Artists To Watch In 2026: M.I.A.

Formed in Las Vegas in 1980, M.I.A. moved to Orange County in 1981 and started playing shows at the infamous Cuckoo’s Nest. They first appeared on the classic Last Rites for Genocide and M.I.A. split LP (Smoke Seven) in 1982. After a short break, the band got back together in 1983 and recorded a six-song demo at Greencarton studios in November. They quickly became known for their energetic live shows, blending fast, guitar-driven hardcore with singer Mike Conley’s unique melodic voice and the trademark Southern Californian punk sound.

After a show with the Dead Kennedys, Jello Biafra offered to release their next album, "Murder In A Foreign Place"  on his Alternative Tentacles label in the summer of 1984.

Photo by Niki Pretti Photography

Sadly, singer Mike Conley passed away in 2008 following a tragic accident; but original members Nick Adams (guitar, vocals), Paul Schwartz (bass, vocals) and Larz Pearson (drums) reunited and perform as a three piece.

This has led to reissues of a lot of their older material and some incredible live shows! In 2024 Alternative Tentacles partnered with Modern City Records to repress their classic record "Murder In Foreign Place - 40th Anniversary Edition" and the band has been killing it both in the US and in Europe ever since!

Check out M.I.A. and "Murder In A Foreign Place"