'The dogs were getting upset': How LA band Muna survived their worst ever gig

Emerging from Los Angeles in 2013, Muna has navigated a challenging path to become a significant presence in contemporary queer pop music. The trio, consisting of Katie Gavin, Josette Maskin, and Naomi McPherson, experienced early hurdles that tested their resolve and shaped their artistic identity.

One of their most infamous early performances occurred under less than ideal conditions at a dog adoption event in Las Vegas. Despite battling illness and technical difficulties, the band’s acoustic set was marred by overwhelming feedback that distressed the attending dogs. This misadventure, while mortifying at the time, has since been recast by the band as a formative, if humorous, rite of passage that bonded them.

Over the past decade, Muna has evolved into a compelling live act, blending elements of punk, 1980s synth-pop, and electronic music to create an engaging concert experience. This dynamic presence has earned them the admiration of high-profile artists such as Harry Styles and Taylor Swift, both of whom have invited Muna to support them on tour.

Their discography reflects a commitment to authenticity and sociopolitical engagement. Tracks like "I Know A Place" function as both anthems of LGBTQ solidarity and poignant responses to tragic events affecting queer communities. Similarly, "Stayaway" offers a personal narrative of emotional withdrawal and resilience.

The band faced a significant career challenge in 2020 when RCA Records dropped them amid pandemic-related industry cutbacks. Demonstrating determination, Muna regrouped and independently produced their self-titled album, which subsequently attracted the attention of Phoebe Bridgers. Bridgers' Saddest Factory label signed Muna in 2021 and collaborated with them on the successful single "Silk Chiffon," a celebration of queer joy.

Their latest album, "Dancing On The Wall," marks a thematic and sonic shift toward darker, more urgent content, channeling contemporary anxieties through dance rhythms designed to inspire movement and emotional release. The album includes politically charged songs such as "Big Stick," a critique of American imperialism and militarization. The band intentionally crafts their music to serve as a communal outlet for frustration and empowerment amid pervasive global unrest.

Muna’s songwriting often explores complex emotional landscapes within queer experiences, as seen in tracks like "Wannabeher," which delves into identity and intimacy, and "Eastside Girls," which affectionately satirizes aspects of Los Angeles culture. The band’s collective songwriting process is rooted in Katie Gavin’s lifelong dedication to crafting memorable melodies, with creative impulses often sparked during physical movement.

The group’s embrace of the "queer pop" label reflects both pride and nuance. They view the term as an inclusive celebration originating in academic discourse but recognize its potential limitations. Muna strives to balance the specificity of their queer narratives with universal themes of human experience, seeking broad acceptance without compromising their identity.

As Muna prepares for a substantial UK tour in late 2024, they do so with a decade of growth and resilience behind them. From a tumultuous start to sharing stages with global superstars, their journey exemplifies the challenges and triumphs of modern independent artists committed to authenticity and social consciousness. Their story underscores the evolving landscape of queer music as it gains prominence and complexity in the mainstream.

While early performances might not have won over rescue dogs, Muna’s persistent creativity and candidness have firmly established them as vital contributors to today’s music scene, offering both catharsis and celebration to diverse audiences worldwide.