Iara is an up-and-coming metalcore band from Millersville University in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
What started as an ensemble group the members were required to join as an extension to their music degrees has started to become “pretty serious in a short amount of time,” said Ty Geiger, the band’s drummer.
Since forming in August of 2024, the band has already sold merchandise, played two live shows, started recording their first single “Constrictor,” and lined up another big live performance. Their upcoming show at Lancaster’s “LAUNCH Music Conference and Festival” will be on April 17, and according to the official LAUNCH website, will feature over 130 live performances from bands across the country.
Iara couldn’t have gotten here without the tight bond they’ve formed, though. Despite only being together for eight months, “we’ve all grown pretty close since starting the band,” said Brian Helduser, the band’s bassist.
“It’s been an incredible experience, it’s challenging and at the same time very rewarding, constantly pushing me to be better. I love it,” added Aden Getz, the guitarist for the band.
As for most bands, they need something that sets them apart and helps them stand out. For Iara, they’re a metalcore band in an area that has “a lot of emo and indie rock bands,” said Helduser.
Another thing that helps make Iara stick out is “our love of other genres outside of metal,” said Getz. He added, “Rhythmically, we love odd groupings/times, which just adds to the sound.”
Before even releasing their first single, Iara has already been getting positive feedback for their work. On Friday, March 21, they were given the opportunity to open for an all-woman cover band of Judas Priest named “Judas Priestess.”
During their set, they featured a lot a new songs they never had the chance to play in other shows. It’s just music that “sounds like nothing we made before,” said Geiger.
Having the opportunity to perform live shows and continue practicing with each other has played a large role in the development of Iara. The music industry can be difficult for many to get into, but the positive feedback the band has gotten after only two shows has them motivated to keep working.
The band’s drummer, Geiger, said after their first live performance, everyone met up at his place and he asked them, “We’re gonna do this after college, right? Like if we can do this, we’re gonna do this, right?”
Seeing their hard work pay off after just one show was a huge morale boost for the band.
“I think it’s fair to say the countless hours we spent practicing and discussing future plans are paying off in a positive way for us,” added Helduser.
With the end of the semester fast approaching, Iara is looking to have their first single, “Constrictor,” released before Millersville University’s summer break.
The future is bright for Iara and their work. With many upcoming releases and projects, Geiger wants people to know, “This whole experience so far has made me have so much gratitude for the people around me and the community I’m in.” He added, “It’s somehow become what I love because of how great the experience has been and how supportive people have been.”
Iara is looking forward to sharing other projects after releasing their first single. Without a release, the only thing people can do in the meantime is support the band in their current endeavors. Even a little support can go a long way for them.
If you’re interested in seeing Iara play live, you can go to https://www.launchmusicconference.com/ and purchase tickets for April 17.
