Muna's Pet-A-Palooza Performance: A Hysterical Howl-arious Memory

Howling Dogs and Feedback Fiascos

Even the biggest bands have hilarious stories from their early days, but Muna's might just take the cake. Picture this: exhausted from an overnight flight, the band gets a last-minute call from their label. Their mission? Travel to Las Vegas to perform at Pet-A-Palooza, a dog adoption festival. The reward? Radio support for their new single. Guitarist Josette Maskin remembers it as a disaster from the start. With no sound engineer, the guitar decided to make its own special contribution: an ear-splitting feedback screech that, according to singer Katie Gavin, sounded utterly unholy. Naturally, the canine audience was not impressed and vocalized their displeasure with a symphony of howls throughout the set. Maskin now looks back and laughs, calling it mortifying at the time but a funny shared memory with her best friends.

Why this matters: It's a sweet reminder that even the most talented artists grow through stumbling blocks. Embracing those awkward, early moments can build character and create stories that bond you, strengthening your resolve to keep making the music you love.

From Dog Shows to Stadiums

Fast forward a decade, and Muna is far from those howling dogs. The trio — Katie Gavin, Josette Maskin, and producer Naomi McPherson — have carved out a reputation as an electrifying live band, blending punk spirit with electronic vibes and a touch of '80s nostalgia. They're so compelling, in fact, that fans like Harry Styles and Taylor Swift have personally invited them to join their tours. Their music, from the LGBTQ+ anthem "I Know A Place" to the poignant "Stayaway," resonates deeply with listeners.

Their journey hasn't been without its hurdles. In 2020, RCA Records dropped the band due to pandemic-related budget cuts. But Muna didn't give up. Indie artist Phoebe Bridgers stepped in, signing them to her Saddest Factory label in 2021. This led to their breakthrough hit, "Silk Chiffon," a joyful sapphic love song that solidified their image as a band radiating "queer joy."

Why this matters: Muna’s journey shows us the power of perseverance. When one door closes, another often opens, especially if you hold onto your vision and creativity. Their story underscores the often-unseen struggles behind the glamorous facade of success and the importance of finding allies who believe in your unique voice.

Dancing Through the Darkness

Muna's music isn't all sunshine, though. Tracks like "I Know A Place" were written in response to the tragic Pulse nightclub shooting in 2016, acknowledging the delicate nature of communal spaces for the LGBTQ+ community. Their upcoming fourth album, "Dancing On The Wall," promises to be even more profound. It's a darker, more lyrical collection designed to shake listeners out of complacency, using dance music as a tool for empowerment rather than escape.

Gavin explains that the album is a response to feeling helpless in a tumultuous world, aiming to inspire movement and connection. The album's standout, "Big Stick," is a fierce critique of American imperialism. Gavin describes it as an emotional release, a way for audiences to process their anger about daily tragedies instead of having to simply endure them silently. Maskin notes that being openly political has always been part of Muna's identity, so tackling these topics was never really a question for them.

Why this matters: Music, like any art form, can be a powerful vessel for connection and shared emotion. Muna uses their platform to not just entertain, but to offer a space for collective processing of difficult feelings, reminding us that we don't have to carry the weight of the world alone. Finding avenues for healthy emotional release, whether through music, conversation, or creative expression, is key to our well-being in these challenging times.