MGMT

Mon 17th Jan, 2011 in Features

They are in the Brooklyn clique of cool, and even though some think they are overrated, others believe otherwise. MGMT have confused audiences just as much as they in some respects have won them over, and as one half of this psychedelic pop band, Ben Goldwasser discusses, they have a long and exciting musical journey ahead of them. Lucky for us, it is a journey that involves our fine country, its beaches, and some experimental cooking in between.

When asked if MGMT are a band of the past, present or future, Goldwasser responded, “I think a little bit of the present, but mostly the future.” Their sound is hypnotic, and the attitude present in both their sense of style and demeanor equally showcase their flare for the abnormal and transcendent, so this answer doesn’t seem too left of field. It is hard to tell just how MGMT see the future, but if technology and the internet are a big part of it, then this band are in a little trouble, “If social networking is the key to the future of the music industry, and determines if you are a good band or not, then I guess we aren’t a band.” Goldwasser is very matter of fact in his answer, but then after pondering over it for a while adds, “Well, we did try. We have an ‘ask MGMT’ question section, for fans to ask us stuff, and a fan artwork page, which is really cool, but I hate the internet.”

With a sound that is reminiscent of the sixties and seventies, and a love for covering songs by bands such as The Kinks and The Clean, MGMT take their inspiration from what they know, and what they are yet to discover. Their sophomore record Congratulations was a hot topic of last year, gathering an array of mixed responses. Despite both the controversy and praise that surrounds Congratulations ; songs from the album such as I Found a Whistle and Someone’s Missing display vulnerability and a subtle intensity, openly inviting the listener into the world of MGMT’s thoughts and understanding of music.

While their debut album Oracular Spectacular provided unexpected dance anthems like Kids and Electric Feel, Congratulations saw the band take in more depth and darkness, albeit with an enlightening edge. With an apparent conflict between the two album’s sound and its audience, it is hard to tell just who MGMT will draw in next with their upcoming album, and what sound they will spin with their keen abilities. Rumours have been circulating of a third MGMT album already being in the works, but Goldwasser was clear to point out that such talks have been a little embellished, “We aren’t ready to release another album just yet. We are just enjoying doing some recordings and experimenting with our sound again. We don’t quite know what we will do, this is just the period where we discover new sounds and new ideas; so it is an exciting time for us. It’s like a developmental phase I guess, I think it is what we most enjoy about music, the creating part.”

Although currently relaxing in his home town of Brooklyn, New York, another part of music the band enjoy is touring, “It is great to have the opportunity to go to places that you wouldn’t otherwise, but at the moment I am on break in between tours, not doing anything special, and that’s nice too.” With no New Year’s resolutions to hold him back, and the craziest thing he has done lately being “resting and cooking lots of food”, Goldwasser is conserving all his energy for their nearing trip to Australia in March. Goldwasser seems suitably excited about their tour here, and is looking forward to seeing the sights, “We have a couple of days off I believe, so we will probably check out the beaches and relax a little because it is such a beautiful place.”