan]

@@TribeWilloughby good one!

[@PJsCaravan]

i dont think they will ever be able to play the song, considering the gun violence increasing in schools :(

[@ajdoyle9559]

@@PJsCaravan : They must not play it in most of America by now. Las Vegas, Florida, Sandyhook Conneticut, Ferguson, San Bernardino California, New York, Columbine Colorado, Walmart Virginia , Detroit, etc etc I'm sure there's many more.

[@saraa835]

Helena Beat is amazing acoustic...

[@amosnews]

Written on the bass guitar: "Music gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything. - Plato"

[@caseymerritt69]

To be honest, the way the bassist responded to the question about the quote really irritated me. "I just thought it was cool" is not a very intellectual response.. Even his facial expression was like, uhhhhh music... is... uhhhh great I guess. Otherwise, loved the performance!

[@Trynfyrr]

@@caseymerritt69 does it really matter tho, not every one has to be intellectual in the same way or has to see the world the way you see it. If thats what he took from the quote, then I'm calm with that

[@somni6756]

@@Trynfyrr yes, and some people express their feelings in music over words, there's a difference between wearing a quote inauthentically and just feeling the meaning and not being to express it verbally to strangers. I know that even if I could it explain it I would feel strange doing it for someone I don't know, meaning is a very personal thing.

[@DedicatedAngler]

@@caseymerritt69 and the fact he actually had to read it off his bass! I felt the same way. Too cool for this gig.

[@hillmirandajorgeantonio3420]

Do you know in which dialogue can i find these quote??

[@softbread1728]

Man watching this in 2022 really brings back memories of listening to this through middle school.

[@aeriellebrackett2665]

Mark Foster is unbelievably talented. I could watch this video over and over and over.

[@JamiesCaniacManiac]

I remember watching this on a plane flight when it debuted, it’s even better almost a decade later. What an underrated group, A+.

[@caballopalido]

YOUR MOM TAUGHT ME HOW TO READ USING THE S.L.A.R.T. METHODOLOGY

[@sandipanda98]

houdini is so beautiful acoustic oh my god

[@NanyAC]

Yeah

[@nattybaftercancer3723]

Yes indeed

[@rolexdortmund4687]

I just think they went too fast 😢

[@GabrielAraujo-mb9gj]

I'm in love with this versions

[@GucciTheGlacier]

This is the best live performance of Houdini I’ve ever heard.

[@djrx22]

Please never take this down. I only have a few years left.

[@dinglshingle]

still with us? i just lost my cat, hope your doing alright

[@aguaschan]

Hi, I hope you're still out there ❤

[@msjuliocesarr]

10 years later and I'm still here. I just never get tired of this live session. It's really impressive his vocal.

[@wingsoffreedomtheif]

That moment when you realize that Foster the People is a real band not just a pop sensation

[@bellamygaming1376]

Love this comment !!

[@derishardin3180]

2020 here. I've been binge watching Tiny Desk for a month now and I see myself always coming back to this. I know many have said this but WOW they are so much better in this setting.

[@fireburnzs]

I don't know why...hearing it this way is much muuuuuch better...oh good old days!!!

[@paroolsharma1]

Who is listening to this in 2020?

[@nattybaftercancer3723]

Meeeeeeee

[@josiahd330]

I am gonna write an essay on this for school lol

[@adammyatt3499]

@Kyle Lost your not crazy.

[@Joshwhamer]

Still listening in 2021 👍

[@kaywinkler9574]

2021...

[@SuperiorRobyn]

I love the way Houdini sounds acoustic.

[@deidraglaser6856]

I love this video. It makes me feel better every time I listen to it. These acoustic versions are so beautiful and makes my heart melt. I’ve been listening to this track for seven years and I plan on listening to it for many more. Thank you Foster the People for making such wonderful songs and music!

[@jet1715]

*music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything* -Plato

[@iwayanpurwanata8934]

That bass muast be cool

[@VanillaBryce5]

Helena beat, Gets me every-time. Never really heard it, till i heard this version.

[@brekezek]

My bet is the producer wanted a more cheerful music so they changed the track to make it sound more cheerful.

[@lizc6393]

Dude. The same. So intensely beautiful

[@colinwest438]

They need to release their albums with an acoustic version.

