Iris

Iris is a Texan synthpop band from Austin, Texas. It is active from 1999 to 2021 and is associated with alternative dance, EBM, electronic, electronic rock, industrial and synth-pop, alongside tags such as futurepop, hard rock and rock.

Formation and early development

The group begins in 1993 under the name Forgiving Iris, when Reagan Jones and Matt Morris meet in a Texas college electronic music class and discover that they share the same musical tastes. They start by playing cover versions of songs in local clubs and gradually build a following. A later opportunity brings the band to the KRBE 104.1 festival in Houston, where it appears alongside acts including C&C Music Factory and Lucas. In the same year, it also performs on the side stage of a Duran Duran and Waterlilies concert.

Recording career

An early version of the track Annie, Would I Lie To You appears on several compilations before the band signs with Todd Durrant of A Different Drum. Work then begins on its first record. The band is later associated with members Matt Morris, Reagan Jones, Andrew Sega, Brian Pearson and XYZZY.