Mona, the renowned US vocalist, songwriter, and producer, also known as Nick Brown, has made a triumphant return to the music scene with his latest single, “Nothing Is Dead”. This eagerly awaited track was officially released via ZionnoiZ Recordings/Ingrooves/Virgin Music Group, marking Mona’s first musical endeavor since 2020.
“Nothing Is Dead” delves into the profound concept of cycles, a reflection on life’s constant ups and downs, the changing seasons, and the intricate dance between birth, death, and rebirth. Nick Brown explores themes of ego versus humility, true desire versus lonely obsession, and the thin line between healthy competition and corrosive jealousy. However, he also leaves room for interpretation, suggesting that the song’s meaning can be as diverse as its listeners’ interpretations.
The past few years have been challenging for Nick Brown as he navigated the ever-shifting landscape of the music industry, coupled with the personal loss of his mother to cancer. In his own words, “At the end of the day, life remains unchanged. 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 diving into tunes, I am always striving for balance as a human, understanding that everyone else on planet earth is doing the same. We are all connected.“
Originally hailing from Dayton, Ohio, Nick Brown now calls Nashville, Tennessee, his home. The band’s name, Mona, pays homage to his grandmother, Mona Brown. Mona’s journey into the music industry began with a bang when they emerged as part of the BBC Sound of 2011 poll and later clinched the Brand-New Act award at the MTV awards in the same year.
Under the guidance of legendary Nude Records owner Saul Galpin, Mona signed with Island Records. Their self-titled debut album, produced by the band themselves, achieved notable success, landing in the Top 40 in the UK and the Top 20 on the US charts. The album featured hit singles like “Listen to Your Love”, “Trouble on the Way”, “Teenager”, and “Shooting the Moon”. Mona graced the stages of iconic shows like BBC’s Later with Jools Holland and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in the US. They were also celebrated as one of NME’s Best New Bands.
Following the album’s release, Mona embarked on an epic world tour, performing at some of the planet’s largest and most prestigious festivals, including Glastonbury, Reading/Leeds, Coachella, and Lollapalooza in the US, to name a few. They even supported fellow Nashville band Kings of Leon on select dates of their summer tour and headlined their own European tour, culminating in a sold-out show at London’s Empire. Mona has since shared the stage with musical legends like Noel Gallagher, The Walkmen, Morrissey, Johnny Marr, Queen, Billy Idol, The Zombies, The Wombats, and July Talk.
Aside from creating his own music, Nick has also lent his talents to producing and writing for artists across various genres. Despite these diverse endeavors, Mona remains true to its raw and rebellious post-indie approach to rock and roll. Looking ahead to 2023/2024, Mona is poised to embark on more global tours, including supporting Candlebox on their summer farewell tour in the USA, where Nick co-wrote and featured on their last album.
In a world where music constantly evolves, Mona’s “Nothing Is Dead” serves as a reminder of the enduring power of artistry and the ability to transcend life’s ever-changing rhythms.
