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Mark from Foster the People tells us all about coming to SA

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Mark Pontius (Photo: Getty)
Mark Pontius (Photo: Getty)



Cape Town – We gave Foster the People drummer, Mark Pontius, a call because he is on his way to SA soon, to headline Superbalist is Rocking the Daisies.

Not in the Mother City? No worries: Jozi fans will also get to see Foster the People who are headlining Superbalist In the City on Sunday, 9 October at Emmarentia Dam along with American rapper Mac Miller and UK act Beardyman.

We chatted to the international musician about what to expect when he hits the stage and the last time he was on the African continent. 

Here’s the full interview: 

When you joined Foster the People, did you envision the heights to which it has grown? Topping the billboard charts and touring the world.

No, not really. To be honest I was pretty scared of joining because I had been in another band for 6 years and (because of that) I was pretty much signing off on being in a band again. I had no vision of it becoming big. Mark (Foster) had to convince me to join. 

Your sophomore album, Supermodel, was released over two years ago, what’s the band been up to following the release? Any new music planned?

We toured for close to a year and since then we’ve been working on our third record. It’s about halfway done now and will be ready soon. 

Speaking of touring, you’ve toured the globe quite extensively, what’s the craziest thing that has happened on tour?

I don’t know it’s hard to remember one, but off the top of my head; the coolest thing is that we’ve experienced going to so many different places and cultures. We have this sense of building a community.  

Ireland was one of my favourite experiences because in America, we have these misconceptions of what being in Ireland is like. (That) they’re looking to fight all the time. But really everyone was so warm and welcoming. It was awesome. Australia was another highlight. 

Foster the People is headlining Superbalist is Rocking the Daisies for their CPT fans and Superbalist In the City for Johannesburg fans, what can fans expect? 

We do a pretty good job at making our live shows a different experience from our albums. We rehearse for weeks to create a totally different experience. It’s like a dance party. 

Any collaborations with local acts planned?

Nothing really right now, but everything is still in it’s early stages (as far as that aspect goes.) 

Have you been to South Africa before?

I’ve been to Namibia before but never South Africa, so I’m really excited to see it and go on tour. Namibia was amazing and I had a great time there. 

What do you plan on doing when you get here? 

Our focus is hundred percent on the new album, so there’s not going to be really much outside of playing and making music. 


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