After discovering The Hold Steady at Riot Fest, Logan Melia sits down with Craig Finn to discuss his new solo record Always Been, the evolution of narrative songwriting, and finding meaning in modern American life. From faith and mental health to baseball heartbreak, the conversation spans far beyond music.
Even after a valiant fourth quarter comeback, the Chicago Bears fell short of the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. Heading into the playoffs, they’ll once again face off against a bitter rival: the Green Bay Packers.
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.
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.
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.
Four seconds left, just two yards away. After an all-game shootout, the Bears had one final chance to close the book on an improbable ending. They fell just short.
Why this album fits for many winter situations on campus (image via Iowa Now)
The London rapper’s 6th studio album is her first full-length release in over 6 years. Image via M.I.A on twitter
The alternative innovator returns with his second studio album. Image via Jean Dawson on Twitter
On “Fossora,” Björk explores motherhood, love, family, and growth.
Image via floodmagazine.com
billy woods – Aethiopes On Aethiopes, billy woods reestablishes his strengths as a storyteller, with help from producer Preservation’s experimentally jazzy beats. By now, woods has cemented himself as one of hip hop’s greatest writers, and his brooding yet clever introspection sounds especially powerful over Preservation’s musical backdropping. Samples of pianos will twinkle across some tracks, and pound discordantly on others, while electric guitars ring and horns blow. By the time the harmonica enters the equation, the beats here are unparalleled. It is an enveloping atmosphere completed by excellent percussion, which moves between hand drums, full kits, and shuffling jangles … Continued
KRUI music staff’s March picks!
KRUI Music Staff’s picks for February.
Earl Sweatshirt – SICK! On the newest album from Earl Sweatshirt, the rapper continues his streak of thoughtful and melancholic bars–this time with a slightly more approachable selection of beats, supplied by the likes of The Alchemist and Black Noi$e. Avant jazz is still a key piece of the production, though some of the pianos here have a midi sheen to them, and some of the trap-influenced drum tracks will be familiar to fans of contemporary hip hop. One such track featuring this style of production is “2010”, with a bright, yet off-kilter synth loop. Here, as with many spots … Continued
The band’s 15th studio album is, in my opinion, one of their best. Image via John Swannell.
The Body & BIG|BRAVE – Leaving None But Small Birds The Body and BIG|BRAVE have each earned their tenure in metal, but together they have created an album that defies any preconceived notions one might have had for them. On Leaving None But Small Birds, both bands veer into a brand of folk rock that is rife with an eerie grit. Twangy layered strings mesh with the heavy distortion of guitars that both The Body and BIG|BRAVE are known for, creating a delicate and foreboding atmosphere. Similarly, the guttural shrieks and growls of The Body are replaced by the haunting croons of BIG|BRAVE’s lead vocalist Robin … Continued
