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 🤯”

[@JacobCallesen]

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

[@Eurocreep]

12 years later and these songs still mean everything to me

[@roachdoggjr1307]

Me too man

[@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....

[@itnoked]

Me too...and now they are on tour again. What a time to be alive!

[@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

[@fruitybeers]

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

[@fengfengfengg]

same

[@katemontes_]

11 years later and i'm still loving this

[@Noras_Nobody]

same, the acoustic version is beautiful

[@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. ♥️

[@caroagus6964]

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

[@crystaldelgado8989]

me too . just

[@TomRyckeboer]

Singers, hu

[@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"

[@nomadnational]

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]

@@nomadnational 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]

@@nomadnational 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??

[@saraa835]

Helena Beat is amazing acoustic...

[@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.

[@softbread1728]

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

[@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!

[@PJoverland]

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

[@ajdoyle9559]

@@PJoverland : 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.

[@garybonham6048]

Lame, you're all misunderstanding the song much like, Sunday Bloody Sunday, its a protest song against senseless gun violence at schools, and as such should always be played loud and proud!!!!

[@msjuliocesarr]

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

[@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+.

[@EighthHouseTarot]

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

[@aeriellebrackett2665]

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

[@sundog45]

This is a tiny desk that I keep coming back too, even 5 years later

[@GucciTheGlacier]

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

[@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

[@Matchitchoo]

It gives so much that "Mr Probz. Waves" vibe

[@fireburnzs]

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

[@aconsideredmoment]

I am listening to this and clapping from 12 years in the future awaiting the release of their 4th album while the earlier ones still remain timeless and fresh!

[@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.

[@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

[@jet1715]

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

[@Purwanata97]

That bass muast be cool

[@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!

[@SuperiorRobyn]

I love the way Houdini sounds acoustic.

[@Nustyasongsandcat]

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

[@pablovalerio1020]

I miss just the 3 of them lots of new guys now but frick it just nice to see mark still putting out bangers

[@davidbrune8877]

I’ve listened to these songs so many times, and Pumped Up Kicks is one of my favorite songs of all times but today they’re all hitting different. I’m in tears listening to the sound of the instruments and his voice.

[@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.

[@cody_calhoun]

Cant believe this video is 12 years old already. Makes me feel emotional how my mom was still alive and happy at this time. 2010s nostalgia is definitely happening right now.

[@flxgreen6346]

helena beat one of my favourite songs on acousti gtr

[@raedesroches7204]

Houdini: 0:00 Helena Beat: 3:22 Pumped Up Kicks: 7:16

[@devmacc317]

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

[@colinwest438]

They need to release their albums with an acoustic version.

[@EighthHouseTarot]

YOUR MOM NEEDS TO RELEASE HER SLART

[@wingsoffreedomtheif]

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

[@bellamygaming1376]

Love this comment !!

[@itayecxialvarez6966]

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

[@yournamei5]

ditto.

[@kalocsaymate8838]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@laurie3643]

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

[@hidrodopekill5072]

Rewatching this art at 2024 ❤ 12 years later.

[@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.

[@SeanDSarcasm]

This sounds soooo much better acoustically wow!

[@thelustylugia5869]

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

[@d13da14b]

His voice is so radically different singing! It's amazing

[@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.

[@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 ❤

[@mtvmtvmtv2344]

Eu estou aqui, acabei de ter filho

[@lordwilliam83]

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

[@melissaparker467]

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

[@doopdedoop13]

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

[@prin4520]

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

[@Sheilafilosofiamusic]

Plato's text in the bass ! Beautiful!

[@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.

[@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.

[@beatsbykana]

just going through these in 2020

[@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!!

[@JunePittingerMusic]

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

[@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...

[@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!

[@Ja2808R]

I love every song on this album, listened to it all the time 2012-2014. Watched many tiny desks too then too but never this one. I came from FTP KZbin channel under live performances. Better now than ever!

[@paetonkristine]

Will always be one of my favorite bands

[@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

[@hang-sangitch]

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

[@lucasargandona4658]

What a year for great music

[@katherinechodaczek4925]

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

[@cornelia-vm1mz]

Amen

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@deltamike9401]

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

[@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]

-.-

[@estevanphillips6889]

Whoa dude, love these accoustic versions! Especially Helena Beat

[@buttonfactories4448]

his falsetto has me feeling some type of way

[@pseud0nymph]

ButtonFactories the best way

[@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

[@peytoncooper]

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

[@Zahra-ne3tb]

i love coming back to this

[@penguinsaredope]

These guys are amazing live!! I saw them at Red Rocks last summer and it was one of the best things i have ever seen in my life! They connect with the audience on a level like no other.

[@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.

[@danielamaya2350]

Mark's voice brings me beautiful memories ✨

[@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 ❤

[@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!

[@black_nebula]

It's 2024 and they just released Lost in Space. Foster always there to keep my mind sane. TY guys

[@IsaakoSouls]

I'm here again... ❤

[@kellyboy9100]

It’s almost messed up i’m only seeing this 10 years later. What it is, is genius.

[@garylibra]

FTP can be awesome whether playing on a huge stage in front of thousands or jammed into a tiny studio corner. A test of true talent is how good a band sounds live, unplugged and bare bones. These performances are flawless.

[@ervisiao5320]

The best Tiny Desk Concert by far. Very impressive how "Houdini" improves on acoustic guitar.

[@angottal]

I find it interesting that Mark Foster decided to not go to his falsetto on Helena Beat. I liked seeing them all this way. Love the Tiny Desk Concerts! Stuff like this shows the real talent and makes people seem more real

[@paolaflores8074]

The three guys are all super cute omg 💜

[@itchytomato]

Here I am years later still listening to this.

[@cibelicious]

Aren't they the sweetest thing?!?

[@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

[@nandanibayu]

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

[@ashleywu7555]

I love their original work a lot but they sound so good stripped clean wow

[@oranginator]

Came back to this video after a long time, and I see my 10 year old self being so obsessed with this band and Torches, thinking about how great they were. Then I see my 12 year old self being so hyped for Supermodel, spending my days listening to the singles in anticipation to what would become one of my favorite albums of all time. I come back, and now I'm a 15 year old, that has spent his whole week listening to the 'III' EP and once again reliving the hyped child, expecting new music from his favorite band.

[@acaiixx]

SmytheSmythe we have the same story i used to be obsessed with this band when i was 10

[@GuitarsByJordy]

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

[@ericcartman2288]

2025. someone?

[@xNoobx-hh3ry]

Going to their concert this week

[@bullwinklemoose4969]

You bet

[@sehmmieMilk]

👋

[@Legiocito]

😊 here!

[@IDadGoodAlot]

Feb 3!