Andrew Vanwyngarden
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Formation and Rise of MGMT
Andrew met Ben Goldwasser during their first year at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, where Andrew graduated with a degree in music. Despite having different academic interests initially, the pair began collaborating musically. One of the first songs they created together was "Kids," which would later become a breakout hit for their band, MGMT. Andrew played a pivotal role in founding the group and shaped much of its lyrical direction.
Quick Facts
- Birth Date
- 1 Feb, 1983
- Age
- 37 yrs
- Occupations
- Singer
Guitarist
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- Citizenship
- United States of America
- Birth Place
- Columbia
- Education
- Wesleyan University
- Gender
- Male
- Description
- American musician
- Net Worth 2021
- 14 million
People Mentioned in This Biography
MGMT communicates with fans through various platforms, including their official website and Twitter account, where major announcements are made. Updates such as their cover of Faine Jade’s track "Introspection," the release of their video "Your Life Is a Lie," and the launch of their full-length albums were first shared via Twitter.
Songwriting and Creative Process
Andrew VanWyngarden is primarily responsible for writing the lyrics for MGMT. When describing his songwriting method, he said, “I’d sit down for a few hours and try to do them. Usually, the ideas for the lyrics have been in my head for a while, and that’s how I go over them again and again.” He also came up with the title for MGMT’s 2010 album Congratulations while still working on their debut record Oracular Spectacular.
Reflecting on fame, Andrew has acknowledged feeling a sense of irony, admitting in an interview that he had begun to resemble the type of character he once satirized in their debut music. Following the release of Congratulations, he also confessed to experiencing increased anxiety regarding critical reception from music journalists.
Side Projects and Personal Interests
In addition to his work with MGMT, VanWyngarden collaborated with Kevin Barnes of Of Montreal on a side project called Blikk Fang. He appeared in a documentary examining the nature of contemporary music and contributed a solo track to the 2014 surfing film Spirit of Akasha. That same year, he released a cover version of "I’m Alive" by Peter Howe.
Andrew has cited filmmakers Werner Herzog, David Lynch, and Federico Fellini as some of his favorites, reflecting his artistic taste beyond music. In 2008, NME ranked him third on their “Cool List,” following Jay-Z and Alice Glass.
Public Image and Current Life
Standing at 5'10", Andrew VanWyngarden has cultivated a strong fan following, particularly among young audiences. He currently resides in Rockaway Beach, Queens, New York, where he continues to engage in both his musical career and personal interests. His influence as a rock singer and songwriter remains significant in the contemporary music scene.
