Maybe you were reminded of the genius songwriting of US duo MGMT when their song ‘Time To Pretend’ recently popped up on the Saltburn film soundtrack?

Ever since their breakthrough in 2007, with songs like ‘Kids’ and ‘Electric Feel’, the duo of Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser have continued to release a stream of compelling new music. 

Greg Cochrane spoke to them from their homes in America on opposite coasts to wind back the clock on meeting them for the first time in 2007, and hear early stories of their surreal meetings with Sir Paul McCartney, Arctic Monkeys and Adele. 

Plus, MGMT discuss performing their debut album Oracular Spectacular live (hello Broadway?), the period during COVID-19 where their song ‘Little Dark Age’ seemed to soundtrack every video on the internet and their future plans as a band. 

You can watch clips of the podcast online, now just give us a follow on Instagram @midnightchatspod.

This episode was recored in December 2023.

Links to stuff mentioned in the episode: 

Listen to MGMT’s new album ‘Loss Of Life’ album - out now - my favourite tracks are ‘People in the Streets’ and ‘Nothing Changes’ 

Watch MGMT’s video for ‘Bubblegum Dog’ on YouTube

Kid Cudi joins MGMT on stage at Coachella 2014

Credits:

Interview by Greg Cochrane 

Editing by Stuart Stubbs 

Mixing and mastering by Flo Lines

Artwork by Kate Prior

Video by Robbie Hamilton