MGMT

Biography

MGMT is an American band known for its brand of psychedelic-influenced indie and synth-pop. The band was formed by Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden in 2002 while they were students at Wesleyan University. Initially known as The Management, they changed the name to MGMT because the former was already in use. Their early performances were noted for their performance art-like quality and punk hostility. After graduating in 2005, they toured in support of their EP, Time to Pretend.

Career Breakthrough with Oracular Spectacular

MGMT signed with Columbia Records in 2006 and released their debut studio album, Oracular Spectacular, in 2007. The album, produced by Dave Fridmann, was a critical and commercial success, especially in Europe, and was named album of the year by NME in 2008. It featured the hit singles "Kids," "Time to Pretend," and "Electric Feel". The album's success led to them touring with major acts like Radiohead and Paul McCartney and earned them two Grammy nominations in 2010 for Best New Artist and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for "Kids". The Justice remix of "Electric Feel" won a Grammy for Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical.

Musical Evolution

Congratulations (2010)

For their second album, Congratulations, released in 2010, MGMT shifted their style, moving away from synth-pop towards a more psychedelic and acoustic guitar-layered sound. The album was produced with Spacemen 3's Sonic Boom and was well-received by fans and critics for its broader melodic landscapes.

MGMT (2013)

Their self-titled third album, MGMT, released in 2013, continued their experimental direction. The album was accompanied by a visualizer called "The Optimizer". Reviews for this album were more mixed compared to their previous efforts.

Little Dark Age (2018)

After a brief hiatus, the band released their fourth studio album, Little Dark Age, in 2018. This album was seen as a return to the more accessible pop style of their debut. The album was produced with Patrick Wimberly and Dave Fridmann and featured collaborations with artists like Ariel Pink. The title track became a viral sensation on TikTok years after its initial release.

Loss of Life (2024)

Their fifth studio album, Loss of Life, was released in February 2024, marking their first release on the Mom + Pop label. The album features a collaboration with Christine and the Queens, a first for the band. Described by the band as being about love and change, the album has been noted for its sincere and optimistic tone.

Musical Style

MGMT's music is characterized by its blend of indie pop, psychedelic rock, and electronic music. They are known for their experimental approach, incorporating elements from various genres and eras. Their influences include artists like David Bowie, Pink Floyd, and The Beatles. The duo's shared sense of humor and appreciation for the surreal are key elements of their creative process.