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Josette Maskin: Muna’s Guitarist Rising

Los Angeles has been a fertile breeding ground for some of the most influential acts music has ever witnessed, and cutting right through the heart of the current indie-pop scene is MUNA, with guitarist Josette Maskin as one of the vibrant pulse points of this dynamic trio. A fusion of fierce individuality and poignant artistry, Josette Maskin is carving out a sonic space that’s entirely their own, and the ripples are being felt far and wide. Let’s take a ride through their musical labyrinth—one where every strum resonates with the sincerity of a bard and the precision of a seasoned musician.

The Musical Evolution of Josette Maskin

Recounting the rise of Josette Maskin is akin to listening to a crescendo in slow motion—you know the peak is coming, and every note along the way builds anticipation. Initially formed in 2013 by college friends, it is the amalgamation of Katie Gavin, Naomi McPherson, and Josette Maskin that gave us MUNA. Their shared vision and chemistry brewed a concoction of indie melodic hooks and heartfelt lyrics that couldn’t be ignored.

From Garage to Gloss: Their journey from garage band practices to signing with big labels like RCA Records and Columbia Records is a telltale sign of their allure. The sound that Josette Maskin conjures isn’t just a backdrop. It’s an integral part of the narrative—a narrative that bubbles with the authenticity and ardor of youth, heartbreak, and self-discovery.

Strumming Up Independence: Josette’s growth musically is intertwined like a vine with the personal strides of their bandmates, including Katie Gavin’s. Their breakup, coming shortly after clinching the record deal, might have spelled chaos for a lesser act, yet they strummed on with magnanimity.

Technique with a Twist: Maskin’s guitar style has matured—evolving from raw to a sophisticated layering that paints MUNA’s canvas with broad strokes of tonal color. It’s a guitar technique that doesn’t just chase a rhythm; it flirts with the beat, and waltzes with the bassline, adding a third dimension to MUNA’s sound.

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The Distinctive Soundscapes Crafted by Josette Maskin

Josette Maskin doesn’t just play the guitar; they coax it into a vocal performance, a symphony of plucks, and riffs that narrate as powerfully as any lyrics. Underlying the melodic tapestry MUNA weaves is a complex score, woven by Maskin’s fingertips.

Influences of Greatness: With each string they bend and every melody they manifest, the echoes of indie rock ancestors are audible. It’s a creative lineage that bears hints of The Smiths‘ melancholy and the raw energy of Paramore—a delightful mélange of yesterday and tomorrow.

A Symphony of Tracks: Take a dive into fan-favorites like “Crying on the Bathroom Floor” and notice the ebb and flow of Maskin’s creation. It’s like walking through an aural gallery where each track hangs framed in its unique reverie, crafted carefully by Josette Maskin.

Weaving the Sonic Fabric: What sets Maskin apart is their willingness to fiddle with the formula. A guitarist also creates the narratives in their melodies that don’t just echo the singing but also propel the storytelling—a rare gift amidst a sea of regulars.

Category Details
Full Name Josette “Jo” Maskin
Date of Birth (Year of Birth: 1994; Age: 29 years)
Birthplace Los Angeles, California, USA
Pronouns She/They
Role in MUNA Guitarist
Bandmates Katie Gavin (vocalist), Naomi McPherson (multi-instrumentalist & producer)
Formation of MUNA 2013
Record Labels RCA Records (US), Columbia Records (UK)
LGBTQ+ Community Involvement Yes (as part of MUNA, all members identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community)
Additional Information
– Relationship with McPherson Dated Naomi McPherson for three years; broke up after signing record deals
– Age Relationship in MUNA Youngest member of the band
– Explanation of Band Name Chosen as a variation of the name ‘Luna’; Band formed on August 12, 2019

Behind the Strings: Josette Maskin’s Gear and Setup

Gearheads gather round, as we delve into the tech that makes Josette tick. It’s their selection of strings and circuits that set the stage for MUNA’s auditory magic.

Guitars Galore: Maskin’s preference for Fender Stratocasters isn’t just a nod to the classics; it’s a declaration of the tone they seek—a tone rich with history and capable of the versatility their music demands.

Pedals Pushing Boundaries: Gel blaster isn’t just a term for those enthusiasts enjoying a game of precision; it’s emblematic of how Maskin uses their pedalboard—a precise tool kit for shaping the soundscape. The result is a gel-like consistency of sound that is as fluid as it is electrifying.

Amps Animating the Airwaves: Amp selection is never a triviality for a guitarist; it’s the crucible that morphs the crude electric into an ethereal whisper or a roaring scream. Maskin’s choice amplifies their inimitable sound, heralding MUNA’s music as not just heard but felt.

