Mona

Mona's expansive sonic approach, drawing inspiration from acts such as U2 and Kings of Leon, generated significant attention across the U.K. following a 2010 slot on Later...with Jools Holland, delivering an initial measure of recognition for the Dayton, Ohio-born indie/alt-rockers. Honoring frontman Nick Brown's grandmother with their name, the outfit progressed from D.I.Y. indie newcomers to arena and festival regulars starting with the well-received 2011 self-titled debut album. Later releases including Torches & Pitchforks and Soldier On kept aiming for the largest venues.

The group had originated several years prior in Dayton, Ohio, performing locally for three years prior to relocating to Nashville in 2007. Although multiple label figures expressed interest, among them Rick Rubin who arranged for the band to perform at the Roxie in L.A. after just two months in Nashville, Mona stayed independent. They eventually aligned with Saul Galpern, the former manager of Suede, and issued a gradual series of melodic, anthemic rock tracks while using online channels for distribution and keeping visibility modest. Momentum built in the U.K. after the Later...with Jools Holland performance, prompting a studio session the next year alongside Rich Costey, producer for Muse and Foo Fighters. The complete debut appeared later that year and featured the tracks "Listen to Your Love" and "Teenager." Returning in 2013 with the second album Torches & Pitchforks, the band also made its first appearance on national television via The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Multiple personnel shifts came before the 2016 EP In the Middle. In June 2018 the third full-length studio album, Soldier On, came out.