MUNA

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Band Timeline

2013

Formation and Early Collaboration at University of Southern California

MUNA, an American indie pop band from Los Angeles, was formed in 2013 by Katie Gavin, Josette Maskin, and Naomi McPherson while they were students at the University of Southern California. Maskin and McPherson, both guitarists, had backgrounds in ska and progressive rock but shifted to electronic pop after collaborating with Gavin, who provided synth bass and vocals. Gavin had introduced McPherson to Maskin, and the trio began experimenting with music that evolved into hooky electronic pop. Gavin and Maskin were music majors; McPherson double-majored in narrative studies and American studies & ethnicity, shaping their lyrical and musical sensibilities.

2014

Debut EP Release and Signing to Major Labels

In the summer of 2014, MUNA self-released their debut EP, More Perfect, on Bandcamp and SoundCloud. The EP's success caught attention, leading to the band's signing with RCA Records in the United States and Columbia Records in the United Kingdom. Their early sound resonated with listeners and set the foundation for their emergence in the indie pop scene. This period marked the band's transition from independent experimentation to a major label presence, providing resources and exposure necessary for their forthcoming releases.

2016

Major Label EP 'Loudspeaker' and Rising Prominence

In May 2016, MUNA released their self-produced debut major label EP, Loudspeaker, through RCA Records. The band gained critical momentum, furthered by Dutch DJ/producer Tiësto remixing their track 'Winterbreak' the same month. MUNA made significant live appearances, including playing at Lollapalooza in Chicago in July 2016 and touring America with Grouplove in the fall. Their growing popularity was underscored by their late-night television debut on November 7, 2016, performing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, enhancing their national visibility.

2017

Debut Album 'About U' and Notable Tours

MUNA released their first full-length album, About U, on February 3, 2017. The album showcased their distinctive electronic pop sound and lyrical themes of identity and self-acceptance. In June 2017, the band was announced as the opening act for Harry Styles' North American and European tour dates, introducing them to broader audiences. That year, their song 'I Know a Place' was featured in The Carmilla Movie, linking their music to LGBTQ+ themes and media. The album cemented MUNA's place in the indie pop landscape.

2018

Continued Media Presence and Beginning Work on Second Album

The band maintained visibility through media features such as performing the song 'I Know a Place' live in the Netflix movie Alex Strangelove, released in 2018. This feature, spotlighting the sexual awakening of a teenager, aligned with the band's themes of queer identity and acceptance. During this year, MUNA began work on their second full-length album, expanding their musical scope and preparing for their next phase of creative output and touring.

2019

Release of 'Saves the World' and Touring

In June 2019, MUNA announced their second album, Saves the World, which was officially released on September 6, 2019. The album was preceded by singles like 'Number One Fan,' 'Who,' 'Stayaway,' and 'Taken.' Following successful performances including shows at London's Village Underground, they embarked on the Saves the World Tour across the UK in December 2019. This album solidified their reputation with a more polished sound and themes reflecting resilience and identity in a challenging world.

2020

Dropped by RCA amid COVID-19 Pandemic

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought considerable disruption to the music industry. During this difficult period, MUNA was dropped by RCA Records due to not meeting commercial revenue expectations. This setback occurred as live performances ceased worldwide, impacting bands financially and creatively. However, this challenge led MUNA to explore new avenues and eventually sign with a new label that aligned more closely with their artistic vision and community.

2021

Signing with Saddest Factory Records and Release of 'Silk Chiffon'

In May 2021, MUNA signed with Saddest Factory Records, an independent label founded by Phoebe Bridgers, operating in partnership with the Secretly Group's Dead Oceans. In September 2021, they released the single 'Silk Chiffon' featuring Bridgers, marking their first new music since the label change. The song was praised for its joyful celebration of queer love and became notable for its nostalgic music video inspired by the 2000s film 'But I'm a Cheerleader.' The track appeared on several year-end best-of lists and marked a vibrant resurgence for the band.

2022

Release of Self-Titled Third Album 'Muna' and Touring

In March 2022, MUNA released the single 'Anything But Me' and announced their third studio album, 'Muna,' which was released in June 2022 under Saddest Factory Records. This self-titled album reflected the band's continued evolution in sound, blending electronic pop with introspective lyricism and themes of empowerment and identity. Around this time, MUNA joined Kacey Musgraves on a 15-city winter tour from January to February 2022, broadening their audience and establishing their presence in contemporary indie pop culture.

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Members

Current

Name

Begin

Occupation

Naomi McPherson

N/A

Josette Maskin

N/A

Katie Gavin

N/A

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Story of MUNA

MUNA: A Story of Indie Pop Triumph

MUNA, a band known for their catchy hooks and powerful lyrics, stormed the indie pop scene in the 2010s. This LA-based trio, comprised of Katie Gavin, Josette Maskin, and Naomi McPherson, met during their university days at the University of Southern California.

Initially exploring diverse musical styles, their journey began with a blend of ska and progressive rock, thanks to Maskin and McPherson's guitar expertise. However, it was Gavin's unique synth-bass and vocal talent that sparked a shift towards the pop sound that would define their career.

Their early experimentation eventually crystallized into a hook-laden, electronic pop style. In 2014, their debut EP, "More Perfect," dropped on Bandcamp and SoundCloud, creating a buzz that landed them a coveted deal with RCA Records in the US and Columbia Records in the UK.

The band's self-produced debut major label EP, "Loudspeaker," arrived in 2016, further establishing their presence in the music world. Following "Loudspeaker," they released two studio albums, "About U" (2017) and "Saves the World" (2019), both under the RCA Records umbrella.

However, MUNA's story took an independent turn when they joined forces with Saddest Factory Records, releasing their self-titled third album in June 2022. This move marked a new chapter for the band, allowing them to fully embrace their artistic vision and continue pushing boundaries in the indie pop landscape.

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MUNA

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Top MUNA Community Posts

Band Timeline

Formation and Early Collaboration at University of Southern California

Debut EP Release and Signing to Major Labels