In the live recording of "MGMT Live on Letterman," the duo was promoting their self-titled album, "MGMT," which was released in September 2013. This marked a significant phase in their career, as it followed their popular debut album, "Oracular Spectacular" (2007), and the critically acclaimed "Congratulations" (2010). The performance highlights their evolution in sound, moving towards a more experimental style, which was both a departure from their earlier hits and a reflection of their artistic growth. During this period, they were also at a point where they embraced a more mature identity, as evidenced by their willingness to take creative risks in their music. Notably, the Letterman appearance served as a platform to showcase their new direction, emphasizing their journey from indie pop sensations to established artists willing to explore new musical landscapes.