Ben Goldwasser - The Creative Mind Behind MGMT's Sound
When we think about music that truly stands out, often there is a creative force working behind the scenes, or right there in the spotlight, shaping the sounds we come to love. Ben Goldwasser, a musician and songwriter, is, you know, a key part of that kind of story for the band MGMT. He has been bringing his unique touch to their music for quite some time now, really helping to define the distinctive sound that many people recognize and enjoy. It is almost like he helps to paint the sonic landscapes that MGMT explores.
For a good while, nearly two decades, Ben and his bandmate, Andrew VanWyngarden, have been making music together. They first started this project back when they were students at Wesleyan University. Their approach, it seems, has always kept a certain playful, almost whimsical, quality to it, even as their sound has grown and changed. They have, in a way, managed to keep that original spark alive, which is quite something when you consider how long they have been at it.
Their work, from those early days right up to their newest releases, shows a consistent desire to push boundaries and explore new musical ideas. You might say they have a way of creating music that feels both familiar and, at the same time, completely fresh. It is, so, this blend of innovation and a kind of grounded artistry that makes their contributions to the music world so interesting to follow.
Table of Contents
- Ben Goldwasser - A Musical Life Story
- Personal Glimpses of Ben Goldwasser
- How Did Ben Goldwasser and MGMT Begin?
- What Musical Roles Does Ben Goldwasser Fill?
- The Creative Process with Ben Goldwasser
- What Is the Essence of MGMT's Sound with Ben Goldwasser?
- Ben Goldwasser's Work Beyond Music
- The Ongoing Journey of Ben Goldwasser
Ben Goldwasser - A Musical Life Story
Benjamin Nicholas Hunter Goldwasser, who many know as Ben Goldwasser, came into the world on December 17, 1982. He is, in essence, a person who writes songs and plays music. His main musical home is the band MGMT, a group known for its kind of mind-bending rock music. Within this group, he usually takes on the role of playing the keyboard instruments and also sings. He has, apparently, been a central figure in shaping the group's distinct sound for a good many years now, helping to craft the tunes that have found their way to many listeners.
His early life saw him born in a place called Mishawaka, Indiana. His parents were Rachel Hunter and David Goldwasser. He spent his growing up years in a different spot, Westport, New York. It is, you know, interesting to note that his family background includes being Jewish on his father's side. A moment that seems to have left a mark on him occurred when he was just 11 years of age; he had the chance to see Adrian Belew perform live. This kind of experience, you might imagine, could easily spark a deep interest in music for someone so young, setting them on a path toward creative expression.
Personal Glimpses of Ben Goldwasser
Here are some personal facts about Ben Goldwasser:
| Full Name | Benjamin Nicholas Hunter Goldwasser |
| Date of Birth | December 17, 1982 |
| Place of Birth | Mishawaka, Indiana |
| Raised In | Westport, New York |
| Parents | Rachel Hunter and David Goldwasser |
| Musical Role | Songwriter, Keyboardist, Singer |
| Band | MGMT |
How Did Ben Goldwasser and MGMT Begin?
Every big band, you know, has to start somewhere, and for MGMT, the beginning was pretty humble. It all really began on a college campus, specifically at Wesleyan University. In 2002, or maybe 2003, Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden, who were both students there, got together. They started their musical project, which at first they called "The Management." They were, in a way, years away from becoming widely known for their music at that point. It's quite a thought, isn't it, how a journey of this sort can begin with such simple steps.
There is, apparently, some rather rare footage that shows these two friends, Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden, performing one of their well-known songs, "Kids," back in 2003. This performance took place on the campus of Wesleyan University in Connecticut. They were, it seems, just playing for a small gathering of people, dressed in plain white shirts, and moving to the music. It gives you a real sense of their beginnings, just two friends making music together, before they became a group recognized by many. They were, in a way, just pretending to be huge rock stars during those early shows in college, but they were obviously not yet, just playing at it.
The idea for the band, it is said, started out as a complete joke. This is something Ben Goldwasser himself has mentioned. It is, so, interesting how something that began with a lighthearted spirit can grow into something quite substantial and meaningful for so many listeners. This origin story speaks to a certain playful attitude that, in some respects, seems to have stayed with them throughout their career.
What Musical Roles Does Ben Goldwasser Fill?
Ben Goldwasser is, at his core, a person who writes songs and plays music. Within the group MGMT, he has several key responsibilities. He is, for example, a songwriter, helping to craft the words and melodies that make up their tunes. His primary instrument is the keyboard, where he creates many of the unique sounds that are characteristic of MGMT's music. He also contributes his voice, singing parts of their songs. These roles, you know, combine to make him a vital part of the band's overall sound and creative output. His contributions are, in a way, woven into the very fabric of their musical identity.
When you listen to MGMT, you can often hear the distinct textures and layers that Ben's keyboard playing brings to the table. It is, arguably, a significant part of what gives their music its psychedelic feel. Along with Andrew VanWyngarden, who handles lead vocals, guitar, and songwriting, Ben helps to create the full musical picture. Their collaboration, it seems, is what truly brings their creative ideas to life, making the sounds that resonate with their audience. They have, in a way, developed a unique partnership over the years, one that continues to evolve with each new piece of music they put out.