[@caballopalido]

YOUR MOM NEEDS TO RELEASE HER SLART

[@ellyduende2187]

I could listen to Helena Beats on repeat all day. Amazing. Hopefully, I'll see Foster The People play live someday. Thank you Tiny Desk Concerts for showcasing such talented artist. All of the of performances I've viewed are phenomenal.

[@flxgreen6346]

helena beat one of my favourite songs on acousti gtr

[@inaramenduno6455]

To the guys in the band, I appreciate your artistry, words written, and just pure talent as performers! Thank you! And, thank you NPR and Tiny Desk!

[@melissaparker467]

Helena Beats has the most honest lyrics I’ve heard in a long time. Just Amazing. Thank you

[@chriscraft77022]

wow, i was not expecting that.................i think i like this better than the actual tracks

[@mrolliepoper]

Chris Craft same

[@marcgrubham3535]

Yeah I agree completely.

[@TheRealGoopyGoop]

Chris Craft yea me too

[@TheRealGoopyGoop]

Music is also always better live rather than some over produced track

[@thesubiedoctor2596]

@chris craft check out T-Pain!!! I never really disliked him, but acapella he is AMAZING!!

[@Danielblco0]

They look like they've the worst hangover. lol

[@RecoveringChristian]

Daniel Blanco R just listened to them for the first time...shocked by how handsome all the members are....

[@TheGoldDragon100]

@@RecoveringChristian ...Ok

[@thestormiscoming3]

Daniel Blanco R what do you think Helena Beat is about?

[@beanfotchott3303]

He's really out here wearing a fedora..

[@drd3athdeftying]

@@beanfotchott3303 you'll be glad to know he doesnt wear them anymore!

[@SeanDSarcasm]

This sounds soooo much better acoustically wow!

[@govnor1495]

I never realized how dark that pumped up kicks song was. I have more respect for them now.

[@kwin45]

It is a dark song. Reminds me of Pearl Jam's 'Jeremy'

[@CriticalTreachery]

how did you NOT know

[@negrellibruno86]

It’s about the school shooting in Columbine CO so that’s why the darkness

[@johnwrath3612]

"All the other kids with the pumped up kicks better run better run faster than my bullet"? How the hell do you not realize... "better run better run outrun my gun" ...???

[@scottchristofersen2367]

@@johnwrath3612 I mean... people didn't realize wham were gay... like really

[@zachesch2240]

When this came out I would listen to it nonstop while I studied in college. Circling back to it fills me with nostalgia. This performance got me hooked on Tiny Desk!

[@fruitybeers]

My favorite band since 2011. Crazy how I always get back to this video.

[@RESMITHcarpentry]

This and Paramour are some of my fav tiny desk performances. There are SO many good ones, I just keep coming back to these few.

[@RenzoVodka]

Ah, 2011.

[@gerthmcnally2786]

Is it too soon to be nostalgic?

[@RenzoVodka]

It's about time...

[@jpp5419]

Now It's time

[@Lemwell7]

@@gerthmcnally2786 Not anymore

[@tjwashere1000]

I think these guys sound way better unplugged.

[@BleachPuppies]

Give supermodel (their sophomore album) a listen. You might think otherwise with songs like The Truth thanks to its gaint production value. I think both are wonderful, both acoustic or plugged in. Sometimes they just NAIL production and it's amazing.

[@randallflagg997]

Taylor Bounting their main streamed stuff is way too hipster for me.

[@Jake-be9ji]

Taylor Bounting THATS what she said

[@Balaskh]

Houdini acoustic version beats the album one by a mile

[@Benoh12]

So true, probably one of the worst live bands I have ever seen...and I was so excited lol

[@GuitarsByJordy]

These guy's always amaze me, even in this minimal setting it sounds so soulfull and touching.

[@KatieFerraro1]

This will forever be one of my favorites. The acoustics hit you differently than the original and I’m so glad this video exists

[@lucasargandona4658]

What a year for great music

[@thelustylugia5869]

I remember first watching this in 7th grade in 2012, oh how the time flies. Now it brings back so much nostalgia

[@prin4520]

First time hearing "Helena Beat" and I absolutely love it!!

[@devmacc317]

rest in peace mariano. I know you loved this song. i always hear you singing it when i listen to it.

