“Mr. Softheart keeps post-punk alive in Iowa” – Iowa Public Radio
Mr. Softheart will be debuting songs from the new EP at Octopus College Hill in Cedar Falls July 5, then the band's embarking on a tour that heads east, with shows in Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York. It’s a variation of the tour the group went on last year, and they’re applying some lessons they learned.
“Dehd returns to the Chicago DIY scene to become their ‘most Dehd selves’” – Iowa Public Radio
Emily Kempf, bassist and vocalist of Dehd, is living in Chicago again after her flight to an Earthship community outside of Taos, New Mexico, a few years ago. She wanted to prove to herself that she could rise to the challenge of life off the grid, and while that part of the experiment was a success, Kempf is glad to be nestled back in the comfort of the Chicago DIY scene.
“Iowa music to experience in 2025” – Iowa Public Radio
Iowa can be a strange place for musicians. Historically, a lot of touring artists have skipped the state in favor of Minneapolis, Kansas City or, ultimately, Chicago. However, there’s a lot going on and a multitude of talented musicians creating music across all genres — right here in Iowa — that you deserve to know. With artists and venues scattered across Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Davenport, Cedar Falls and more, there really are endless musical offerings here in the state.
“Vampires, skeletons, roller skates & soundscapes: Halloweekend was jam-packed in Des Moines” – Iowa Public Radio
At xBk, Night Stories performed their annual Halloween show. Led by Greg Wheeler and Phil Young, the group supplies John Carpenter-like soundscapes with clips of horror films played behind the performers. Costumes were in abundance, including Nosferatu, E.T and Art the clown. Traffic Death (also from Des Moines) opened the show with thrash vibes and a little help from Captain Jean Luc-Picard on drums.
“The Aces make a triumphant headlining stop at Wooly's with opener Lady Revel” – Iowa Public Radio
The Aces are from Provo, Utah — but that distance from home but it didn't stop them from putting on an amazing performance Sunday night. The band powered through a fifteen-song-set, including their new single "The Magic." Locals Lady Revel opened the show. See photos Alyssa Leicht captured from the night.
“Goth Babe brought a late summer party to the Val Air Ballroom” – Iowa Public Radio
Crowd surfing inflatables and positivity were in the air last Friday night as Goth Babe headlined at Val Air. See the photos Alyssa Leicht captured from the evening. Were you at the show?
“Artist applications for 80/35 and Gross Domestic Product are open until Nov. 4 at midnight” – Iowa Public Radio
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 80/35, the two music festivals hosted and produced by the Des Moines Music Coalition, are now accepting applications for bands to play the 2023 festivals. If you’re a musician who's interested in playing, we also want you to know that GDP is getting a new home – Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines.
“The last dance for Anthony Worden and the Illiterati was electric” – Iowa Public Radio
IPR's Tony Dehner shares his experience at the final performance by one of eastern Iowa's favorite bands.
“Who is Mr. Softheart?” – Iowa Public Radio
A new band, Mr. Softheart, is on our "must-see" list right now. You've met most of these band members before if you were following the glam-punk band Hex Girls.
“Last Tango in Iowa City” – Iowa Public Radio
Iowa City-based musician Anthony Worden will be moving out of state soon. Iowa Public Radio Studio One asked him to reflect on his experience making music in the state.
“July Artist Of The Month Penny Peach Tees Up For A Busy Summer” – Iowa Public Radio
Back in May, we received two separate emails at Studio One, asking for more information about a song. Both times, the song in question was “Think More Deeply” by Penny Peach.
“Hex Girls' New Single Was Inspired By 'Wild Adrenaline'” – Iowa Public Radio
The Cedar Falls band Hex Girls had big plans for 2020, as all of us did, before the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. Still, we are getting new music from the band this year, starting Friday with the single “Cats With No Teeth (Catch No Mice).”
“Octopus College Hill Is Making A Record” – Iowa Public Radio
As a Serious Music Person, you know that vinyl is a superior way to listen to music unless you’re tuned into Iowa Public Radio’s Studio One. Heady conversation about warmth of sound aside, if you are into collecting limited edition vinyl presses, Octopus College Hill is brewing up a plan that you should know about.