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'The dogs were getting upset': How LA band Muna survived their worst ever gig
🇬🇧 United Kingdom /Culture & Society

'The dogs were getting upset': How LA band Muna survived their worst ever gig

From BBC News · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • LA pop trio Muna experienced a disastrous early gig at a dog adoption festival where their sound system malfunctioned, upsetting the animals.
  • Despite the chaotic performance, the band members recall the event with humor and value the shared experience with friends.
  • Muna has since achieved significant success, releasing acclaimed music and supporting major artists, overcoming challenges like being dropped by their record label.

Los Angeles-based pop trio Muna endured what they describe as their worst gig ever at the beginning of their career, playing an acoustic set at a dog adoption festival called Pet-A-Palooza. The band agreed to perform in exchange for radio support for their new single, but the event quickly devolved into chaos.

We were all sick, so it was doomed from the start.

— Josette MaskinDescribing the band's condition before their disastrous gig.

Recalling the experience, guitarist Josette Maskin said the band was "all sick" and lacked a sound guy, leading to guitar feedback that singer Katie Gavin described as an "unholy screech." The noise distressed the dogs in attendance, with Maskin noting, "The dogs were getting upset... They just howled the whole time."

Despite the mortifying performance, the band members now look back on the incident with amusement. "We were mortified, but looking back, it is so funny," Maskin said. "And I've gotten to share those experiences with some of my best friends, and that's what life is really about."

The noise, according to singer Katie Gavin, was like an unholy screech.

— Katie GavinDescribing the sound feedback during the performance.

This canine catastrophe is now a distant memory for Muna, who have since become a highly regarded live act known for their blend of punk, electronic, and 80s influences. Their compelling performances have earned them fans like Harry Styles and Taylor Swift, who have invited the trio to support them on tour. Their anthems, such as "I Know A Place," celebrate the LGBTQ community, while other songs like "Stayaway" explore more introspective themes.

The dogs were getting upset.

— Josette MaskinRecalling the audience reaction at the dog festival.

The band faced a significant setback in 2020 when RCA Records dropped them due to pandemic-related cost-cutting. However, they regrouped and decided to self-fund an album. This independent effort eventually led to them signing with Phoebe Bridgers' Saddest Factory label in 2021. Their breakthrough single, "Silk Chiffon," a "freewheeling sapphic love song," further cemented their status as artists celebrating "queer joy."

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.

— Josette MaskinReflecting on the disastrous gig with a positive outlook.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by BBC News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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