Features
Portraits of Portland Music
Sounds of the Black Lives Matter Movement
André Middleton - Jan 12, 2021
Through the pandemic, police violence and racial injustice, Black music remains resilient.
Wipers: 'Is This Real?' Yes, This Was Real
Mark Lore - Aug 19, 2020
With a new Jackpot Records 40th anniversary reissue of Wipers’ landmark debut, we look back at the record and the rebirth of a scene four decades ago.
The Sounds of The Rose City Revolution [Playlist]
Chris Young - Jun 10, 2020
Thanks to the independent thinkers in the streets, freelance journalists on social media, and #PDXmusic makers in our homegrown studios, this revolution is both live and televised—and our protest...
Oregon’s Bluesman: Norman Sylvester
Jory Farr - May 7, 2020
In 1987, B.B. King told a 42-year-old Norman Sylvester to devote himself full time to music. The Boogie Cat heeded that advice and became his own ambassador of blues: "Musicians are messengers. We...
In Dark Times, I Sing of Trees
Olivia Awbrey - Apr 22, 2020
In a blink, Covid-19 devastated the music industry. Together, we’ll adapt and evolve. During these times of uncertainty, it's more important than ever to shine a light on information that provides...
New In #PDXmusic
Flight Call: 'A Piece of the Map' [Video Premiere]
Andrea Janda - Aug 25, 2022
Watch the video premiere of “A Piece of the Map” from Flight Call’s debut album, HOMEWORLD, a unique 10-song, meditative art-pop journey from inner space to outer space.
Artist to Watch: Jordan Fletcher Finds a Musical Home 'Somewhere Off Alberta'
Donovan Scribes - Dec 21, 2020
Last January, the rising Portland rapper "was scared and insecure about releasing any of my music and almost gave up." Come summer, he'd taken to the streets and released a flurry of honest,...
Artist to Watch: Portland Is the New Backdrop for Parisalexa’s Neo-Soul
Jenni Moore - Dec 18, 2020
The Seattle singer has brought her sweetly sung heat to Portland’s R&B scene and discusses her move to the Rose City, getting signed and finding creativity during Covid.
Bicoastal Duo Murray Create A Visual World For Their Upcoming Debut
Bren Swogger - Nov 30, 2020
Working remotely from both Portland and New York, up-and-coming R&B duo Murray were faced with a challenge: how to market a new band without being able to do shows.
Artist to Watch: Sir Nai Finds Purpose In These Beats
Mac Smiff - Jun 3, 2020
The young Portland producer makes soundtrack scores more than beats.
Resources
It’s A Pandemic, Not A Panic
Brookfield Duece - Jan 26, 2021
Hip-hop artist and music biz insider Brookfield Duece believes 2020 was potentially the best and worst year simultaneously for both humankind and our art.
Listeners Like You
Katelyn Convery - Mar 5, 2020
Each dollar spent on local music supports all corners of the creative economy.
Professional Recording for (Not Quite) Professional Musicians
Chris Santella - Feb 28, 2020
For newbies (and old hats), learn about the studio experience, how to evaluate an engineer, and what you can do to get ready from the pros at local studios B-Side, Revolver, Bathrobe Records, Burn...
Luddites and the Digital Embrace
Olivia Awbrey - Nov 5, 2019
It’s no wonder many musicians feel like they need to be marketing agents first and musicians second. Olivia Awbrey chats with Seattle's Kinski about their pre-digital days and the influence of...
Her Unsung History
Chris Young - Oct 31, 2019
Musician and illustrator Rachel Frankel sheds light on important musical biographies, setting the stage for a formidable future that’s female. Hear Frankel talk about her book 'She Can Really Lay...
Interviews
An Interview with Callie and Brian Bauer of Shady Pines Media
James Kemp - Mar 24, 2021
The “beans and rice” of Shady Pines Media open up about its evolution from passion project to humble-yet-respected media house, Covid-19 and starting an online radio station.
ICYMI: The 'Luke EP' from YoungShirtMayne
Blake Hickman - Mar 17, 2021
New fire from one of Portland’s most dynamic young rappers.
Stoner Control: 'Learning To Swim' [Song Premiere]
Blake Hickman - Feb 17, 2021
Hear an instant classic from one of Portland's best new rock bands: "My partner literally taught me how to swim and people were concerned about global warming at the time. I guess the planet is...
