MGMT claim ‘Kids’ is “the most stupid song possible”
MGMT recently reflected on their hit single ‘Kids’, explaining their approach and desire was to “write the most stupid song possible.”
The song was released in 2007, and featured on MGMT’s debut album, Oracular Spectacular. Although it initially started as a joke track, Andrew VanWyngarden acknowledged the impact it had on their career.
Discussing the courses the duo were taking at Wesleyan at the time, VanWyngarden told The Times: “It was formal and theoretical, and that spurred us on to be irreverent with MGMT. Ben was studying this incredibly complex music when one day, he said: ‘I’m going to write the most stupid song possible.’ It ended up being Kids, which is the entire reason we have a career.”
Reflecting on the unexpected dichotomy the song brought in terms of overnight success, VanWyngarden added: “One moment we were being irreverent with the academic world, the next we were playing festivals, and I don’t think we understood the implications of that.”
Continuing, “On college campus we were happy to play out rock star fantasies in front of 15 people. All of a sudden we’re on Late Night with David Letterman and we’re thinking: we can’t do this any more. We were becoming the things we were making fun of.”
MGMT’s latest album, Loss of Life, the first since 2018’s Little Dark Age, marks their return to the psychedelic pop sound reminiscent of their 2007 debut.
The latest single from the album, ‘Dancing in Babylon’, featured pop superstar Christine and the Queens. This also marked the fourth single teased from the album, which the band self-produced with contributions from Patrick Wimberly.
Discussing his collaboration with MGMT, Wimberly said: “I always loved MGMT’s multiverse, their freedom and talent, their limpid songwriting and killer soundscapes. Regal, inspiring. When they reached out for this power ballad, I was honoured and also excited to dive into their dream.”
“I loved the backstory of the lyrics as well, and I work my lower register here more than usual. I felt invited into their cool movie, and I’m glad to be now a part of the galaxy,” he added.
Loss of Life is set for release on February 23rd, 2023. Watch the video for ‘Dancing in Babylon’ below.
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