[@estevanphillips6889]

Whoa dude, love these accoustic versions! Especially Helena Beat

[@laurie3643]

I have listened to this so many times a few years back, now im just seriously wondering why I ever stopped

[@nandanibayu]

I listen to this band a lot and never get bored. always vibing with the beat!

[@tkurthyt]

this is probably my favorite tiny desk patiently waiting for the gorillaz now

[@yookoouclint]

They didnt show up themselves tiny desk should prepare a big screen for animation hahaha

[@buttonfactories4448]

his falsetto has me feeling some type of way

[@pseud0nymph]

ButtonFactories the best way

[@jevinday]

WOW! So much talent. I had no idea. Awesome! Thanks for this, NPR!

[@ChrisJimenez2010]

Its not very common for artists to sound just as good, or even better live, than in the studio.

[@NearlyDrunk]

It's common for real artists!

[@stealthyshark137videos2]

***** ...

[@stealthyshark137videos2]

***** you didn't just...

[@stealthyshark137videos2]

***** /

[@stealthyshark137videos2]

***** /

[@pokebreaker]

I love their acoustic versions more than the studio version.

[@Ylex]

I agree 100% I was actually kind of dissapointed hearing them on Spotify, so I always end up coming back to this video.

[@peytoncooper]

I wish I had the singing voice this guy has. Wow!

[@papaedda]

I LOVE HOW AT THE END SOMEONE ASKED: " IS THIS THE FIRST TIME YOU SAID THIS IS PUMPED UP KIDS AND NOBODY SAID ANYTHING??" AND THEY SAID :"YEAH, RIGHT?!?!.. i THINK PEOPLE ARE OVER THAT SONG..." lol

[@moelazer]

This is my fav comment of the day rn :D

[@sanginikaul3035]

only if they knew

[@Xx3xoFlyxX]

- This is 'Pumped Up Kicks' *me waiting people to get hype*.

[@kevinbaxter5419]

I remember my dad bringing home Torches from the record store way back in elementary school. Still have that CD in my car to this day.

[@paetonkristine]

Will always be one of my favorite bands

[@Jazzgriot]

That was a pleasant surprise, I really enjoyed that band. Cool stuff. Something fresh. Cheers for introducing me to all this new music, the Tiny Desk sessions reminds me of the old John Peel sessions. Great stuff keep up the good work.

[@lordwilliam83]

1st tiny desk I ever watched, and it spawned an obsession. The authenticity of this series is what music should be about.

[@LillieLemon]

There's something quite lovely about the acoustic versions of these songs. Foster the People did a really good job translating these songs to suite the acoustic feel.

[@illumiNateyourwork]

Wow... listening again in 2020 and have a whole new appreciation for how beautifully stripped-back this is. I love their studio/album work, but there’s something to be said for “unplugged” versions of songs from bands that are usually ultra-produced.

[@lizc6393]

2022. It's still just unbelievable. So, so good.

[@alastairvanmaren5243]

Yeah, its really easy with the hyper-produced music to not really notice how solid the songwriting actually is. With this kind of unplugged version though, there's nowhere to hide. Turns out Foster the People holds up under the scrutiny, and these versions are actually even more to my taste than the album versions.

[@Nustyasongsandcat]

Респект вам от Тулы из России, ребятки!) Именно эти ваши песни я люблю. Вы создаете очень классную гармонию и фактуру.

[@doopdedoop13]

I like their normal sound but hearing the words in acoustic makes me appreciate all the lyrics so much more

[@hori_ink82]

Thought I’d come back after soo many years and this is still rad AF 🤘😎

[@kalocsaymate8838]

0:00 Houdini, 3:30 Helena Beat, 7:22 Pumped up kicks, just a quick reminder for me, nevermind it :)

[@Roseisababe111]

i love that when i'm watching Tiny Desk concerts I always find another band I didn't know held one in the suggested videos.

[@salimchemes]

this is one of the best tiny concert, its awesome

[@Zahra-ne3tb]

i love coming back to this

[@cheyennehudson6314]

foster the people was one of the very first bands I was obsessed with at age 11 back in 2011 haha. I love coming back and watching old videos. brings some nostalgia. (:

[@itayecxialvarez6966]

9 years later and it still is my favorite npr performance.❤️

[@yournamei5]

ditto.

