Hailing from Dayton, Ohio, and now making waves from the vibrant city of Nashville, MONA is the brainchild of the multifaceted artist, musician, producer, singer, and songwriter Nick Brown. With their latest release, “Nothing Is Dead”, MONA mark their triumphant return, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, nothing truly fades away.
The music world first caught wind of MONA’s electrifying presence with their self-titled debut album, a force to be reckoned with that earned them simultaneous nominations for the prestigious BBC Sound of the Year award and a resounding victory at MTV’s Brand New. It was a sonic explosion that shook the industry and launched them into the spotlight, and MONA has never looked back since.
Their journey is a testament to resilience and talent, exemplified by their meteoric rise and a series of accomplishments that reads like a rock and roll fantasy. The stages they’ve graced include the main platforms of London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire, the grandeur of Glastonbury, the expanse of Coachella, the energy of Lollapalooza, and many more. Notably, MONA shared stages with legends like Queen, Kings Of Leon, Morrissey, and Noel Gallagher.
The latest release, “Nothing Is Dead”, delves into the complex weave of life’s cycles. In the words of Nick Brown himself, it’s an exploration of “the ups & downs of life. Seasons. Birth, death rebirth… ego vs humility – true desire vs lonely obsession – healthy competition vs rotten jealousy.” The track’s profound exploration of duality resonates with listeners, offering a reflection on the intricate threads that compose the human experience.
Navigating through the challenges of life took on an even deeper meaning for Nick Brown during a time of universal shifts. As the industry shuttered due to the pandemic and personal tragedy struck with the loss of his mother to cancer, Brown found himself grappling with the essence of existence itself. He shares, “At the end of the day, life doesn’t change. We are left with the moment we are in and the opportunity to respond to that moment with love and grace.” This newfound perspective seeps into every note of “Nothing Is Dead”, infusing it with a depth of emotion that only a true artist could convey.
In a world where everything may change, MONA remind us that some things, especially the heartbeat of rock and roll, are truly timeless. So, turn up the volume, let the electrifying melodies course through your veins, and remember that as long as MONA is here, nothing truly is dead.
