The pop band who went from playing for rescue dogs to selling out arenas
From Canine Chaos to Arena Stages: Muna’s Remarkable Journey
Constantvpn.com – Every musical act must prove themselves through live performances, though some face considerably steeper challenges than their peers. While AC/DC dealt with power cuts during their debut, and Sam Smith began performing atop haystacks at rural gatherings, Los Angeles-based pop trio Muna has crafted perhaps the most memorable origin story in recent memory. Their journey from struggling musicians to arena-filling performers includes an unforgettable encounter with four-legged audiences.
The Day the Dogs Howled
Early in their career, Muna received an unexpected call from their record company. Despite having just completed an overnight flight from London, the trio needed to travel to Las Vegas immediately. The reason? They had been scheduled to perform at Pet-A-Palooza, a canine adoption event backed by a local radio station. Their presence at the festival would secure promotional support for their upcoming single.
“We were all sick, so it was doomed from the start,” recalls guitarist Josette Maskin. “It was an acoustic set, but we didn’t have a sound guy, and the guitar started feeding back.”
The performance quickly descended into chaos. According to lead vocalist Katie Gavin, the audio feedback created what she described as an “unholy screech” that echoed through the venue. The canine attendees were visibly distressed by the noise.
“The dogs were getting upset,” says Maskin, wincing at the memory. “They just howled the whole time.”
Though initially mortified by the experience, the band now views it with amusement. “We were mortified, but looking back, it is so funny. And I’ve gotten to share those experiences with some of my best friends, and that’s what life is really about.”
Rising Through the Ranks
That early disaster now seems like a distant memory for Muna. Over ten years, the group has evolved into one of contemporary music’s most captivating live acts, blending punk energy with electronic textures and nostalgic eighties sensibilities. Their appeal has attracted major celebrities, including Harry Styles and Taylor Swift, who personally selected the trio—complemented by guitarist and producer Naomi McPherson—to open for them on tour.
Their catalog features anthemic tracks like “I Know A Place,” which serves as an enthusiastic celebration of LGBTQ+ community spaces, and the more introspective “Stayaway,” where Gavin explores themes of isolation and resistance to romantic temptation.
Overcoming Industry Setbacks
Just as their career gained momentum, challenges emerged. In 2020, RCA Records terminated their contract, citing financial reductions during the pandemic. Rather than disbanding, the members chose to persevere.
“That’s obviously one where we had to put our heads together and be like, ‘OK, we want to continue doing this. Let’s just make an album and we’ll figure it out’,” says McPherson.
That self-titled album found a new home through Phoebe Bridgers, who brought Muna onto her Saddest Factory label in 2021. Bridgers also contributed vocals to “Silk Chiffon,” a spirited love song that became their commercial breakthrough. The band embraced their identity as “the queer joy mini-skirt rollerblade crew,” yet their songwriting consistently explores deeper themes.
“I Know A Place” emerged as a response to the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting, honoring the precious nature of LGBTQ+ gathering spaces while acknowledging their vulnerability.
Dancing On The Wall: A New Chapter
Their fourth studio album, “Dancing On The Wall,” represents their most ambitious work to date. The music carries greater darkness, while the lyrics deliver sharper emotional punches. Though rooted in dance rhythms, the record challenges listeners to move beyond complacency.
“I think it was a response to a feeling of helplessness in this moment in time that can lead to paralysis,” says Gavin. “Movement is what we need right now, and we also need to feel powerful and to connect to our sources of energy. The tempo of this album helps with that.”
The standout track “Big Stick” offers a pointed critique of American imperialism, narrated from Big Brother’s perspective. The song addresses everything from conflicts in Gaza to the militarization of domestic police forces, with Gavin delivering fierce vocals over driving synthesizers.
“And If you’ve got a problem with it, you could end up in jail,” Gavin seethes as militaristic synths patrol the beat.
The singer explains her motivation: “I think sometimes people want to go to concerts to feel a brief reprieve from the horrors of the world around them, but right now the horrors are so pervasive that what I found myself wanting was a container to express my anger together with other people.”
Muna’s evolution from nervous newcomers to confident performers demonstrates that persistence, friendship, and artistic integrity can carry a band through any challenge—whether facing skeptical dogs or major record labels.
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