Andrew Vanwyngarden biography, interview, twitter, height

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<h2>Early Life and Musical Beginnings</h2>
<p>Andrew VanWyngarden, the <a href="/biography/andrew-vanwyngarden">lead vocalist</a>, guitarist, and songwriter for the band MGMT, was born on February 1, 1983, in Columbia, Missouri. He was raised in Memphis, Tennessee, where he attended Lausanne Collegiate School and White Station High School. His father, Bruce VanWyngarden, is the editor of the alternative weekly newspaper, the Memphis Flyer. Andrew fondly recalls spending time fishing and camping with his father, experiences that nurtured his love for the outdoors. He was also actively involved in YMCA outdoor programs, enjoying activities such as canoeing, camping, and fishing with friends and family.</p>

<p>Andrew developed an early interest in music, inspired by his father’s electric guitar playing. He received his first guitar in seventh grade and quickly immersed himself in music, winning a school contest the same year. Listening to records with his sisters and exploring his parents’ music collection deepened his passion. Musical instruments soon became all he wanted for Christmas, solidifying his commitment to a future in music.</p>

<h2>Early Bands and Musical Development</h2>
<p>While still in high school, Andrew formed a band with Dan Treharne. Although the group never performed live, they focused on writing and recording songs. Later, he joined a local Memphis band called Accidental Mersh, which included future collaborators and gained regional popularity. The group released two albums and briefly climbed to the No. 2 spot on unsigned band charts. However, due to limited live performances, the band eventually dissolved. During college, Andrew wrote and performed the song "Super Volcano" for a class project, showcasing his evolving musicianship.</p>

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<h2>Formation and Rise of MGMT</h2>
<p>Andrew met <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Goldwasser">Ben Goldwasser</a> 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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h2>Songwriting and Creative Process</h2>
<p>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 <em>Congratulations</em> while still working on their debut record <em>Oracular Spectacular</em>.</p>

<p>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 <em>Congratulations</em>, he also confessed to experiencing increased anxiety regarding critical reception from music journalists.</p>

<h2>Side Projects and Personal Interests</h2>
<p>In addition to his work with MGMT, VanWyngarden collaborated with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Barnes">Kevin Barnes</a> 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 <em>Spirit of Akasha</em>. That same year, he released a cover version of "I’m Alive" by Peter Howe.</p>

<p>Andrew has cited filmmakers <a href="/biography/werner-herzog">Werner Herzog</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Lynch">David Lynch</a>, and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federico_Fellini">Federico Fellini</a> as some of his favorites, reflecting his artistic taste beyond music. In 2008, NME ranked him third on their “Cool List,” following <a href="/biography/jay-z">Jay-Z</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice_Glass">Alice Glass</a>.</p>

<h2>Public Image and Current Life</h2>
<p>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.</p>

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