ABOUT IOWA PIONEERS
iowa pioneers is a visual archive and media platform documenting the growth of iowa’s music scene.
built through collaboration, consistency, and connection, we highlight the artists shaping what the state sounds like in real time.
since 2020, the goal has been simple:
to make sure the scene is seen.
with 100+ music videos and ongoing coverage, we focus on creating high-quality visuals, live moments, and cultural documentation across iowa’s emerging artists.
this is not just content.
it’s documentation of a growing scene.
About Me.
FOUNDER
Trae (Traevfx)
FOUNDER
I started out just shooting under TraevFX filming videos, documenting artists, and working with creatives across Iowa. Over time, I realized the channel was becoming something bigger than just my work.
There were too many talented people, too many disconnected scenes, and not enough places actually trying to connect the dots. Iowa Pioneers came out of that. An olive branch between artists, collectives, cities, and communities I had built relationships with through music videos and media.
What started as filming turned into a bigger vision: putting the Iowa scene on and documenting the people building it before the world catches up. Along the way, I’ve been lucky to receive recognition from places like Iowa Public Radio and collaborate with some of the most influential underground artists in the state long before the scene was fully being seen.
Iowa Pioneers exists to archive the movement while it’s still being built.
Part of the excitement is catching the vision early before the rest of the world catches on.
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WORLD STATEMENT
JULY 24. 2021
Traevfx is a 20-year-old independent director, filmmaker, and editor who is nurturing an underground rap scene in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. On July 24th, 2021, he organized an underground rap event titled "World Statement," showcasing artists he worked with. During 2020 and 2021, Trae dedicated his efforts to producing music videos, developing artist profiles, and planning the show. Leading up to the event, he released two music videos weekly for three weeks straight. The upcoming documentary will highlight the behind-the-scenes work for the show and provide a glimpse into Iowa's hidden music scene. Trae's vision is to make a significant impact on Iowa's music landscape, inspire ambition in small towns, and offer hope to aspiring underground artists.
What We Do
we don't just post content. we build presence.
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Music Video Production
Full creative production for artists across Iowa. Directing, shooting, and editing music videos that elevate your sound into a visual story. Built to match your aesthetic, not template content.
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Artist Spotlight (Iowa Pioneers Media)
Feature placements across the Iowa Pioneers platform including posts, reels, interviews, and curated highlights. Designed to push artists into wider visibility within the Iowa scene and beyond. Interviews, content, cultural documentation.
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Live Stream Coverage & Reactions
Interactive livestreams covering new drops, reactions, and real-time community engagement. Bringing audiences into the moment while amplifying new music as it releases.
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Song Battles (Song Wars)
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Head-to-head track matchups where songs compete for audience reaction and engagement. Built to spark conversation, hype releases, and let the community decide what wins
