Midnight Chats

Ep 126: MGMT

Midnight Chats

Show Notes

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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More from Midnight Chats

Apr 28, 2025

Hello Hello. Here is a very quick Midnight Chats update, and something of a bonus conversation I (Stu) had with Patrick Wolf for my new Loud And Quiet Podcast. For part 2 and to follow this new show, just search for The Loud And Quiet Podcast wherever you get your shows. And find more info on what that is at loudandquiet.substack.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 8, 2025

It feels a little strange that the start of a new year has coincided with end of this series of Midnight Chats. But then, we have been on a 45 week run. Before we take a little time off to work out what's next for the show, Greg and Stu offer up a parting gift to get our listeners through the coming months, in the form a 2025 preview episode. Who will win big at the Grammy's and Brits? How did Lana Del Rey sell out two nights at Wembley? Will Neil Young make it to Glastonbury? And seriously, has anyone worked out why Robbie Williams is a played by an ape in his biopic? You can watch clips of the podcast online now, just give us a follow on Instagram @midnightchatspod. Further reading/listening/viewing: Sign up to the Loud And Quiet Weekly newsletter on Substack Listen to our new Beat the Algorithm Spotify playlist Credits: Editing by Stuart Stubbs Mixing and mastering by Willem Olenski Artwork by Kate Prior See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 1, 2025

Newcastle folk legend, semi-keen gardener and hater of Christmas Richard Dawson rings in the New Year with tales of nervously meeting Louis Theroux, the time Mitski's fans screamed at his idiosyncratic music as if he was The Beatles, and how he wrote his new album End of the Middle from his allotment shed. Plus how to navigate your early 40s, and whether or not is should involving buying a bright yellow puffer jacket. You can watch clips of the podcast online now, just give us a follow on Instagram @midnightchatspod. Further reading/listening/viewing: Richard's video for new single Polytunnel Listen to our new Beat the Algorithm Spotify playlist Sign up to the Loud And Quiet Weekly newsletter Credits: Editing by Stuart Stubbs Mixing and mastering by Willem Olenski Artwork by Kate Prior See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 26, 2024

What a year it's been... for some people. Others have had real stinkers. For the final 2024 episode of Midnight Chats, Greg and Stu look back at the highs and lows of the year and ask how the history books will remember its music moments. Kendrick versus Drake. Morrissey verses Marr. Oasis versus themselves. Charli, Chappell and Sabrina. It's all here in this Boxing Day special! Credits: Editing by Stuart Stubbs Mixing and mastering by Willem Olenski Artwork by Kate Prior See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 18, 2024

Brighton/Bristol/London band Squid have made a new album all about evil bastards. It's called Cowards, and will be released 7 February 2025. They've not spoken about it much just yet, but with Christmas here, what better time is there to sit down with Ollie and Louis from the band to discuss songs about cannibalism, Andy Warhol's wig, how they feel these days about their biggest song, and what happens when one member of the band vitoes an idea and breaks the heart of the rest of the group. Merry Christmas, one and all! You can watch clips of the podcast online now, just give us a follow on Instagram @midnightchatspod. Further reading/listening/viewing: Listen to our new Beat the Algorithm Spotify playlist Sign up to the Loud And Quiet Weekly newsletter Credits: Editing by Stuart Stubbs Mixing and mastering by Willem Olenski Artwork by Kate Prior See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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