Pumped Up Kicks is a song by Foster the People that first broke out in 2010 and became one of the most recognizable indie pop tracks of the early 2010s. Online, countless edits, speed-ups, mashups and fan remixes have kept it circulating well beyond its original chart run. Versions labeled “but better” are usually user-made uploads that emphasize stronger bass, cleaner transitions or a more dramatic feel. It remains popular because the melody is instantly identifiable and its upbeat sound works well in ironic internet humor and stylish short-form edits.
About this sound
A fan-edited version of Pumped Up Kicks by Foster the People, used in memes, edits and ironic videos when creators want a familiar indie track.
This clip is a remixed or edited take on Pumped Up Kicks, the well-known indie pop song by Foster the People. It keeps the song’s recognizable melody and laid-back groove, but the “but better” label usually means listeners expect a punchier, cleaner or more dramatic version than the original upload. In videos, it often creates an ironic contrast between upbeat music and chaotic, darkly funny or stylish visuals. Because the tune is instantly familiar, even a short excerpt can quickly set a nostalgic, cool or slightly unsettling mood for the viewer.
