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Mona have been included in the longlist for the Sound of 2011.

The majority of this Nashville-based four-piece were raised in the church and learned their craft playing to the congregation: Nick and drummer Vince Gard were raised as Pentecostalists and bass player Zach Lindsey as Southern Baptist, guitarist Jordan Young is the token heathen. For those within the faith, secular music was banned. Vince’s mother would play him Creedence Clearwater Revival records and make him promise not to let on to his father - rock and roll as illicit, secret thrill.

A calling card appearance on Later…with Jools Holland followed by plays on Radio 1 by Zane Lowe means Mona’s travelling circus is gathering momentum. Expect to experience their transcendent rock and roll fervour in full next year with a full length album.

Find out more about this artist on bbc.co.uk/soundof2011