MUNA on surviving a breakup while keeping the band together

A few years ago, my daughter shared a song with me and said, “You need to listen to this band.” I've been a fan of MUNA ever since. Katie Gavin, Josette Maskin, and Naomi McPherson came together in college at USC back in 2013, and have since built a devoted following. The indie pop trio has supported Harry Styles, Kacey Musgraves, & Taylor Swift on tour. We spoke about their fourth album, “Dancing on The Wall,” mental health, taking creative risks, and why bands still matter.

00:00 Introduction

01:31 Meet MUNA

01:43 Are Bands a Dying Breed?

04:09 The Band as a Mental Health Support System

05:21 The New Album: Dancing on the Wall

09:06 How MUNA Came Together at USC

12:33 Katie's Origin Story & Naomi Becomes the Producer

16:04 Early Validation

26:50 Conflict, Creative Process & Working Alone

31:37 Katie's Solo Project & the "Open Marriage" of a Band

35:25 Friendship vs. the Band – MUNA vs. boygenius

37:07 What Does Music Give Each of You?

49:44 Drive, Ambition & the Need to Be Seen

53:09 Building Community and the Song "So What"

55:17 Getting Dropped by Their Label

58:41 "Silk Chiffon," Artistic Integrity & Taking Risks

1:01:29 Signing the Guest Book

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