Houdini (Foster the People song)

Writing and recording

"Houdini" was written by the group's frontman Mark Foster while he was working as a commercial jingle writer at Mophonics. While showing his then-girlfriend the offices on a so-called "take-your-girlfriend-to-work-day", Foster demonstrated how he wrote songs, putting a simple drum beat and vocal sample together in 10 minutes. Four days later, he revisited the composition and began adding piano chords. Reflecting on the song, he described his then-girlfriend as a "good muse".

Live performances

The band performed "Houdini", as well as "Pumped Up Kicks", on Saturday Night Live on October 8, 2011, which was hosted by Ben Stiller. American saxophonist Kenny G guested on the performance of "Houdini". Foster the People performed the song on Late Show with David Letterman in October 27, 2011 along with "Pumped Up Kicks", "Helena Beat", "Call It What You Want", "Don't Stop (Color on the Walls)", "I Would Do Anything for You", "Miss You" and "Life on the Nickel".

Licensing

The band eventually went to go on and license the song "Pumped Up Kicks" and "Houdini" to "Electronic Arts" for the popular game known as "SSX 3" and "Electronic Arts" used it as background music for the game.

Music video

The music video for "Houdini" premiered on YouTube on April 26, 2012, directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert. James Mackey guest stars as the paramedic.

Synopsis

The band (Mark Foster, Mark Pontius, Jacob Fink) is filming a music video in the studio when a lighting rig falls on them. A paramedic arrives and declares them dead. The video director is devastated. A crew member calls someone he knows, a fixer, to help. The fixer arrives and his assistants take over. The assistants, dressed completely in black, stand behind the band members and move their limbs. The video crew is doubtful, but after a change in lighting and background that effectively hides the assistants, they are convinced that the fixer's plan will work. Together, the assistants and crew prepare for the band's concert that evening. Electronic controls are added to the faces of the band members, and now the illusion that they are alive is complete. The concert is a huge success, and the music video ends with the crew members partying backstage in front of the lifeless bodies of the band.

Awards and nominations

This music video was nominated for the 55th Annual Grammy Awards award for Best Short Form Music Video.

Track listing

• ;Digital download

1. "Houdini" – 3:20

Personnel

• Mark Foster – vocals, piano, synthesizer, percussion, programming
• Gary Grant – trumpet
• Mark Pontius – drums
• Cubbie Fink – bass

Charts

Certifications

Release history

References

References

1. (February 7, 2012). "SSX Soundtrack To Feature Foster The People, Pretty Lights, The Naked And Famous And Many More". ea.com.
2. "Gossip Girl Music - Season 5, Episode 1". The CW.
3. Graff, Gary. (2012-06-12). "Foster the People: Next Album to Be 'Celebratory' With 'More Grit'". [[Prometheus Global Media]].
4. "Saturday Night Live".
5. (April 1, 2011). "Houdini - Single by Foster the People". [[iTunes.
6. "Alternative Radio Adds (May 15, 2012)". Allaccess.com.