MTV launched on August 1, 1981, playing “Video Killed the Radio Star” by the Buggles just after midnight. On Thursday, just after midnight, a new alternative station took over the airwaves and ushered in its new era with “Capricorn” by Vampire Weekend, who had just played Hinterland in early August.
The alternative music station on 94.1 FM and 88.9 FM in the Bondurant/Mitchellville area features music from Iowa, with Iowa hosts and music that alternative music fans want to hear, according to a press release from parent company Iowa Public Radio.
“Those are three things that are increasingly difficult to find in today’s music and radio landscape,” said Jordan Bahnsen, marketing manager at Iowa Public Radio.
Which alternative bands will 94.1 play?
Fans can expect a mix of ’90s, ’80s and new music that “encompasses alternative, indie and rock across all eras, so there’s something for everyone every hour,” Bahnsen said. Think Arctic Monkeys, Hozier, Father John Misty, Modest Mouse, Jack White, The Police, Echo and the Bunnymen and the Talking Heads.
“We have been working for months to improve the sound of Studio One to give Iowans more of the music they want,” said Al Schares, music program director at Iowa Public Radio, in a press release.
Fans can also look forward to local music like The Nadas as well as live performances recorded at music venues across Iowa.
Des Moines is no stranger to the alternative music scene and is a nice stop for bands coming through town to play in the larger surrounding cities. In recent months, the Des Moines metro area has seen artists like The Pixies and the Smashing Pumpkins play at Vibrant Music Hall in Waukee, the Violent Femmes at Water Works Park, and Greta van Fleet and the Avett Brothers at the Iowa State Fair. Hinterland brought alternative artists like Chappell Roan, Hozier, and Vampire Weekend to St. Charles. Cage the Elephant plays Wells Fargo Arena in September.
More: These are some of the biggest concerts near Des Moines in 2024, from Slipknot to Alabama
Who are the DJs behind 94.1?
So far, the list of radio talents includes:
Where can you listen to 94.1?
The new signal is part of Iowa Public Radio’s Studio One format, which is currently heard on IPR News and Studio One. This new station marks the first time Studio One has been heard on the air 24/7.
The new sound will air on 94.1 in Des Moines and at select times on 13 IPR News and Studio One stations across the state. It will also be available online at iprstudioone.org and on the Iowa Public Radio and Studio One apps.
Des Moines had one alternative station, ALT 106.3 FM, which changed its format to a sports station in 2020.
Susan Stapleton is entertainment editor and restaurant reporter for the Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Þjórsárdaluror Instagram, or message her at [email protected].
