Ben Goldwasser - The Sound Architect Of MGMT
Ben Goldwasser is a name many people know, or at least they know the sounds he helps create. He is a key part of the music group MGMT, a band that has really made its mark with a distinctive sound. For those who enjoy listening to music that feels a bit different, a little out of the ordinary, Ben’s contributions have been quite significant. He is, you know, a songwriter and a musician, playing a big role in crafting the tunes that many have come to appreciate.
This musician, born in December of 1982, is a central figure in what is called a psychedelic rock band. He spends a lot of his time with the keyboards, making sounds that are a big part of their music, and he also lends his voice to the songs. It is interesting how a band can go from what seemed like a difficult period, almost like they were fading away, to still putting out records that connect with people. Their music, it seems, has a way of staying relevant, which is pretty cool.
The story of MGMT, and Ben Goldwasser’s part in it, is one of continuous creation and finding ways to express themselves through sound. They talk about what gives them ideas for their songs, the stories they build around their music, and a particular answer they found to something. We will look closer at his background, how the band came to be, and what makes their sound so special, you know, as we go along.
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Table of Contents
- The Early Life of Ben Goldwasser
- How Did Ben Goldwasser Start His Musical Path?
- The MGMT Story - With Ben Goldwasser
- What Inspires Ben Goldwasser's Creative Work?
- Handling the Spotlight - Ben Goldwasser's View
- Looking Back - Ben Goldwasser's College Days
The Early Life of Ben Goldwasser
Benjamin Nicholas Hunter Goldwasser came into the world on December 17, 1982. His family background includes his mother, Rachel Hunter, and his father, David Goldwasser. He was born in a place called Mishawaka, Indiana, which is where his story began. However, he spent his growing up years in a different spot, a town known as Westport, New York. It is interesting to consider how these early places might have shaped his perspective, you know, as he grew up.
His family heritage includes a connection to the Jewish faith through his father's side. A significant moment in his younger years, when he was just eleven years old, was seeing a musician named Adrian Belew perform live. This experience, one can imagine, might have sparked something in him, perhaps a curiosity about music or even a dream of making his own sounds. These early details paint a picture of where Ben Goldwasser comes from, giving us a bit of a look into his beginnings before he became known for his music, so.
Personal Details for Ben Goldwasser
Full Name | Benjamin Nicholas Hunter Goldwasser |
Born | December 17, 1982 |
Place of Birth | Mishawaka, Indiana |
Raised In | Westport, New York |
Musical Role | Songwriter, Musician (Keyboards, Vocals) |
Band | MGMT |
How Did Ben Goldwasser Start His Musical Path?
The beginnings of Ben Goldwasser's musical path are tied to his time at Wesleyan University. It was there, in 2003, that he and Andrew VanWyngarden, a fellow student, began their musical undertaking. At first, their project had a different name; they called it "The Management." This was years before they would find a wider audience and commercial success, a time when things were just getting started for them, you know.
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One particular afternoon in April, while still at Wesleyan, the two friends set up their equipment on campus. They performed a set for their fellow students, and it sounds like it was quite an interesting show. Their performance included something called live radio sampling, which is a bit unique, and they even played a cover of a song by Talking Heads. This gives us a glimpse into their early creative approach and the kinds of sounds they were exploring even then, so. It shows how they were experimenting with different musical ideas right from the start, setting a kind of foundation for what was to come.
There is, actually, some rare footage that has surfaced, showing Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden from MGMT playing their well-known song "Kids" back in 2003. This clip, which was recorded many years before the song was officially released, shows the two of them in simple clothes, performing for a small group of people. It is a neat look at how they were when they were just beginning, playing for a smaller crowd, and it makes you think about how far they have come since those early days, you know, just a little.
The MGMT Story - With Ben Goldwasser
MGMT, the American rock band, was put together by singers Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser in 2002. They are, in a way, probably most recognized for their songs that became like anthems for a certain period, tunes such as "Kids" and "Time to Pretend." These songs, with their lyrics that felt free and their exciting synth sounds, really helped to define an era that was all about having a good time and feeling unburdened, even if it meant making some rather questionable fashion choices, you know. It shows how their music connected with a particular feeling of the time.
Just a few years ago, it seemed as if MGMT might have been going through a rough patch, almost like they were disappearing from the public eye. But, apparently, they have kept going strong. Ben Goldwasser, who is one half of this musical pair, has talked about their fifth album. He mentioned that this record mixes feelings of sadness with a bit of fun, and he also spoke about their very popular song, "Time to Pretend." They have, you know, managed to keep creating music that feels current and has always done so, which is quite a feat for a group that has been around for a while.
Twenty years into their work together, the duo, made up of Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser, continue to make music that stands out in the wide array of sounds and cultural happenings. They just, you know, seemed to have a really cool connection, and that connection has allowed them to keep putting out tunes that resonate. Their latest record, "Loss of Life," which is their fifth studio album, brings with it a feeling of the eighties right away when you listen to it. Ben has said that there is something appealing about the honest feeling in a lot of pop music from the eighties, especially when it is put against sounds that are very artificial or overly polished, so. This gives a bit of insight into their ongoing creative process and what draws them to certain sounds.
What is the Sound of Ben Goldwasser's Band?
The music that Ben Goldwasser helps create with MGMT has a distinct sound that many people find captivating. Interview Magazine, for instance, has praised Andrew VanWyngarden, the other half of the duo, for having a remarkable ability to produce pop music that sounds as if it has been looked at through a special viewing device that changes colors and shapes. This description, while applied to Andrew, really captures the overall feel of the band's music, which Ben is very much a part of, you know.
