In a Culver’s booth in Cedar Falls, a new chapter of local music quietly began in January 2025. That’s where Bluff Street, a rising indie pop and rock band made up entirely of University of Northern Iowa students, held their very first meeting. Since then, they’ve been steadily gaining momentum, drawing crowds with their electrifying shows, unique style and unmistakable chemistry.
Bluff Street is fronted by Riley Jane, a powerhouse vocalist and songwriter who brings both lyrical vulnerability and a commanding stage presence. A senior social work major at UNI, Riley is set to graduate in December — but music, she says, will always be a constant in her life.
Backing her up is a talented trio of multi-instrumentalists. Braden Sabin, guitar/bass/vocals, a sophomore accounting major; Breven Biermann, bass/guitar/vocals, a sophomore studying interactive digital studies; and Julian McGuinty, on drums, a sophomore kinesiology major and, as Riley jokes, “also single and a feminist, by the way.”
The band’s origin story is as modern as it gets. Riley had long dreamed of starting a band, but didn’t know any local musicians — so she turned to Instagram. A quick scroll through the UNI School of Music’s followers led her to Braden, who just happened to be holding a guitar in his profile picture.
“I decided that was enough to convince me I needed him as a guitarist,” Riley says. A cold DM and a few introductions later, she met Breven and Julian, and Bluff Street officially came to life.
The band name has literal roots — one of Riley’s family-owned rental properties on Bluff Street doubled as their first rehearsal space. She now lives there, and the name stuck.
Bluff Street quickly hit its stride, blending Riley’s heartfelt originals with crowd-pleasing pop and rock covers. Their genre is indie pop/rock, but their vibe is undeniably fun, slightly chaotic and deeply connected.
“We’ve got lots of bits during our shows,” Riley says. “Wigs, kazoos, megaphones and Draco Malfoy. It’s a whole experience.”
What sets them apart in a crowded local music scene, aside from being all UNI students, the band brings a strong sense of showmanship, humor and originality. Unlike many bands in the area, Bluff Street boasts a rare dynamic, a female frontwoman with all-male instrumentalists.
Performing live is where Bluff Street truly shines. They’ve already crossed a major item off Riley’s bucket list by playing at Des Moines Pride Fest and they consistently light up the stage at The Octopus, a beloved Cedar Falls bar.
“The Octopus is one of our favorite places,” Riley says. “We perform at their songwriter’s night every first Wednesday of the month. It’s such a supportive space for local talent.”
Bluff Street also credits the UNI community for playing a big part in their journey. The university’s radio station recorded and produced their debut single, “I only want the boys (who don’t want me),” and Hilltop Media filmed their first music video. They even performed at the Maucker-ena Showcase — all thanks to opportunities from fellow students and supportive staff.
While the future holds inevitable changes — graduations, new commitments, new faces — Bluff Street has no plans to stop anytime soon. Riley is determined to continue making music long after she earns her diploma, and the rest of the band members are equally passionate, both in Bluff Street and their other projects.
“Breven and Braden are basically the Cedar Falls music scene,” Riley says. “Breven’s solo work under the name Beeven is incredible. And there are rumors Braden’s working on some solo stuff too.”
Their next big gig is Sept. 27 at the James Theater in Iowa City, where they’ll perform a set of entirely unreleased original songs. It’s a bold move that speaks to their confidence, ambition and the depth of material they’ve been building behind the scenes.
As they look ahead to studio time, new demos and growing their fan base, one thing’s clear: Bluff Street is more than just a student band — it’s a movement born out of creativity, collaboration and a shared love for making music.
To keep up with their journey, follow them on Instagram @bluffstreetband.
