Andrew VanWyngarden's band, the duo MGMT, has signed a multi-album deal with Sony/Columbia Records. VanWyngarden formed Accidental Mersh while at White Station High in the late 1990s, along with Hank Sullivant, now of the Whigs.

MGMT's self-produced 2005 EP "Time to Pretend" has become a college-radio staple. The CD found its way into the hands of legendary Columbia producer Steve Lilywhite, who liked what he heard. The deal was done last week.

MGMT, which consists of VanWyngarden and Beno Goldwasser, is slated to release its first Columbia CD next summer.

For more MGMT info, music, and videos, visit their indie record website, CantoraRecords.com.