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Follow the Cali band from soundcheck to the BBQ pit in Austin
Andy Barron
Every year, 1,600 (or so) bands make the trek to Austin for South by Southwest, trading sleep and sanity for BBQ and the chance to break through to the next level of their career. This year, Foster the People let Rolling Stone's camera document their journey to and around Texas for the big industry fest.
Andy Barron
Band manager Brett Williams and lead singer Mark Foster head over to Damon Albarn's 1 a.m. set at Stubb's BBQ.
Andy Barron
After Albarn's set, Williams and Foster make their way on foot.
Andy Barron
After a long day of travel — and a longer night of music — the hotel is a welcome sight.
Andy Barron
As the band makes its way to soundcheck, multi-instrumentalist Isom Innis runs into old friends, earning himself the nickname "The Mayor of SXSW."
Andy Barron
The band has been debuting new instruments on this tour, like Mark Foster's traditional 8-string Greek bouzouki.
Andy Barron
While waiting in line for some obligatory Austin BBQ, the guys look at some skywriting of the mathematical number Pi.
Andy Barron
During a rare moment of rest before the show, the band recounts stories of past SXSW experiences.
Andy Barron
Standing side stage, anticipating one of their first performances with new material off Supermodel.
Andy Barron
The band plays new tracks "Pseudologia Fantastica" and "A Beginner's Guide to Destroying the Moon."
Andy Barron
Drummer Mark Pontius keeping the beat.
Andy Barron
After soundcheck, the band sits for an afternoon full of interviews.
Andy Barron
The band hangs while waiting for an interview.
Andy Barron
A hand-scrawled set list.
Andy Barron
Sean Cimino, Haley Dekle, Arlene Deradoorian, Mark Foster, Mark Pontius, Cubbie Fink, Isom Innis and Phil Danyew.
Andy Barron
A simple touch and a "bless" and it's time to hit the stage.
Andy Barron
The big crowd reactos to set closer "Don't Stop."
