Muna's Journey: From Dog Festivals to Arena Tours

The LA-based pop trio Muna has navigated a distinctive path from their early days performing at a dog adoption festival to selling out arenas. The band's journey included being dropped by RCA Records in 2020, a move attributed to cost-cutting measures during the pandemic. Subsequently, they were signed by Phoebe Bridgers to her Saddest Factory label in 2021, marking a new chapter in their career.

Early Career Challenges and Breakthroughs

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At the outset of their career, Muna received an unexpected booking to play Pet-A-Palooza, a dog adoption event in Las Vegas. Guitarist Josette Maskin recalled the experience as being "doomed from the start" due to the band members being unwell and the lack of a sound engineer, leading to a feedback-heavy acoustic set. Singer Katie Gavin described the resulting noise as an "unholy screech" that caused the dogs in attendance to howl. While initially mortifying, the band now views the incident with humour, cherishing the shared experiences with bandmates. This early challenge contrasts sharply with their current status as a compelling live act, attracting fans such as Harry Styles and Taylor Swift.

The band's music often carries deeper meaning. Their song 'I Know A Place', a celebrated anthem for the LGBTQ community, was written as a direct response to the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting, highlighting the vulnerability of communal LGBTQ spaces. This thematic depth is also evident in their latest album, 'Dancing On The Wall'.

A New Chapter with Saddest Factory

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Following their departure from RCA Records, Muna focused on creating new material. Guitarist and producer Naomi McPherson explained that the band decided to "make an album and we'll figure it out." This resulted in their self-titled album, which was eventually released by Phoebe Bridgers' label. Gavin had previously mentioned that Bridgers' manager had expressed interest in working with the band if they became available. Bridgers also contributed guest vocals to 'Silk Chiffon', a song that became Muna's breakthrough single and helped define their public image as proponents of "queer joy."

Exploring New Themes on 'Dancing On The Wall'

Their fourth album, 'Dancing On The Wall', is described as their most potent work to date, featuring darker music and more impactful lyrics. Gavin stated that the album uses dance music as a vehicle to jolt listeners out of complacency, serving as a response to feelings of helplessness. The album's tempo is intended to foster a sense of power and connection to energy sources. Lyrically, the song 'Big Stick' critiques American imperialism, adopting the persona of 'Big Brother' to comment on issues ranging from war to police militarisation. Gavin expressed that the current global climate necessitates a space for collective anger and emotional release, which concerts can provide.

Maskin affirmed that the band's political stance has always been clear, making the decision to release politically charged songs straightforward. The album also explores themes of desire and infatuation, as seen in tracks like 'Wannabeher', which delves into the complexities of queer identity and admiration. 'Eastside Girls' offers a tender portrayal of their Los Angeles neighbourhood, playfully satirising local hipster culture. McPherson noted the city's "strange dichotomy" of bohemianism and extreme wealth. Gavin's songwriting, honed since childhood, is credited for the album's strong melodic hooks, with a continuous search for compelling choruses being a driving force.

The band is set to embark on their largest tour to date this autumn, titled the Gets So Hot Tour, named after the album's opening track. This tour follows their growing popularity and reinforces their position as a significant force in contemporary pop music.