MGMT

MGMT
Mars3 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	MGMT
Caption	MGMT performing in 2018
Origin	Middletown, Connecticut, U.S.
Genre	Neo-psychedelia, psychedelic pop, indie rock, synth-pop
Years active	2002–present
Label	Columbia Records, Sony Music
Website	whoismgmt.com
Current members	Andrew VanWyngarden, Ben Goldwasser

MGMT is an American rock band formed in 2002 and known for its eclectic psychedelic sound and chart-topping synth-pop hits. The duo, consisting of multi-instrumentalists Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser, rose to international fame with their debut album Oracular Spectacular. Their work, which often critiques celebrity culture and consumerism, has earned them critical acclaim and several major award nominations, solidifying their place in 21st-century alternative music.

History

The band's origins trace to their meeting as students at Wesleyan University, where they began recording quirky, lo-fi electronic music. Initially performing under the name The Management, they gained early attention with the self-released EP Time to Pretend, which caught the interest of major labels. After signing with Columbia Records and relocating to Brooklyn, they recorded their breakthrough album, Oracular Spectacular (2007), with producer Dave Fridmann at his studio in Cassadaga, New York. The album's massive success, driven by singles like "Time to Pretend" and "Kids", propelled them to performances at major festivals like Coachella and Glastonbury Festival. Subsequent albums, including Congratulations (2010) and MGMT (2013), saw the band deliberately shift towards more experimental, psychedelic rock-oriented sounds, challenging mainstream expectations. Their later work, such as Little Dark Age (2018), marked a return to broader critical and commercial favor, incorporating influences from 1980s new wave and gothic rock.

Musical style and influences

MGMT's music is characterized by its synthesis of catchy pop melodies with dense, psychedelic arrangements and often surreal lyrics. Their early sound was heavily shaped by electronic music pioneers like Spacemen 3 and the krautrock of Can, as well as the psychedelic pop of The Beatles' later period. The duo has frequently cited the influence of David Bowie, particularly his Berlin Trilogy, and the art rock of Roxy Music. Their work on Congratulations drew explicitly from the psychedelic folk of Syd Barrett and the progressive rock of The Soft Machine, while Little Dark Age incorporated darker synth-pop textures reminiscent of The Cure and New Order. Lyrically, their songs often explore themes of existentialism, irony, and critiques of modern American culture, delivered with a blend of sincerity and satire.

Band members

The core and only permanent members of MGMT are Andrew VanWyngarden (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards) and Ben Goldwasser (keyboards, vocals). Both contribute to songwriting, production, and the band's visual aesthetic. For live performances and studio recordings, they have been supported by a rotating group of touring musicians, which has included guitarist James Richardson, bassist Simon O'Connor, and drummer Will Berman. These collaborators have been integral to translating the duo's complex studio creations into their dynamic concert presentations, which often feature elaborate stage design and lighting.

Discography

MGMT's studio album releases are defined by their artistic evolution. Their debut, Oracular Spectacular (2007), featured global hits produced by Dave Fridmann. The follow-up, Congratulations (2010), was a more guitar-driven, album-oriented rock statement without obvious singles. Their self-titled third album, MGMT (2013), continued their experimental direction with assistance from producer Dave Fridmann and Flaming Lips collaborator Dave Fridmann. They returned to a more accessible yet darkly themed sound with Little Dark Age (2018), co-produced with Patrick Wimberly of Chairlift and Ariel Rechtshaid. Their catalog also includes several EPs, such as We (Don't) Care and the ''Metanoia'' EP, as well as numerous singles and music videos directed by artists like Ray Tintori and Tom Kuntz.

Awards and nominations

The band has received significant recognition from various music award institutions. They earned Grammy Award nominations for Best New Artist and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group for "Kids" at the 2009 Grammy Awards. Their debut album was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize in 2008. They have also won awards from the MTV Video Music Awards, including Best New Artist in 2009, and received nominations from the Brit Awards for International Breakthrough Act. Their single "Little Dark Age" and its accompanying music video garnered renewed critical praise and several alternative music award nominations in the late 2010s.

Category:American psychedelic rock groups Category:Musical groups from Connecticut Category:Columbia Records artists