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The trio would also like to soundtrack 'The Princess Bride,' because it's the best movie ever.

MUNA trace their musical inspiration to '80s icons like Prince, Phil Collins and Cyndi Lauper and transform that appreciation into their own wave of brooding pop that's not only catchy and rhythmic, but has something to say. The Los Angeles trio is made up of Katie Gavin, Josette Maskin and Naomi McPherson who met as students at USC. Since their time at school they've spun out a five-song EP while continuing to hone their sound with a recent trio of singles that up the ante tenfold. 

Homebase: Los Angeles, CA

You met while going to USC. How did you first come together musically?

We were friends first and had always admired each other’s musical talents and just decided to jam one night. At the time, we didn’t realize how special it was but the first night that we played together we wrote our first song. Everything just clicked—it was very natural.

What role does LA play in your creativity and output?

The city itself is helpful because despite its size, it offers plenty of space to get away and clear your head. Beyond that, we have so many talented friends that live and play in the city that are a source of inspiration and motivation for us. 

What are your favorite parts of the city to explore? Where do you most frequently haunt?

As of recent, you can catch us on the north/east region of LA. Josette bikes a lot so the mountain region and what’s left of the LA river are good for that. If we’re feeling particularly celebratory, El Condor’s Margarita Monday in Silverlake is the movement. 

What are some of your favorite pop songs—either present or from the past? What about them appeals to you? Do you believe in guilty pleasures?

We wish this said “past present or future,” but some favorites would probably be “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears, “Dancing on My Own” by Robyn, “Together Again” by Janet Jackson, and “Rock Her Hips” by Crime Mob, if that could count as a pop song. The list could go on and on. We feel like in this day and age there’s not as much of a stigma around liking what you like and not necessarily feeling ashamed about it. “Love Me Harder” comes to mind when it comes to more recent songs that are undeniable earworms. 

If you were to soundtrack an '80s film, which would you most like to soundtrack and why?

The Princess Bride. Just because it’s the best movie. 

Who is the most (or one of the most) honest song writers you can think of that's been a part of your record collection at some point?

It’s so hard to pick just one…so here are a few of the real gamechangers: Alanis Morissette, Sinead O’Connor, David Byrne, Joni Mitchell, Jeff Buckley…we could probably go on for ages, but these are the standouts.

What records have had the most impact on you as a person and/or artist? What events in your life have been most impactful?

These albums come to mind: Joni Mitchell’s “Blue.” Peter Gabriel’s “So.” St. Vincent’s “Strange Mercy.” Drake’s “Take Care” (this one’s for Naomi, specifically). Jeff Buckley’s “Grace.”  “Hello Doctor” by Gravy Train. “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot” by Wilco. 

The events in our life that have been most impactful are various and sundry—too many to name, probably!

In terms of your lyrics "saying something that needs to be said" - was it a process to get there? How did you find a way to assert your truth? Did you ever feel like there is a bravery element to it?

It’s all definitely a process. Part of it is just taking the time to get to know yourself and your specific place in the world, and learning to speak truthfully about your own experience and what you’ve been through. It does take a certain amount of bravery because you have to believe your story is worth sharing and you have to maintain hope that people will connect. 

What do you most want listeners to walk away with after listening to your music?

Generally we hope to give people a safe, fulfilling emotional listening experience. Also: we had a girl message us recently who wanted to confirm that we do write and produce everything ourselves. When we replied yes, she told us that she was just starting out producing her own music and that it was important for her to see that it is possible to do it all on your own and make something great. So we definitely want more of that. 

What are your goals as a band?

Make as much music as possible and to the best of our ability and hopefully affect people positively. To be great at what we do.

 

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