[@roffus420]

I like these songs as acoustic way better than the originals. This is a great performance.

[@LaSushiFighter]

ಠ_ಠ

[@roffus420]

I do not mean to offend you LaSushiFighter or anyone else, we all have a right to our own opinions as well as i appreciate your opinion. I do like the original versions of these songs also, I am a fan of the band. I just really liked the acoustic versions and would like to see them do more of it. I think they have a natural talent that is more exposed in the live acoustic setting.

[@LaSushiFighter]

k glavach Oh, don't take my comment serious. I just like posting ಠ_ಠ. I can make it looks like a TIE fighter |--ಠ_ಠ--| Ha! ಠ_ಠ ಠ_ಠ ಠ_ಠ ಠ_ಠ ಠ_ಠಠ_ಠಠ_ಠ ಠ_ಠ ಠ_ಠ ಠ_ಠ ಠ_ಠ ಠ_ಠ ಠ_ಠ ಠ_ಠ ಠ_ಠ ಠ_ಠ

[@roffus420]

I don't even know how to make that symbol. haha

[@fernandovaldez6758]

-.-

[@deltamike9401]

Mark Foster is so talented. Great voice, plays keyboard, guitar and drums. Outstanding song writer!!!

[@taggy193]

Saw this back in 2012 and it's always been one of the best

[@ghostie7790]

Those were the days. Before 2020, the year where everything changed.

[@pando9337]

The fire nation attacked

[@JudePittingerMusic]

This is great. I just wish they still did MTV acoustic shows instead of relying on public radio. This band is seriously like straight out of the 90s!

[@devonboyer944]

Unplugged was the shit!

[@shecks10195]

They brought back unplugged

[@Sheilafilosofiamusic]

Plato's text in the bass ! Beautiful!

[@Soleilboricua]

Love them so much! Listen to them daily still! ❤

[@blackstephh]

This acoustic helena beat hits soo differently

[@brekezek]

all of them songs really, I wish they would release an accoustic version of that album on deezer/spotify

[@aresman1234]

These guys should play all their songs like this, one of the best videos of this series!! I'd loved if they spoke a bit more though

[@mitchmarvinmartian]

I cant believe this doesn't have many millions of views.

[@Rayane4000]

Lol, it actually has in an another link, type foster the people acoustic. It has over 2 million views

[@samischnaugst8777]

Now IT Has

[@kyleallred956]

wasn't expecting that awesomeness. Fun. I think I'll come back

[@justadeathcorejourney]

this is all i needed in my life OI DIDNT KNOW THEY HAD ONE OF THESE I AM A HUGE FAN OF THE FOSTERS

[@beatsbykana]

just going through these in 2020

[@cibelicious]

Aren't they the sweetest thing?!?

[@amberl5513]

I have several Tiny Desk concerts I go back to regularly. This is one. Just love it. ❤ The modern day unplugged yet this one isn’t new. Acoustic is where it’s at.

[@reamazubaydi1486]

Man, I Love every minute of this! What a gem

[@dylannolan7454]

He looks like one of those weird irish dudes from its always sunny.

[@joshuaparedes6245]

the mcpoyles!

[@elsaaguilar6840]

Joshua Paredes omfggg

[@deich31]

Sippin' on room-temperature milk between songs.

[@andresescobedo95]

First thing I thought when I saw his face: McPoyle!

[@dylannolan7454]

Heck yes!

[@BLFulle]

I love these guys. They're my favorite new band.

[@gwrongdoll4631]

Finally i found this jewel since I watched it 11 years ago. I was a little girl without enough access to internet, now I'm 20 and still loving this beautiful music ❤

[@YummyBaer]

This is great. I love both versions but I really appreciate the stripped down effort

[@paolaflores8074]

The three guys are all super cute omg 💜

[@katherinechodaczek4925]

ive listened to this every day in quarantine. there's nothing better than acoustic helena beat

[@cornelia-vm1mz]

Amen

[@roadrunner4527]

I can’t wait for the chance to see you guys my upmost respect for all the adversity you guys went thru comin up. We all get to enjoy the end product. It’s pretty dam good. Salute

[@JawJX]

My fav band from 2011 omg still love them

[@hang-sangitch]

Holy shit. Helena beat is such a wonderfully truthful song. These guys are fantastic...