MGMT (pronounced [ Ɛ m d ʒ i ɛ m t i ] , formerly known as The Management , is an American alternative rock band from Brooklyn, New York>. The group is initially composed of Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden.
Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden create the group in December 2002 while they both study at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. Their music is then oriented psychedelic rock and electronic. In 2005, after graduation, they went on tour to promote their first Max Time to Pretend, playing in the first part of Of Montreal. The training is then called The Management, but another group already bearing this name, it will quickly turn into MGMT. The rumor that the meaning of the title would be Make Great Music Today is just a hoax; denied by the group in many interviews.
With three EPs to their credit (including Climbing to New Lows which will later become a full-fledged album), the two Americans are seeking a label to produce their music and finally, in the fall of 2006, MGMT engages with Sony / Columbia Records for the production of four albums>.
In the fall of 2006, the group signs at Columbia Records >>>.
Between March and April 2007, the group recorded their first Oracular Spectacular album produced by Dave Fridmann (The Flaming Lips, Mercury Rev). Released on October 2, 2007, it ranks 12th in the UK in the first week. For his tour, the group expands with the arrival of three new members: James Richardson (drummer), Matthew Asti (bassist) and Hank Sullivant (guitarist). Their first concerts in Europe are held in London, as part of bands such as The Courteeners. On October 5, 2007, the Spin website named MGMT Artist of the Day. On November 14, 2007, the site of the American magazine Rolling Stone lists them in its "Top 10 groups to watch in 2008" . Then it's the turn of the BBC to distinguish them in its Top 10 sounds 2008 (BBC's Sound of 2008 top 10). The group gradually gains a certain notoriety.
