MGMT busted onto the music scene in 2008 with their debut full-length, Oracular Spectacular, getting fans and critics excited about their experimental indie-pop. The album and its singles “Kids” and “Electric Feel” put the musical duo of Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser on the fast track to mainstream success. Three albums in and MGMT are still commanding a strong, loyal fan base. Read on to find out more about MGMT, and check back soon for part two of our list.
Number Fifteen: Their Album was One of Rolling Stone’s Best Albums of the 2000s
MGMT’s album, Oracular Spectacular, was a critical favorite when it came out in 2008. It was so popular that NME named it the best album of 2008. It was also a hit with critics in the U.S., as it was ranked by Rolling Stone Magazine as the 18th best album of the 2000s.
Number Fourteen: They Sued the UMP for Copyright Infringement
In 2009, MGMT ended up suing the Union for a Popular Movement Party for using their song “Kids” in two promotional videos and at a conference in 2008 without permission. The UMP decided to settle the matter out of court, paying the band a total of €32,500 ($36,715), which the band then gave to a charity benefiting artists’ rights.
Number Thirteen: They Never Intended to Start a Band
When Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser met at Wesleyan University during their freshman year, they didn’t plan to start a band. The two enjoyed sharing music with each other and eventually they started experimenting with different kinds of noise and electronica sounds. Before they knew it, they had an EP and were opening for of Montreal.
Number Twelve: They Didn’t Take Their Early Live Shows Seriously
The band has said that when they first started, their shows were not much more than a joke. They used to perform as a duo backed up by just an iPod, without any instruments at all. Their audiences didn’t know what to make of them.
Number Eleven: They Once Opened for Paul McCartney
On August 5 and 6, 2009, MGMT played a show at Fenway Park, opening for legendary Beatle, Paul McCartney. McCartney has said that he is a fan of the band and has expressed interest in collaborating with them.
Number Ten: MGMT Almost Didn’t Take the Columbia Records Deal
After the release of their EP, Time to Pretend, MGMT was offered a recording contract with Columbia Records. However, they were hesitant to take the deal until their fathers told them to take the opportunity.
Number Nine: VanWyngarden Almost Joined of Montreal
After MGMT finished touring with of Montreal, the duo petered out. During this period, VanWyngarden was heavily considering joining of Montreal as a guitarist. VanWyngarden had a deal on the table with the band, but, in the end, turned it down when Columbia Records called and MGMT resumed. Stay tuned for part two of our list of 15 interesting facts about MGMT, coming soon.