What Is Andrew VanWyngarden’s Net Worth?
Andrew VanWyngarden, the lead vocalist and primary songwriter for the American rock band MGMT, has an estimated net worth of $14 million as of 2025. This wealth is primarily attributed to his success within MGMT, including album sales, streaming revenue, touring, and potentially other investments.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on February 1, 1983, in Columbia, Missouri, Andrew VanWyngarden’s passion for music ignited during his childhood in Memphis, Tennessee. His early musical endeavors included forming a high school band called Accidental Mersh, which achieved local success and released two albums. Following high school, VanWyngarden attended Wesleyan University, where he initially intended to pursue a career in the sciences. However, his meeting with Ben Goldwasser at Wesleyan marked a turning point, leading him to shift his focus to music and ultimately form MGMT.
MGMT’s Success and Album Sales
MGMT’s breakthrough came with their debut album, “Oracular Spectacular,” released in 2007. This album proved to be their most commercially successful, selling over 1,358,500 copies worldwide. In the U.S. alone, the album sold over 500,000 copies and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album also achieved platinum status in Australia, the United Kingdom, and Ireland, further solidifying its global success. The album included hit singles like “Time to Pretend,” “Electric Feel,” and “Kids.” “Kids” reached number 91 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum by the RIAA.
The band’s second album, “Congratulations,” was released in 2010 and debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart. While it didn’t reach the same sales figures as “Oracular Spectacular,” it still achieved commercial success and peaked within the top 10 in album charts in countries such as Australia, Canada, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. MGMT’s third, self-titled album was released in 2013. Their fourth studio album, “Little Dark Age,” was released in February 2018, marking the end of their contract with Columbia Records.
Record Label Deals and Independent Music
MGMT initially signed with Cantora Records, an independent label, and released their “Time to Pretend” EP in 2005. This EP’s success attracted the attention of Columbia Records, leading to a significant record deal in 2006. After fulfilling their Columbia Records contract with the release of “Little Dark Age,” MGMT decided to go independent in 2019. Their first self-produced single, “In the Afternoon,” was released in late 2019, marking a new chapter in their career. In 2023, MGMT signed with Mom+Pop Music, setting the stage for the release of their album “Loss of Life” on February 23. Their departure from Columbia Records came about because they wanted to produce music independently without any restraints. When Columbia Records decided to give the band a five-album record contract, the band members “were just laughing” and “couldn’t believe that they actually thought that people were going to…”
Other Ventures and Collaborations
Besides his work with MGMT, Andrew VanWyngarden also participates in Blikk Fang, a duo with Kevin Barnes, the frontman of Of Montreal. In early 2010, MGMT collaborated with Kid Cudi and electronic rock duo Ratatat on the single “Pursuit of Happiness”, which reached number 59 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum by the RIAA.
Real Estate
Andrew VanWyngarden bought his first home in Rockaway Beach, Queens, New York, in 2012 and has resided there ever since.