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.
KRUI expands into creating video content with two new pieces: a back alley interview with Chat Pile, and an interview with Track Zero artist Sen Morimoto.
An interview with rap and jazz artist McKinley Dixon for the Mission Creek Festival. Photo by David Muessig for NPR.
Hamilton star Leslie Odom Jr. released his second album, Mr, this November. Read more to find out about its unique mix of musical styles and influences. Featured image via Playbill.
Counterfeit Madison confronted racial issues in America through her original work and the recontextualisation of the music of visionary Nina Simone during a powerful performance at the Englert Theatre on Saturday, November 2nd. Featured image by Kate Sweeny, courtesy of Counterfeit Madison website.
Kamasi Washington took The Englert on this Halloween to a large audience excited to hear his soulful music to wash over them. (Cover Image via i.ytimg.com)
Read about Jack Lion’s performance at Gabe’s here! (Image via: Little Village Magazine)
Read about Damani Phillips hosting Witch Note: An After-Hours Jazz Jam Session at The Mill (image via Elizabeth Morrissey)
Recently I got the chance to talk to Bill Mackay and discuss his recent album, career, and influences (Cover Photo by Maren Celest)
Learn more about the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Aretha Franklin. (Image via: Mam’zelle Swing)
Read about Erykah Badu and her album “Baduizm” here! (Image via True Too)
Read about The Bangles’ album All Over the Place here! (Image via Tidal)
