“as raw and raucous as they are anthemic” THE GUARDIAN
MONA aka US vocalist, songwriter and producer Nick Brown is back with the first new music since 2020. The brand new single ‘Nothing Is Dead’ was released on 21st July via ZionnoiZ Recordings/Ingrooves/Virgin Music Group.
“Nothing Is Dead” addresses the concept of cycles. The ups & downs of life. Seasons. Birth, death rebirth… ego vs humility – true desire vs lonely obsession – healthy competition vs rotten jealousy. Or maybe it’s just a tune with no meaning crafted to apply whatever meaning you want … nah nvm. It’s about dualism. No, it’s not.” Nick Brown
Trying to remain an artist amid several universe shifts was a challenging time for Nick after the industry shut down due to the pandemic and sadly losing his mother to cancer. He says “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. Whether I’m mowing a lawn, painting on a canvas, playing with my dog, or delving into tunes, I am always trying to remain as balanced as a human and continue to be aware that everyone else on planet earth is doing the same. We are all the same.”
Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Nick is now based in Nashville, Tennessee. He named the band after his grandmother Mona Brown. The band stormed onto the music scene after appearing as part of the BBC Sound of 2011 poll and went onto win the Brand-New Act award at the MTV awards the same year.
After being taken on for management by legendary Nude Records owner Saul Galpin, MONA signed to Island Records and their self-titled self-produced debut album was released, reaching the Top 40 in the UK and Top 20 in the US charts. The album included the singles single “Listen to Your Love”, “Trouble on the Way”, “Teenager” and “Shooting the Moon”. The band performed on BBC’s Later with Jools Holland and in the US on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Conan. They were also named one of NME’s Best New Bands.
Following the album’s release the band embarked on a world-spanning tour which saw them play most of the world’s largest and most prestigious festivals including Glastonbury, Reading/Leeds, Coachella, Lollapalooza in the U.S, Summer Sonic in Japan and in Australia. They supported fellow Nashville band Kings of Leon on selected dates of their summer tour, including shows at Slane in Ireland and London’s Hyde Park. They also headlined their own European tour culminating in a sold-out show at London’s Empire. MONA has since toured with Noel Gallagher, The Walkmen, Morrissey, Johnny Marr, Queen, Billy Idol, The Zombies, The Wombats and July Talk.
Besides creating his own music, Nick has also produced and written with a variety of artists across multiple genres. MONA however continues to energize audiences with its raw and rebellious post-indie approach to all things rock and roll. 2023/2024 is set to include more worldwide touring, including supporting Candlebox’s on their summer farewell tour in the USA for whom he co-wrote and feature on their last ever album.
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