MGMT: From Psychedelic Fame To New Beginnings In Music

The charm of Saltburn strikes again! After Sophie Ellis-Bextor found herself reborn as a global darling, it’s now MGMT’s turn to reap the rewards of a cultural resurgence, thanks to their debut single ‘Time to Pretend’ being featured in the film. Multi-instrumentalist Ben Goldwasser expressed his astonishment, noting that their song has transformed into a TikTok trend, contributing to their renewed popularity. “I think that’s maybe our top streaming song at this point… It’s pretty wild,” he remarked during a Zoom call.

It’s not the first time this Connecticut (via NYC) psych-pop band has experienced a viral moment. In 2020, they unexpectedly gained 600 million streams of their 2018 track “Little Dark Age” after it became popular on TikTok. This resurgence highlights how old hits can find new life through modern platforms, reflecting the ever-evolving music landscape.

MGMT's journey exemplifies the unpredictable nature of the music industry. Once hailed as the perfect modern psych proposition with their debut album Oracular Spectacular, they have navigated the complexities of fame, artistic expression, and the changing tides of listener preferences. Their story is not just one of success but also of adaptation and growth in an industry that constantly demands innovation.

• MGMT’s music blends various genres, creating a unique sound that resonates with fans old and new.
• The band has experienced significant streaming success through platforms like TikTok, showcasing the power of social media in the music industry.
• They have transitioned from mainstream fame to a more independent approach to music creation and distribution.