Foster The People: 'Fame can literally shorten your life-it's intense, and it gets in your head'

We caught up with the iconic indiepop icon Mark Foster to talk 2024's Paradise State of Mind, creative influences, and the personal journey of an artist

- Sharan Sanil

Mark Foster’s return to India after over a decade was nothing short of momentous. The setting? A private, intimate gig at Soho House Mumbai. For Foster (and bandmate Isom Innis), this wasn’t just another stop on a tour; it was a reflective one-day homecoming to a country he last visited during an accidental festival trip in Rajasthan. This time, he brought with him Paradise State of Mind, an album that marks a significant evolution in Foster the People’s sound and philosophy. 

Paradise State of Mind channels the vibe of the late ’70s and early ’80s, drawing on Giorgio Moroder’s iconic synth work and the sleek grooves Nile Rodgers is known for—Rodgers even helped Foster get his creative bearings on this album. But this isn’t just a retro tribute; it’s a personal project born from the isolation and soul-searching of the pandemic. Foster described the album as a way to process his thoughts during a time when everything felt especially heavy. The result? Disco-laced tracks like “See You in the Afterlife” that encourage dancing through the dark, balanced with unconventional cuts like “Glitchzig,” where Foster lets his imagination run wild.

The Soho House gig wasn’t just about showcasing new music; it was about creating a space for connection. The intimate setting allowed Foster to engage with fans on a deeper level, something he cherished, especially after years of larger-than-life festival performances. “DJing here feels pure,” Foster reflected, describing the experience of performing in a stripped-down, more personal environment. It was clear this night wasn’t just another gig—it was a shared moment between an artist and an audience.