Mona

Mona are an indie rock band originally from Dayton, Ohio, later based in Nashville, Tennessee. They are made up of Nick Brown on vocals, guitar and keyboards, Vince Gard on drums, Zach Lindsey on bass, and Jordan Young on guitar. Their songs are described as romantic rock and roll, and the band is linked with the idea of music for “city folk”.

Formation and name

The band starts with Brown and Gard, who record their early material in a basement. Their name comes from Brown’s grandmother.

Early releases and style

The band’s single Listen to Your Love is recorded in their basement and issued on their own Zion Noiz label. It is released in the United Kingdom in 2010. Their early material is kept private enough that, rather than sending it out to journalists, the band plays it down the phone for review.

Musical approach

Mona’s sound is rooted in indie rock and includes simple melodies and moody lyrics. Their music is compared with artists such as Low, Red House Painters and Belle and Sebastian. The band is described as aiming for an unpretentious, close-listening style.