First off, I have to apologize for the incredibly poor quality of the photos in this post. Given the scenario, though, and the fact that I was forced to use my phone, I imagine you’ll forgive me…

When I originally RSVP’d to what Foster the People described as a “loft party in Brooklyn”, I was fairly certain that I knew what I was getting myself into: a room full of quasi hipsters swaying back and forth in a low-lit room. While my perception of the crowd was pretty accurate, the event itself was massively different.

My suspicions began to rise when I was asked to sign a fairly official looking release form. Since I’m perfectly willing to sign my life away for good music, this hurdle wasn’t one that drew me away from the event. What took me by surprise, though, was the well-lit, camera-filled room that awaited me when I was finally granted entrance to the studio. I then realized that this would be more than a standard secret show: it would be (gasp) filmed for something official.

I then came to a great precipice. I had managed to finagle my way to the front, but, eying the cameramen flanking me on both sides, I realized that I had put myself in the direct path for crowd filming. Fighting my instinct to flee, I decided to remain where I was. Why? For YOU! Yes, people of the world (mostly my friends who can truly appreciate the awkward), I very likely made a dancing ass of myself to bring some joy to your life. Also, let’s face it, there are some moments in life where you have to prove to yourself that you’re not a complete pansy, and this was certainly one of those moments.

So anyway, after following instructions and setting my jacket and backpack by the wall (as said by the Aussie head of production), I was handed a red solo cup of water. Despite my disappointment at the beverage options, it was probably 85 degrees in the studio, so refreshments were certainly welcome. After a few fake cheers for the camera, the band took to their instruments and began the set. While I saw them at SXSW, this performance was far superior to what I had experienced earlier. Backed by a crowd singing along to the songs they knew, Foster the People really owned the space and their sound. While I’m still partial to their older material, the new tracks were as upbeat, dancable, and well-constructed as those on the EP. This is a truly talented band I really believe deserves the hype they’ve received over the past several months.

I have no idea what this footage will be used for, but when the video is released, I’ll be sure to point out my awkward shimmys and fist pumping to the world. Please note that I feel very nervous overall…

A few additional highlights of the night were the following (in no particular order):

- Crazy girl next to me disappearing only to return with a 40oz Corona (which was quickly taken from her by the production head)

- Lead singer, Mark Fosters’, “rock in the crowd” sessions that were about a foot away from me. While I may be only briefly be featured in the shots panning the crowd, there’s no way I’m avoiding some time on screen with that.

- Crazy girl’s friend taking off her shirt at the end of the show (once again to be confronted by the head of production). If you can’t tell, these were some really special girls…