Their sound is often described as contemporary, meaning it feels current and relevant to the present moment. It also has a way of cutting through the vast amount of music and cultural expressions out there, making it stand out. This is a sign of music that has a unique character, something that makes it recognizable and memorable. When Ben Goldwasser talks about their fifth album, he mentions that it combines a sense of sadness with humor, which suggests a sound that has layers and different moods, so. This blend of feelings is, very, a part of what makes their music interesting to listen to.
The "Loss of Life" album, in particular, immediately brings to mind the feeling of the eighties. Ben Goldwasser has spoken about how he finds something appealing in the honest and straightforward feeling of much of the pop music from that decade. He finds it especially cool when that earnestness is set against synthetic sounds that might be considered a bit cheesy or things that sound overly smooth and dry. This preference for certain kinds of sounds and textures is, kind of, what shapes the unique sonic world that Ben Goldwasser helps to build for MGMT, you know, making their music feel distinct.
Ben Goldwasser and the 'Time to Pretend' Era
The song "Time to Pretend" is, you know, one of MGMT's most recognized tunes, and Ben Goldwasser was a central part of its creation. This song, along with their debut album "Oracular Spectacular," marked a significant period for the band. It was during this time that their music started to gain a lot of attention, becoming widely known and loved by many. The carefree words and the exciting, electronic instrument sounds in songs like this one really helped to fuel a time when people were all about having fun and feeling free, you know, just a little.
When discussing the making of "Time to Pretend" and that first album, Ben Goldwasser and MGMT confirmed in an interview that they used a particular software program called Reason. This detail gives us a peek behind the curtain, showing a specific tool they used to craft those sounds that became so popular. It is, like, pretty interesting to know the technical side of how their music came to be. This period, with songs like "Time to Pretend," really cemented MGMT's place in the music scene, making them a band that people would talk about and listen to for years to come, so.
The feeling of pretending to be huge rock stars, even when they were just starting out in college, seems to connect back to their early shows. This idea of playful make-believe, in a way, comes through in some of their music, including the spirit of "Time to Pretend." It is a song that captures a certain youthful energy and a desire to experience things fully, even if it is just for a moment. Ben Goldwasser's role in shaping these sounds and feelings was, obviously, very important to the band's identity during this time and beyond.
What Inspires Ben Goldwasser's Creative Work?
When it comes to what sparks the creative work of Ben Goldwasser and the band, they have shared some interesting bits. They are known to talk about the things that give them ideas for their songs, the sources of their musical thoughts. It is not just about making sounds; they also speak about the stories, or what they call "myths," that they create around their music. This suggests a deeper level of thought behind their songs, a way of building worlds with their sounds and words, you know.
Ben Goldwasser, in particular, has spoken about the origin of a song and video called "Bubblegum Dog." Understanding where a specific piece of music comes from can offer a lot of insight into a musician's mind. It shows how different experiences or concepts can be turned into something that people can listen to and connect with. They also mention finding "the one answer" they have discovered, which is a bit mysterious but hints at a consistent approach or philosophy they apply to their creative process, so. This makes you wonder what that answer might be.
The band's ability to keep making music that feels current, even after many years, points to a continuous well of inspiration. They seem to have a knack for staying in tune with what is happening musically and culturally. This suggests that their creative process is not static; it is something that continues to grow and change, allowing them to keep putting out new and interesting material. It is, you know, pretty remarkable for a band to maintain that kind of creative flow over two decades of working together, producing music that cuts through the musical atmosphere.
Handling the Spotlight - Ben Goldwasser's View
Being a musician in a well-known band means dealing with a lot of attention, and Ben Goldwasser has spoken about how he and Andrew cope with being in the public eye and the comments they receive. It is, you know, a different kind of challenge that comes with success. They have to find ways to manage the fame that comes with their music and also handle the things people say, both good and not so good. This is a very real part of being a public figure, and it takes a certain kind of approach to keep going.
The text mentions that they reveal the one answer they have found, which could relate to how they deal with these aspects of their career. Perhaps this "answer" is a way of staying grounded or keeping their focus on the music itself, rather than getting too caught up in the external reactions. It is, like, something that many artists face, and finding a personal strategy for it is important. Their continued ability to make music, even after periods where it seemed they were struggling, suggests they have developed a way to manage these pressures effectively, so.
For any artist, the feedback from listeners and critics can be a lot to take in. Ben Goldwasser and his bandmates have been through different phases of public perception, from being hugely popular with viral hits to periods where they seemed less visible. Their ability to keep making music that resonates, blending different moods and ideas, suggests a certain resilience. It is, you know, a testament to their dedication to their art that they continue to create, regardless of the ups and downs of public opinion.
Looking Back - Ben Goldwasser's College Days
The early days of MGMT, with Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden, were rooted in their college experience at Wesleyan University. This is where it all began, on the campus quad, which is a pretty humble starting point for a band that would later become so well-known. It just goes to show that even the biggest music groups in the world have to begin somewhere, often in very simple settings, you know. Their story is a reminder of those foundational moments.
There is footage that recently became very popular, showing Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser from MGMT performing. This clip, captured many years before their songs were officially released, shows the duo in plain clothes, playing for a small group of people. It is a really interesting look back at their beginnings, giving a glimpse of them before they had a large following. This footage, in a way, goes back to their early shows in college, where they were, sort of, pretending that they were huge rock stars, even though they obviously were not at that point, so.
The spirit of those college performances, where they might have been playfully imagining their future success, seems to have stayed with them. It speaks to a certain authenticity and a sense of fun that has been a part of their identity. The fact that they started by performing for their peers, incorporating things like live radio sampling and covers of other bands, shows a willingness to experiment and just enjoy the act of making music together. These early experiences, with Ben Goldwasser at the keyboards and singing, clearly laid the groundwork for the unique sound and approach that MGMT would develop over the years, you know, as a matter of fact.
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