The Creative Process with Ben Goldwasser
The way MGMT creates music, with Ben Goldwasser playing a central part, often involves a deep exploration of sounds and ideas. Their newest album, "Loss of Life," released on February 23, is a good example of this. When you listen to it, there is, you know, an immediate feeling of eighties nostalgia that comes through. This is something that Ben and Andrew seem to have intentionally brought into the work. They have, in some respects, talked about how they pulled inspiration from eighties heavy metal, which is quite an interesting choice for their style of music.
Ben Goldwasser, along with Andrew VanWyngarden, worked on "Loss of Life" with their longtime collaborator, Dave Fridmann. This kind of collaboration is, obviously, a big part of how their music takes shape. Ben has, in fact, spoken about where the ideas for their videos and songs come from. He mentioned that there is something cool about the honest, straightforward feeling of a lot of eighties pop music, especially when you put it next to other things. This perspective, you might say, helps to explain some of the choices they make in their sound and presentation. It shows a thoughtful approach to their craft, looking for specific qualities in different musical eras.
They have, in a way, managed to rise above the usual expectations with their latest record. Despite nearly two decades since their beginnings in indie pop, Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden continue to push their creative boundaries. This persistence, you know, in exploring different musical paths, is a clear sign of their dedication to their art. They are, essentially, always looking for new ways to express themselves through sound, even if it means drawing from unexpected sources like older musical styles.
What Is the Essence of MGMT's Sound with Ben Goldwasser?
The sound of MGMT, with Ben Goldwasser's contributions, has often been described as psychedelic rock. This means their music tends to create a kind of swirling, layered experience for the listener, sometimes feeling dreamlike or otherworldly. They have, in a way, become well-known for what some people call "indie sleaze anthems," like their songs "Kids" and "Time to Pretend." These songs, you know, capture a certain feeling and energy that resonated with many listeners, helping to define a particular moment in music.
It is, apparently, true that Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden are not, as some have put it, "happy people." They do not, it is said, make "happy music," nor do they even claim to know what happiness truly is. However, they do, in fact, "like to" make music. This perspective, you might say, gives a glimpse into the underlying mood of some of their work. It suggests that their creative output comes from a place that is perhaps more reflective or exploratory than simply joyful, adding a depth to their sound that many find compelling.
The swell of eighties nostalgia that hits you when listening to "Loss of Life," their fifth studio album, is a testament to their ability to weave different influences into their own distinct style. They are, in a way, taking elements from the past and making them feel current and fresh. This blending of sounds and eras is, so, a core part of what makes MGMT's music, shaped significantly by Ben Goldwasser, stand out. It is a constant evolution, yet it always retains that recognizable MGMT signature.
Ben Goldwasser's Work Beyond Music
While Ben Goldwasser is most widely known for his musical contributions to MGMT, his public profile, as seen on professional platforms, suggests other areas of experience. For instance, a look at his profile on a professional community with many members shows him described as a "commercial and operational focused leader with successful track record delivering global…" This description, you know, points to a set of skills that extend beyond just creating music. It suggests an ability to manage and lead within a business context, which is quite interesting for a musician.
It is, apparently, worth noting that Ben Goldwasser is also listed as being known for certain film titles: "The Kids Are All Right" from 2010, "21" from 2008, and "The Kings of Summer" from 2013. The text does not provide details on his specific involvement with these projects, but it does state that he is "known for" them. This information, you might say, hints at connections or influences that might go beyond his direct work in music, perhaps in ways that are not immediately obvious to the general public. It suggests a broader presence or recognition in creative fields.
The Ongoing Journey of Ben Goldwasser
The path of Ben Goldwasser, along with Andrew VanWyngarden, continues to unfold. They have, in a way, maintained their unique "psychedelic puckishness" over two decades since forming MGMT. This means they still bring a playful, experimental spirit to their music, even after all these years. It is, so, a consistent thread that runs through their work, from their earliest days to their most recent releases. This enduring quality is something their listeners have come to appreciate, offering a sense of continuity in their artistic endeavors.
The viral footage of their early performances, like the one at Wesleyan University, reminds us of where they started. It shows Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden performing their iconic song "Kids" in a very raw, unpolished way. This kind of look back, you know, gives a sense of their journey from those simple beginnings to the band they are today. It is, in some respects, a testament to their dedication and the unique vision they have always held for their music. Their ability to evolve while holding onto their core identity is, arguably, a key part of their ongoing appeal.
The story of Ben Goldwasser and MGMT is, in essence, one of sustained creativity and a willingness to explore. They continue to create music that challenges and delights, always with that distinct touch that Ben helps to provide. Their journey, it seems, is far from over, with new sounds and ideas always on the horizon. This ongoing exploration is, quite simply, what keeps their work fresh and engaging for their listeners, making each new release something to anticipate.
Ben Goldwasser – Movies, Bio and Lists on MUBI
David Goldwasser
Ben Goldwasser by royalviolet on DeviantArt
