Musician interviews

On the eve of its latest release and tour, the Iowa band Mr. Softheart took some time to play share some songs and talk about their ever-evolving sound.

Lead singer Niko Kapetan talks about Friko's debut album, Where We’ve Been, how it works sharing drummer Bailey Minzenberger with three other bands, and how inspiration for their new song, "Hot Air Balloon," struck at 6 a.m. in a Cracker Barrel parking lot.

Honky Tonk in Iowa? Look no further than Katie and the Honky Tonks' upcoming debut album.

After 30 years, eight albums and two hip surgeries, Shirley Manson of the band Garbage reflects on getting older and embraces not knowing when the band's run will end.

Two years after the death of his teenage son, Ben Kweller is back with an album of raw emotion that also offers comfort and joy.

IPR's Tony Dehner sat down with the highly influential, yet somewhat enigmatic, art pop duo Sparks to talk about their 28th album.

Rainbow Kitten Surprise is back and better than ever. The band is working their way through a lengthy tour of their 2024 album, Love Hate Music Box, with another record on the way.

Emily Kempf and Jason Balla of Dehd spoke with IPR’s Cece Mitchell before their show at Gabe’s Iowa City about the creation of their latest album, reflections on their careers and the reasons why Kempf returned to the Chicago DIY music scene.

69 Love Songs by The Magnetic Fields has received widespread critical acclaim and been included in countless "best of albums of all time" lists. This Thursday and Friday, the band will play the 1999 album in its entirety over two nights at the Englert Theatre in Iowa City.

Future Islands is bringing its synth-pop sounds to Des Moines, a city that holds a place in the band's history.