Muna

Muna is an American indie pop band formed in 2013, comprising Katie Gavin, Josette Maskin, and Naomi McPherson. The trio met while attending the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Their early collaboration in music production led to their self-released debut EP, “More Perfect,” in 2014, available on platforms like Bandcamp and SoundCloud. This initial success drew attention, leading to their signing with RCA Records in the US and Columbia Records in the UK. Their debut major label EP, “Loudspeaker,” was released in May 2016, showcasing their blend of hooky electronic pop. In 2017, they released their first full-length album, “About U.” A significant milestone in their career occurred that year when they were announced as an opening act for Harry Styles’ North American and European tour dates.

The band continued their career progression with the release of their second album, “Saves the World,” in September 2019, which featured singles such as “Number One Fan,” “Who,” and “Stayaway.” The band gained further visibility through their music being featured in media, including their song “I Know a Place” in “The Carmilla Movie” (2017) and a live performance of the same song in the Netflix film “Alex Strangelove” (2018). Following a label change in 2020, Muna signed with Saddest Factory Records, Phoebe Bridgers’ independent label, partnering with Dead Oceans. This new chapter included the release of their single “Silk Chiffon” in September 2021, featuring Phoebe Bridgers. This track garnered critical acclaim and was recognized on several year-end lists. In March 2022, they announced their third self-titled album, “Muna,” released in June 2022. This album marked their first charting success on multiple international lists, including the UK Albums Chart and the US Billboard 200. Muna has opened for prominent artists like Kacey Musgraves (2022), Lorde (2023), and Taylor Swift (2023) on their respective tours, and held a sold-out performance at WorldPride Sydney in March 2023.

Muna’s artistry is characterized by their open embrace of queer identity, with all three members identifying as queer and Naomi McPherson being non-binary. They leverage their platform to advocate for inclusivity and encourage self-acceptance, often embedding themes of sexuality and gender into their music. An example includes their early song “So Special,” which they describe as an anthem for self-empowerment. The band actively works to create a safe and inspiring environment for their audience, especially for younger individuals navigating their identities. In June 2021, the members launched “Gayotic,” a podcast under the Headgum network, where they discuss various topics, often with queer guests, further solidifying their commitment to fostering community and dialogue around LGBTQ+ experiences.