Soil Compilation

Online Content
Dancing Differently

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For nearly 40 years, Jhe Russell needed to be perfect. After all, his dance career demanded it. But when injuries and the chaos of life took him in a different direction, he found peace in a job he never expected.

Film
KRUI Staff Picks our Favorite Media of 2025

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KRUI is pretty special, not only do we like music, but we also enjoy other things! From movies, video games, a DJ set, and sports, here’s a list of some of our KRUI picks from all things media that we loved to see in 2025.

Sports
Iowa Wraps the Bowtie on 2025 with Bowl Win Over Vanderbilt

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No. 23 Iowa closed the 2025 season with a statement win, knocking off No. 14 Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl behind a clutch performance from senior quarterback Mark Gronowski. The victory snapped Iowa’s long skid against ranked opponents and served as a fitting sendoff for a senior class that chose loyalty and one last ride together.

Music
Best Albums of 2025: KRUI Staff Picks

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The rumors are true, KRUI likes music! 2025 was a crazy year all around, and even crazier, we here at KRUI actually listened to lots of albums this year. We’ve picked out eleven of our favorite albums from this year to share, and explore together.

Music Category
Best Songs of 2025: KRUI Staff Picks

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It’s December 29, 2025, and if you can believe it, we here at KRUI actually listened to music throughout the whole year! From pop superstars, to indie legends, to the fresh Bandcamp up-and-comers, we’ve picked out nine of our favorite songs released this past year to share and explore together.

Music
Logan Melia

Festival Preview: Chicago’s New Year Transitions, Dec. 26–Jan. 1st

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Spanning 7 venues across 7 days, Transitions, the New Years Eve celebration by AURIS PRESENTS, in downtown Chicago has cultivated a lineup of the biggest names spinning records and electronica today. From December 26 – January 1st, Chicagoland will be ablaze as it welcomes the likes of 70 artists and a 21-hour marathon to ring in the new year at Outset. Here are the highlights coming this week to Chicago. 

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Interview: Cecilia Castleman

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Born and raised in Nashville, Cecilia Castleman has spent her life surrounded by music. After releasing her first LP in January, this is only the beginning for the 24 year old singer/songwriter. We spoke about life on the road, the music that has shaped her, and her process for putting out her incredible tunes.

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KRUI Interview: Derek Sanders of Mayday Parade

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I spoke with Derek Sanders, frontman of Mayday Parade after their gig at Vibrant Music Hall in Waukee, Iowa. A conversation spanning much more than the 20 years of the band, he told me about his latest trilogy release and all the way back to his very first autograph he signed.

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Interview: Andrew McMahon

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I had the chance to sit down with Andrew McMahon while at When We Were Young Festival in Las Vegas. We spoke about his historic gig at Red Rocks this summer, playing at Notre Dame Stadium, and how incredible of a movie “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping” is.

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Interview: Set Your Goals at When We Were Young

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I sat down with Jordan Brown and Matt Wilson of Set Your Goals while at When We Were Young Festival. The California natives made their highly anticipated homecoming this past February, playing their first gig in 6 years. We spoke about their return to live performances, whats next for Set Your Goals, and how good “One Battle After Another” is.

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When We Were Young Recap

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KRUI’s recap of When We Were Young Festival 2025 in Las Vegas. Throughout 4 stages, 53 bands tore through their sets across a 13 hour day. Here is how I spent my day at When We Were Young. 

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KRUI’s Riot Fest 2025 Recap

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A celebration took place in Chicago this September. The 20th edition of Riot Fest has come and passed, and while still covered in a layer of dirt and sweat, next year’s edition can’t come soon enough.

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When We Were Young in Las Vegas, 2025 Festival Preview

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This weekend, Las Vegas will host the fourth edition of When We Were Young. A festival celebrating the scene out in the desert holds more than you’ve bargained for as 53 bands take on 4 stages in 1 day. A whirlwind for every pair of vans and fishnets in the pit, it’s Christmas in October for many. Here is your stage by stage preview of When We Were Young 2025.

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