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5 Deep Reasons Why Foster The People's "Are You What You Want To Be?" Is More Relevant Than Ever

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In December 2025, as Foster the People continues their vibrant new era with singles like "Lost in Space" and the anticipation for their album Paradise State of Mind, it’s the perfect time to look back at the tracks that defined their evolution. One song, in particular, stands out as an eternal question mark in their discography: "Are You What You Want To Be?"

This explosive opening track from their 2014 sophomore album, Supermodel, served as a powerful declaration of artistic intent. It was more than just a catchy indie-pop anthem; it was a deeply personal, self-reflective query from frontman Mark Foster, setting the philosophical tone for an album grappling with themes of consumerism, fame, and authenticity. The song's central question remains a universal challenge that resonates even stronger today.

Mark Foster: A Brief Biography and Creative Profile

The philosophical depth and stylistic evolution of Foster the People are inextricably linked to its founder, lead singer, and primary songwriter, Mark Derek Foster. Born on February 29, 1984, in San Jose, California, Foster’s journey into the music world was one of persistence, moving to Los Angeles to pursue his career.

  • Full Name: Mark Derek Foster
  • Date of Birth: February 29, 1984
  • Place of Birth: San Jose, California
  • Role: Founder, Lead Singer, Songwriter, Producer
  • Band Formation: Founded Foster the People in Los Angeles in 2009.
  • Key Albums: Torches (2011), Supermodel (2014), Sacred Hearts Club (2017), and the upcoming Paradise State of Mind.
  • Style: Known for blending indie pop, dance-rock, and electronic elements, often with profound, introspective lyrical themes.

Foster’s songwriting process is characterized by a blend of global influences and introspective questioning. His work on the Supermodel album, including "Are You What You Want To Be?", was born from his travels and "asking a lot of questions internally and trying to process the world around me."

The Genesis of 'Are You What You Want To Be?' and the Supermodel Era

"Are You What You Want To Be?" is a vibrant, percussive track that immediately grabs the listener, a deliberate contrast to the dark themes it explores. Released under Columbia Records, the song served as the perfect, high-energy curtain-raiser for the Supermodel album, an ambitious follow-up to their multi-platinum debut, Torches.

A Global Soundtrack Built on Samples

One of the most unique aspects of the track is its construction. Mark Foster famously used his iPhone to record sounds and samples from his travels around the world, integrating these sonic snippets into the song's intricate production. This technique gives the track a layered, global feel, reflecting the physical and emotional journey Foster undertook while writing the album.

The song’s driving rhythm and buoyant melody often mask the heavier subject matter. The instrumentation features a strong, almost tribal drum beat, layered with bright, syncopated guitars and Foster’s signature soaring vocals, creating a sound that is both celebratory and anxious.

The Lyrical Meaning: A Crisis of Identity

The title itself is the core of the song's message. It’s a direct, confrontational question about self-actualization and the pursuit of true happiness versus societal expectations. The lyrics delve into the pressures of modern life, the superficiality of celebrity culture, and the internal struggle to maintain authenticity in a world obsessed with external validation.

The entire Supermodel album is considered a loose concept album, exploring the journey of a supermodel as a metaphor for the pursuit of the American Dream and its inherent emptiness. "Are You What You Want To Be?" kicks off this narrative, challenging the listener to look beyond the facade and confront their own desires.

5 Reasons the Song's Message Endures Today

Despite being released over a decade ago, the themes within "Are You What You Want To Be?" have become more poignant in the era of social media, digital identity, and fast-paced cultural shifts. Its relevance is arguably at an all-time high.

1. The Authenticity Crisis in the Digital Age

The song’s central question—"Are you what you want to be?"—is the perfect mantra for the Instagram generation. It speaks directly to the gap between our curated online personas and our true selves. The lyrical theme of superficiality and performance is a direct commentary on modern self-presentation, long before the term "influencer" became ubiquitous.

2. A Bridge Between Indie Rock and Dance

Musically, the track is a masterclass in blending genres. It retains the indie rock sensibilities of their debut Torches while pushing toward a more rhythmic, dance-oriented sound that would later be explored fully in Sacred Hearts Club and the synth-funk of Paradise State of Mind. This sonic evolution kept the band relevant and influenced countless other indie pop acts.

3. The Power of Self-Reflection

In a culture that constantly encourages outward focus—on news, trends, and others’ lives—the song forces an internal pause. It champions introspection as a necessary tool for survival. This message of self-interrogation is a timeless and valuable entity in the band's catalog.

4. The Connection to the New Album, Paradise State of Mind

Foster the People's latest work, including the single "Lost in Space" and the upcoming album Paradise State of Mind, shows a band still focused on identity, escapism, and the search for utopia. The new music draws heavily on late Seventies and early Eighties sounds, a hybrid of disco, synth-funk, and gospel. "Are You What You Want To Be?" serves as the philosophical precursor to this new era, asking the fundamental question that must be answered before one can achieve a "paradise state of mind."

5. Mark Foster’s Lyrical Vulnerability

Unlike some of their more abstract tracks, the lyrics here are candid and vulnerable. By sharing his own internal processing and questions about the world, Foster created a space for listeners to do the same. This emotional honesty is a key element of the band's topical authority and why the song remains a fan favorite, often featured in live setlists.

Foster The People's Enduring Legacy

From the viral success of "Pumped Up Kicks" to the experimental nature of Sacred Hearts Club, Foster the People has consistently used infectious melodies to deliver complex, often critical, messages. "Are You What You Want To Be?" is perhaps the most direct and enduring example of this formula.

The track not only solidified their position as a major force in indie pop but also proved that a band could tackle deep, philosophical themes—like the search for purpose and the dangers of consumerism—without sacrificing their danceable, high-energy sound. As fans eagerly await the full release of Paradise State of Mind, the self-reflective fire of "Are You What You Want To Be?" continues to burn brightly, challenging everyone to define their own version of success and happiness.

5 Deep Reasons Why Foster The People's
foster the people are you what you want to be
foster the people are you what you want to be

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