Released May 15, 2012 Recorded 2010 Label Columbia, Startime | Format Digital download Length 3:20 | |
Genre Indie pop, alternative dance, synthpop | ||
"Houdini" is a song by American indie pop band Foster the People from their debut studio album Torches. Written by the group's frontman Mark Foster, the song was first released as a promotional single exclusively in the United Kingdom on April 1, 2011. The song was released as the album's fifth single on May 15, 2012. It is featured on the soundtrack for video game SSX and in the episode "Yes, Then Zero" of Gossip Girl. The song appeared in the 2012 film LOL. It also appeared in the TV shows Awkward and Suits.
Contents
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".
Personnel
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".
Music video
The music video for "Houdini" premiered on YouTube on April 25, 2012. James Mackey guest stars as the paramedic.
Synopsis
The band (Mark Foster, Mark Pontius, Jacob Fink) is shown filming a music video in the studio, when a lighting rig falls on them. A paramedic arrives, and declares the band dead. The band's manager is notified, due to the band having to perform at a concert the following day. The manager arrives, and orders his assistants to move the limbs of the members. After practicing, the crew decide to lobotomize the members, and modify their equipment. After experimentations, the now-robotic band performs at the concert, with success. The film ends with the crew members having a party backstage, and the lifeless bodies of the band sitting on the couch.
Awards & Nominations
This music video was nominated for the 55th Annual Grammy Awards award for Best Short Form Music Video.
- "Houdini" – 3:20