Fall 2002, two musicians made a pact. To create music they loved without worrying about what anyone else thought. Hyrum Summerhays and Chad Dorton established Mona after a split with their band Elsewhere left them craving.

The two wanted to play music with simple melodies and moody lyrics reminiscent of Low, Red House Painters, and Belle and Sebastian. Six months searching for the right singer turned-up Mandy Jeppsen, formerly of Gerald Music, and the concept was realized. With the addition of Elledge Bowers on drums and Miles Biddulph on bass, the band was complete. Like a quiet moment listening through headphones, Mona's luscious unpretentiousness draws the ear inward, beckoning an audience to relax and just listen.