MUNA: Behind the Scenes of Their Billboard Cover Shoot

In 2022, MUNA arrived at a pivotal turning point with their self-titled album, a project that solidified their status as pop luminaries. Yet, the release date of June 24 was marred by profound disappointment; as the trio gathered to celebrate, news broke that the Supreme Court had overturned Roe v. Wade. Reflecting on that moment four years later, band member Josette Maskin admits, “While that day was undeniably painful, it served as a sobering reminder that our personal milestones aren’t as monumental as they often feel in the heat of the moment.”

Ahead of the February release of their latest record, Dancing on the Wall—a project that dials up their signature high-tempo synth-pop—vocalist Katie Gavin orchestrated a departure from their standard promotional routine. She invited her bandmates to an intimate bonfire, a setting designed to foster vulnerability.

“Katie masterfully coaxed us into a heart-to-heart, and inevitably, we were the only ones shedding tears,” Maskin recalls with a laugh, gesturing toward Gavin. “You were just watching us with that serene look on your face.”

“I’ll admit, it was effective—you both handled it beautifully,” Gavin responds. While her speaking voice possesses a grounded, gravelly warmth compared to the ethereal mezzo-soprano heard on their tracks, her demeanor remains profoundly at ease with long-time collaborators Maskin and multi-instrumentalist Naomi McPherson. “We had such a meaningful conversation that evening,” Gavin continues. “Jo was reflecting on the struggle of chasing goals and the inherent risk of anchoring one’s happiness to external outcomes…” She breaks off, erupting into laughter, “And now I’ve completely lost my train of thought because I just said the word ‘anchoring’.”