If you're a fan of MGMT or simply have an interest in the music industry, this article is a must-read. It delves deep into the origins and evolution of one of their most beloved songs, "Kids." Join us as we take a journey back in time to witness MGMT's early performances and the creative process behind this iconic track.

Uncover the Hidden Gems of MGMT's Early Career

Section 1: The Birth of "Kids" at Wesleyan University

MGMT, the renowned indie band, has a fascinating story behind their hit single "Kids." As students at Wesleyan University, Andrew VanWyngarden and Benjamin Goldwasser wrote this song as a bit of a joke, not realizing its potential to become a chart-topping hit. It was a time when they were exploring their musical interests and laying the foundation for their future success.The footage of MGMT performing "Kids" at a 2003 concert for Wesleyan's annual Zonker Harris Day is truly a treasure. Two years before releasing the song on their Time To Pretend EP and four years before the album version on Oracular Spectacular, they were still known as The Management. This performance gives us a glimpse into their early days and the excitement they felt as college kids creating music.Andrew and Ben performed the song with just an electronics board and their own voices, showcasing their raw talent and passion. They were clearly having a blast, smiling and writhing on stage, adding a unique energy to the performance.

Section 2: The Evolution of MGMT's Sound

In addition to "Kids," Rad Scientist uploaded other clips from MGMT's set, revealing the band's diverse musical range. One clip shows the duo covering the Talking Heads' "This Must Be the Place" with Andrew on guitar and Ben on synths, demonstrating their ability to pay homage to other great artists while maintaining their own identity.Another clip features the early MGMT song "Money to Burn" from their 2005 demo album Climbing to New Lows. This song gives us a taste of their early musical style and the growth they would experience over the years.They also performed a song called "Funky Legal Beats," where Ben sampled a live FM radio over records of a dialysis report on vinyl, showcasing their experimental and innovative approach to music.

Section 3: The Lyrics and Inspiration Behind "Kids"

Andrew once told Q magazine that "Kids" was a result of them being 19 years old in a fantasy college world, reminiscent of childhood when there is less responsibility. He explained that he was thinking about musicians having a big voice and how everyone was once a little innocent being.In a 2010 Mojo interview, Ben revealed that he wrote the music for "Kids" when he was 19, drunk in his dorm room. Andrew then wrote the lyrics on his 20th birthday, the night they were going to play it for the first time. The lyrics are inspired by David Byrne's nostalgic style, adding a touch of depth to the song.Andrew continued, "I'm glad that people like it. It's a catchy song." And indeed, "Kids" has become a timeless anthem that continues to resonate with fans around the world.

Section 4: The Visual Experience

Watching the full 7-minute video of MGMT's performance is a truly immersive experience. From their energetic stage presence to the unique visuals, every aspect of the concert adds to the magic.During a lengthy instrumental break, Andrew and Ben ran around the Wesleyan grounds with giant tree branches in their hands, creating a memorable and visually stunning moment. These small details enhance the overall performance and make it even more special.In conclusion, MGMT's "Kids" is not just a song; it's a story of creativity, growth, and the power of music. Through these never-before-seen clips, we get a rare glimpse into the early days of this iconic band and the inspiration behind their music.[embedded content][embedded content][embedded content][embedded content][embedded content]

My UnderSlumberBumbleBeast, a remarkable creation by horror author Zoje Stage, has an intriguing story behind its publication. This first children's book from the renowned author took nearly seven years to make it to the shelves. The potential of the book was evident; several industry professionals recognized its charm. However, the local writer's manuscript, which was part of her successful body of work including psychological thrillers like Baby Teeth and Dear Hanna, and psychological horror novels like Wonderland and Mothered, faced challenges in fitting into the rigid categories of children's commercial fiction.

From Short Fiction to a Standalone Book

My UnderSlumberBumbleBeast initially started as a short fiction piece that Stage wrote years ago. It was later incorporated into the adult novel Baby Teeth as little Hanna's favorite book. But it was never shopped to major publishers. The demand from readers who read Baby Teeth and asked about the real book led Stage to pursue its publication.When Stage submitted the book to Doug Murano of Bad Hand Books, she reverted it to a more concise version while preserving essential quotes from its inclusion in Baby Teeth. She faced challenges during revisions, trying to keep the wording for the quotes while polishing the story. She drew from her own childhood experiences with stuffed animals and nighttime noises to create the character of Pru.

The Heart of the Story

At the story's core is Pru, a nine-year-old girl with a love for inventing, collecting, and learning new words. She is fascinated by the strange sounds from beneath her bed and suspects a special creature. When asked to clean her room, a series of events unfold that change her life forever.Stage gave Pru a nurturing spirit of imagination and acceptance, allowing her to cherish her differences with those around her. The tale explores the nature of friendship and seeing the potential in others.

Illustrations that Enrich the Story

Adding to the story is the beautiful artwork by J.E. Larson. His illustrations beautify the pages and enhance the storytelling experience. Stage aimed for a timeless feel reminiscent of classics like Alice in Wonderland and Coraline. She collaborated closely with Larson and took note of conversations with children's librarians about the demand for visually rich literature for grade school readers.One of her favorite illustrations is of Springy, with a spring for a body and an eraser with a Viking ship drawn on it for her head. Stage even considered getting this image as a tattoo.

Shifting from Adult to Children's Writing

Transitioning from writing adult thrillers to a children's book presented its own set of hurdles for Stage. She had to shift the intensity of the themes while maintaining her unique voice. Simplifying her vocabulary was a challenge, but she decided to make Pru a girl who loves big and unusual words and included them throughout the book.The back of the book features a playful glossary, penned as if by Pru herself, with definitions and pronunciations in a child-like manner.

Continuing the Creative Universe

My UnderSlumberBumbleBeast follows the 2024 summer release of Baby Teeth's sequel, Dear Hanna, continuing an intertwining of creative and insightful protagonists. Each character exhibits a sensitivity that serves as both a strength and a vulnerability in their respective narratives."2024 has been a strange and wonderful year in multiple ways, personal and professional," says Stage. "The publishing industry is never smooth, but I'm grateful for every year I can keep doing this. Publishing two books from the same 'universe' is truly something special – I never thought I'd create a 'universe'!"