Foster the People’s SXSW Photo Diary
Every year, 1,600 (or so) bands make the trek to Austin for South by Southwest, trading sleep and sanity for BBQ and the chance to break through to the next level of their career. This year, Foster the People let Rolling Stone's camera document their journey to and around Texas for the big industry fest.
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Destination: Damon
Band manager Brett Williams and lead singer Mark Foster head over to Damon Albarn's 1 a.m. set at Stubb's BBQ.
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Texas Two-Step
After Albarn's set, Williams and Foster make their way on foot.
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The Blessed Rest
After a long day of travel — and a longer night of music — the hotel is a welcome sight.
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Popularity Contest
As the band makes its way to soundcheck, multi-instrumentalist Isom Innis runs into old friends, earning himself the nickname "The Mayor of SXSW."
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Greek Chorus
The band has been debuting new instruments on this tour, like Mark Foster's traditional 8-string Greek bouzouki.
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Pi in the Sky
While waiting in line for some obligatory Austin BBQ, the guys look at some skywriting of the mathematical number Pi.
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Round Table
During a rare moment of rest before the show, the band recounts stories of past SXSW experiences.
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Ready to Launch
Standing side stage, anticipating one of their first performances with new material off Supermodel.
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Fresh Tunes
The band plays new tracks "Pseudologia Fantastica" and "A Beginner's Guide to Destroying the Moon."
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Drumming Up Business
Drummer Mark Pontius keeping the beat.
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Quote Machine
After soundcheck, the band sits for an afternoon full of interviews.
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Waiting Room
The band hangs while waiting for an interview.
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Setting Up the Set
A hand-scrawled set list.
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The Onstage Players
Sean Cimino, Haley Dekle, Arlene Deradoorian, Mark Foster, Mark Pontius, Cubbie Fink, Isom Innis and Phil Danyew.
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Pre-Show Ritual
A simple touch and a "bless" and it's time to hit the stage.
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The Big Show
The big crowd reactos to set closer "Don't Stop."