Why bands give us purpose (ft. MUNA)

Why bands give us purpose (ft. MUNA)

From Switched on Pop by Vulture

June 2, 2026 · 52 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the significance of bands in pop culture, featuring MUNA and their approach to shared identity and success.

A culture that rewards easily consumable individual identities produces plenty of pop stars and almost no bands. A significant exception: MUNA, the trio of Katie Gavin, Josette Maskin, and Naomi McPherson. MUNA treats the band as a structure that grounds identity beyond the ego and makes any success feel shared among the three. Their new album, Dancing on the Wall, wraps that conviction in blaring, unapologetic '80s production: slap bass, brightness pushed to the front, and everything connected in one time and place.Links: ⁠Newsletter⁠, ⁠YouTube MUNA, "It Gets So Hot" MUNA, "Dancing on the Wall" Lionel Richie, "Dancing on the Ceiling" MUNA, "Eastside Girls" Yello, "Oh Yeah" Dead or Alive, "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)" Pet Shop Boys, "West End Girls" Billy Joel, "We Didn't Start the Fire" Charli XCX, "365" MUNA, "Wannabeher" Bikini Kill, "Rebel Girl" Peaches, "Boys Wanna Be Her" Le Tigre, "Deceptacon" MUNA, "Big Stick" MUNA, "Anything But Me" Flobots, "Handlebars" MUNA, "I Know a Place" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Guests: Katie Gavin, Josette Maskin, Naomi McPherson

Topics covered

  • band identity
  • pop music
  • collaboration
  • 80s production
  • MUNA
  • shared success

Keywords

  • MUNA
  • pop stars
  • band structure
  • Dancing on the Wall
  • 80s music
  • collaborative identity
  • music production

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: MUNA

Books & works: Dancing on the Wall, It Gets So Hot, Dancing on the Ceiling, Eastside Girls, Oh Yeah, You Spin Me Round (Like a Record), West End Girls, We Didn't Start the Fire, 365, Wannabeher

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