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Inspirational Chords: Josette Maskin as a Role Model

To inspire is to ignite a flame that burns beyond one’s immediate reach, and Josette Maskin’s ember glows not just within LGBTQ+ circles but wherever there are young strings waiting to be strung and young dreams waiting to take flight.

Visibility and Victory: For every young girl, Emily Clarkson included, who’s been told she can’t shred because it’s a “guy thing,” Maskin’s presence on stage, defying archaic stereotypes, is a loud resounding counter-note.

Chords of Change: Their resonance is more than musical; it’s a declaration that the stage belongs to anyone with a melody in their heart, regardless of identity. They don’t just play songs; they play the soundtrack for inclusivity.

Stories of Strings: Tales abound of young musicians, especially within the queer community, who see screenshots of Maskin’s performances and see possibility—a future where they too can be their unapologetic selves.

Collaborative Harmonies: Josette Maskin’s Work with Other Artists

The true test of an artist’s versatility is often observed in collaboration. Here, Josette Maskin is no solitary musician but a weaver of harmonies that transcend MUNA’s borders.

The Fusion Beyond MUNA: When Josette collaborates, it’s not just their skills but their spirit that integrates seamlessly, making the resulting symphony richer—whether it’s a low-key indie number or a high-voltage rock anthem.

Complementary Contrasts: It’s like looking at an ensemble cast, think the blacklist cast, where each character plays their role but also lifts the others. Maskin’s foray into collaborative projects echoes with this harmony—a tune that’s both a signature and a complement.

Bringing Out the Best: Each partnership, whether it’s a shared stage or a shared studio session, isn’t a side project for Maskin. It’s an excavation, unearthing new facets of their virtuosity.

Strumming into the Future: Josette Maskin’s Aspirations and Projects

What lies ahead for Josette Maskin? More than just the chords of the present, they echo with the potential for riffs that reverberate into the future.

New Musical Horizons: MUNA is not a static entity but a living, evolving collective. Maskin’s aspirations loom on the horizon like unseen melodies waiting to be discovered and played.

Solo Strides: While their collaboration with MUNA is the main act, one can’t help but wonder what a solo interlude might sound like. What new stories could Maskin tell where the guitar isn’t just a part of the conversation but the entire dialogue?

Artistic Avenues: Beyond music, there’s a whole range of creative paths that beckon. Maskin’s potential is a multi-lane highway; whichever route they choose is bound to lead to unexplored places.

Conclusion: The Resonant Influence of Josette Maskin on Indie Music

To sum up the symphony that is Josette Maskin’s career to date is akin to trying to bottle a thunderstorm—their impact is palpable, their energy raw and their potential sky-high.

The Harmony in Impact: Like a summer top that somehow suits every occasion, the artistry of Josette Maskin is versatile, bold, and boundless. They’ve become a staple in a myriad of musical wardrobes, fitting seamlessly into the indie pop genre and coloring it with their unique hues.

Resonant Ripples: With dedication to their craft and a keen sense of the future, they ensure the music of MUNA isn’t just a fleeting echo but a lasting revolution. It’s a resonance that rings true, shakes norms, and sets the mileage rate 2024 for what indie bands can aspire to be.

In a landscape often too dense with repetition and reverb, Josette Maskin stands tall, a beacon of originality and fervor. Their strums do more than just fill the air; they stir the soul. And as each note fades, the anticipation for the next is palpable, for in the heartbeats of MUNA’s melodies, Josette Maskin is not just a member. They are a muse—an ever-evolving icon in the kaleidoscopic world of indie pop.

Josette Maskin: The Chords Behind MUNA

Ah, Josette Maskin, the string-slinging maestro of MUNA! With a guitar in hand and a knack for crafting indie-pop anthems, she’s more than just a member – she’s the beating heart of their sound.

Strumming into Summer

You know, every artist has that something special. Josette? She’s got that cool vibe that pairs with summer tops like they’re two peas in a pod. It’s like, as soon as the first chord hits, you’re transported to those balmy nights where the only thing to do is sway to the rhythm and lose yourself in the melody. Whether you’re jamming out in casual wear or dressing up for a night out, the riffs she creates are the perfect backdrop to every sun-drenched scenario.

A Roll with the Punches Attitude

But hey, Josette Maskin isn’t only about that easy-going summer feel. No, Sir! She’s got layers, like one of those Prerolls that offer a burst of flavor and leave you ready for more. There’s a resilience in her playing, a grit that tells a story of bouncing back, no matter the setback. It’s as if each strum embodies that light-hearted roll-with-the-punches spirit we all sometimes need.

