NEW ARTIST FINDS: MUNA

I may not have realized it, but it turns out I totally needed a band like this in my life— New Los Angeles-based trio MUNA are quickly making a name for themselves with their self-described “dark pop” sound. Members Katie Grant, Josette Maskin, and Naomi McPherson have been making music together since early 2014 that’s packed with mesmerizing hooks, layers of synths, and fantastic vocals. They list artists like The Smiths, Aaliyah, Bjork, and Cyndi Lauper as influences, and it all makes sense once you hear their fresh take on the 80s’-influenced synth pop genre.

MUNA - LOUDSPEAKER

“Loudspeaker” is their latest single, and after listening you’ll be automatically hooked. Funky electric guitars, shimmering synths, and a drum machine beat serve as the perfect introduction to their uplifting 80s’ sound. The chorus is simply amazingly catchy, and when it first hits at the 0:40 mark, you’ll be hit with Katie’s infectious vocals as she sings “so if I feel real good tonight/ I’m gonna put it high on the loudspeaker.”

MUNA - PROMISE

The trio gained a lot of well-deserved hype with their track “Promise,” and it will make you feel like you’ve traveled back to 1984 and are watching MTV for the first time (in other words, it’s awesome.) Echoey drums, thumping bass, and enchanting layered synths prepare you for the stand-out chorus that hits just before the 1:00 mark. Katie’s soaring vocals steal the spotlight, as she admits “I don’t know if I could ever say I’m sorry.” They live up to their dark-pop description by implementing unexpectedly honest lyrics into their bubbly pop songs, like the line “you tell me you wanna stay/ and you wanna watch me change/ but I’m scared and tell you to fuck off,” which snaps you out of the daydream and into reality.

MUNA - SO SPECIAL

“So Special” is definitely more brooding than the previous tracks, as it kicks off with awesomely 80’s-tinged electric guitar while thumping and bubbling bass synths carry you in to the uplifting pre-chorus as she sings “did you think that I’m beautiful?/ but it’s not enough.” The mood becomes light and airy as it goes on, building into a strong and charming track that you wont get enough of.

If you’re anything like me and have totally fallen in love with this band, be sure to show them your support by liking their Facebook page! And if you need even more new music in your life, click here.

About Erin Crider

Erin Crider eats, breathes, and sleeps pop culture. If you have a question about a one-hit wonder from the ‘90s or need help remembering lines from a SNL skit, she’s your girl. When she isn’t lurking the internet, she's either going to a show or hanging out at Disneyland. Erin lives in Southern California and has a B.A. in Creative Writing from Cal State Long Beach.