It was the only name that one of us didn't totally dislike.

Yes. Yes. Todd's Bar and Grill, Albee Square, Monk's House of Jazz.

Screws with the big labels, which is good. Allows small bands instant worldwide distribution, which is good. Causes a huge flood of mediocre music for music fans to wade through which can be frustrating, but I think this is not a huge price given the huge benefits.

Not likely but not impossible. Major labels have half ownership in some of my favorite "indie" labels: Matador, 4AD, etc.

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.

Belle & Sebastian
Velvet Underground
Yo La Tengo
Luna
Red House Painters
Azure Ray

Anywhere warm but not hot with good music, books, movies, food, and people.

we are fairly lo-fi
premier drums
fender bass
fender amps
Rhodes Stage Piano
Korg Organ
Gibson Guitars

Sometimes mellow really is OK....... really.