GDP Band Hype: Halfloves
Following last year’s self-titled debut and last month’s new single, “Wrong Songs,” Halfloves is becoming one of the Iowa’s premiere indie rock outfits. Their level of artistry and commitment is evident with every song and set. Tight is often a word used to describe a band, and while Halfloves certainly have command of their material… Read more »
GDP Band Hype: Starry Nights
Iowa City is like a musical incubator. While other cities seem to book themselves with bands still trying to find their footing, Iowa City bands seem to appear out-of-nowhere, fully operational and ready to surprise unexpecting Iowa listeners. That unexpected quality is what makes the hush-hush nature of our state’s vibrant music community so interesting… Read more »
GDP Band Hype: Pets with Human Names
One of the best things about this year’s GDP is how much new material the lineup is bringing. Most of the acts are either riding the wake of a recent album release, in the middle of recording, or currently releasing new singles. Des Moines rock trio, Pets With Human Names, are one such band. Following… Read more »
GDP Band Hype: Aseethe
Iowa has a long-standing tradition of all things heavy in music. As metal continued to tighten its stranglehold on the musical output of our state over the past few years, many began stretching the genre in different directions. We’ve seen the resurgence of punk and hardcore scenes in cities like Cedar Falls and Iowa City,… Read more »
GDP Band Hype: Neon & Nude
Neon & Nude is the honest-to-goodness, comedy-pop collaboration between longtime Ames music mainstays Leslie Hall (Leslie & the Lys) and Kate Kennedy (Pennyhawk). As much of a visual project as they are a band, Neon & Nude rarely produce a single without a music video attached and never put on a live show without making it an… Read more »
GDP Band Hype: Dustin Smith
The seemingly infinite canvas of sprawling Iowa landscape is perfect for the deeply reflective soul music of Dustin Smith. Separate from his full-band outfits, his solo endeavor allows time to sort through the tangles of love instead of trying to command it. It is this humble reflection and exploration that makes Smith’s music incredibly relatable…. Read more »
MU Series to debut at DMMC Festivals in 2017
DMMC ANNOUNCES A NEW PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SERIES FOR MUSICIANS AT 2017 DMMC FESTIVALS Previously a full-day conference, in 2017 the Des Moines Music Coalition (DMMC) is launching the redesigned Music University (MU) Series to incorporate new and diverse ways to engage local musicians in professional development opportunities. Participants benefit from engaging with national and local industry… Read more »
GDP Band Hype: Younger
Every year, the GDP lineup serves as a snapshot of new Iowa music. From folk to hip-hop to metal and everywhere in between, the festival is always an eclectic mix of musical movers-and-shakers across the state. Channelling the likes of Bikini Kill through some of the more rooted Sonic Youth explorations, Younger is what the “Nasty… Read more »