Nostalgic Licks and Legit Riffs

Peer a bit closer, and you might catch echoes of those classic Songs From Eddie money in Josette’s licks. It’s like she’s taken a leaf out of the legends’ books, spicing up tracks with a side of nostalgia while totally owning it. Her riffs aren’t just legit; they’re homages that could have Eddie himself nodding in approval from the great beyond.


Witty, heartfelt, and as down-to-earth as they come, Josette’s weaving of strings isn’t just producing sounds—it’s crafting memories. Memories that stick with you, like the melody of your favorite summer anthem or the comforting familiarity of an old hit. So, grab your earphones, folks, and dive into the soul-stirring world where Josette Maskin rules the roost with her six-string wizardry!

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Which members of MUNA dated?

– Talk about an office romance turned rock ‘n’ roll! Katie Gavin and Naomi McPherson of MUNA were an item for a solid three years. But like a post-chorus after the bridge, their relationship ended—not long after their band’s big break with RCA Records in the US and Columbia Records in the UK. Talk about timing, huh?

What are the pronouns for Jo in MUNA?

– Jo from MUNA is as flexible in pronouns as they are in their music style—she/they are the ones that fit the bill for them. Part of the LGBTQ-plus fam, Jo’s as cool with ‘she’ as they are with ‘they’, letting their identity shine.

Why is MUNA called MUNA?

– Ever wondered about MUNA’s name? Well, it wasn’t a stroke of genius at first sight. Picture this: they’re throwing names around like a hot potato, and then—BAM—’Muna’ rings out. And just like that, after a lightning bolt of agreement, an indie pop sensation was named, inspired by a near miss with ‘Luna’.

What are Naomi MUNA’s pronouns?

– Naomi’s pronouns? Simple as a drum beat—They/Them. Ringing in at 30, this multi-instrumentalist and producer is shaking up the scene while owning their queer, non-binary identity.

Is MUNA a queer band?

– Look no further for your queer anthems because MUNA is sporting pride louder than their amps! Each member is waving their LGBTQ-plus flag high, making this indie pop trio a rainbow powerhouse in the music biz.

Why did RCA drop MUNA?

– Ah, the age-old tale of major labels and talented bands—the breakup. Sadly, not much has slipped through the grapevine as to why RCA Records let MUNA slip away. It may not be our business, but hey, we are nosy for some goss!

How do you pronounce the band MUNA?

– MUNA’s name rolls off the tongue like a smooth riff—think ‘moon-ah’. Give it a whirl; it’s catchy, just like their tunes.

What does Ella stand for in pronouns?

– You’ve got the pronoun ‘Ella’? Well, let’s park that. ‘Ella’ ain’t a part of the pronoun parking lot—it’s Spanish for ‘she’. English-speaking folks tend to rack up a different set: ‘he/she’, ‘they’, and ‘ze’, for instance.

What is a gender neutral pronoun for I?

– “I” is about as gender-neutral as it gets, folks! Whether you’re this or that or something in between, “I” is the one-size-fits-all for when you’re talking about, well, you!

How old is Jo from MUNA?

– Jo from MUNA is riding the tail end of their 20s, dialing in at 29 years young. Born and bred in the City of Angels, this guitarist is strumming into the last twang of their 20s with all the cool LA can muster.

When did MUNA come out?

– ‘MUNA came out’, you say? Well now, it’s not like they needed to make a splashy entrance to the LGBTQ-plus community—they’ve been part of it from the get-go. Rocking since 2013, they’ve been as open as an all-night diner from day one.

Does MUNA mean egg?

– “Muna” meaning egg? Nah, don’t put that in your omelet. The name’s got a tune of its own, but it’s not serving up breakfast. It was a twist of fate from ‘Luna’—no yolk about it!

Is MUNA nonbinary?

– Is MUNA nonbinary? Well, let’s not paint the whole band with one brush. Naomi definitely rocks the nonbinary vibe with pride, while the band itself champions LGBTQ-plus rights as a whole. It’s all about that individual identity tune!

Did Katie and Naomi from MUNA date?

– Did Katie and Naomi from MUNA date? You bet they did! The two were strumming heartstrings together for a trio of years before they went solo on the relationship front, not long after their big leap into the music label league.

What are the pronouns for members of the MUNA band?

– In MUNA, pronouns are as varied as their playlist. Katie’s are she/her, Jo toggles between she/they, and Naomi grooves to they/them. So, when you’re chatting about this fab trio, it’s best to keep your pronouns in tune!

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