MONA is a project started by Nick Brown. Though there has been a revolving cast of band members, Nick has been the sole driving force behind the band. He began in Dayton, Ohio, though he is now based in Nashville, Tennessee. Brown revealed the band's name refers to his grandmother, Mona Brown.

The band rose to fame appearing as part of the BBC's Sound of 2011 poll; which was revealed on 5 December 2010. The band was also crowned the Brand New for 2011 title at the MTV Awards. Their debut album was released on May 16, 2011 in the UK through Zion Noiz Recordings/Island Records and was released on February 28, 2012 in the US through Zion Noiz Recordings/Mercury Records.

In April 2009, Brown was introduced to Saul Galpern, creator of Nude Records by a mutual friend. Soon after their online introduction, Galpern flew to Nashville to meet Nick. Having been very impressed by him, Galpern signed a management contract with the band which led to a record deal with Island Records and Mercury Records in September 2010.

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