Feel the Darkly Seductive Pull of Bryson Cone
Jose Amandor - Feb 6, 2020
His debut solo record puts his psychedelic "love for synthpop, R&B and soul" on display. Celebrate the release of 'Magnetism' at Rontoms on February 9.
Hear Portland Musicians Paired with Famous Authors on 'Storybound'
Chris Young - Dec 17, 2019
Host Jude Brewer talks about how his new podcast series came together and what an important role local musicians—like Shane Brown, Katelyn Convery and Stephanie Strange—play.
Community
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An Interview with Callie and Brian Bauer of Shady Pines Media
James Kemp - Mar 24, 2021
The “beans and rice” of Shady Pines Media open up about its evolution from passion project to humble-yet-respected media house, Covid-19 and starting an online radio station. 
My Layoff Was My Trap Door to Freedom
Jenni Moore - Jan 14, 2021
For BIPOC writers, the freelance game might just be the way to survive this mass media industry without experiencing burnout.
The Portland Underground: Still Open
Ollie Collins - Apr 30, 2020
Now is the time we need to feel connected. Join your #PDXmusic community—and start planning for our future—by participating in MusicPortland's city commissioner candidate forum on May 3 at 1pm....
The Portland Underground: When Shit Fucks Up
Ollie Collins - Mar 11, 2020
The best trick is to tai chi it so no one notices there’s something wrong.-
Listeners Like You
Katelyn Convery - Mar 5, 2020
Each dollar spent on local music supports all corners of the creative economy.
The Portland Playlist
Cannabis Connections in #PDXmusic
Chris Young - Apr 14, 2019
Whether it’s 4/20 or just Friday, we’ve crowdsourced Portland’s most tokeable tunes from those with the finest taste in cannabis and music. Whether explicitly about bringing a blunt through or...
The Portland Playlist: Ural Thomas
Chris Young - Oct 12, 2018
It’s time for Ural Thomas to spread love and bring The Pain—he shares the songs that inspire his music, plus a couple that he just can’t live without. Listen to his playlist now!
The Portland Playlist: Lisa Mann
Chris Young - Jun 29, 2015
Lisa Mann shares the songs that inspire her music—plus a couple of tracks that she just can’t live without. Listen to her playlist and download a song of hers for yours!
The Portland Playlist: Andy Stokes
Chris Young - Jun 19, 2015
Andy Stokes shares the songs that inspire his music—plus a couple of tracks that he just can’t live without. Listen to his playlist and download a song of his for yours!
The Portland Playlist: Thara Memory
Chris Young - Mar 11, 2015
Thara Memory shares the songs that inspire his music—plus a couple of tracks that he just can’t live without. Listen to his playlist and download a song of his for yours! Photo by Diane Russell
Articles
Rethinking Your Perfect Pickathon: 2022 Promises an Otherworldly Return for the Beloved Portland Festival
Ryan J. Prado - Aug 1, 2022
Whether it’s your first time at Pendarvis Farm, or you misplaced a hoodie at your campsite in the before-times and are desperately hoping it’s waiting for you at the lost and found, Pickathon 2022...
Making Moves with Mo Troper [Song Premiere]
Jose Amandor - Dec 11, 2019
The pillar of Portland power pop has had a busy year but it only appears to be ramping up as Mo Troper just celebrated the grand opening of his new retail store Hawthorne Game Exchange and is set...
KAZU and the Cradle of Elba
Andrea Janda - Oct 19, 2019
Taking exile from city life, Kazu Makino of Blonde Redhead is reborn as a solo artist on 'Adult Baby.'
Music and Recovery: Kendall Core’s Battle with Lyme Disease
Skylor Young - May 3, 2019
After years of being told she was losing her mind, Kendall Core lives to spread awareness of this underdiagnosed disease and will continue to do so on May 12 at Holocene alongside fellow...
A Portrait of a Country Songwriter: In Conversation with Cam
Bren Swogger - Dec 11, 2017
With an ever-growing fanbase and Grammy nominations already under her belt, country singer-songwriter Cam is back with a new album and a new tour. Vortex talked to her and got to the root of her...
History
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Her Unsung History
Chris Young - Oct 31, 2019
Musician and illustrator Rachel Frankel sheds light on important musical biographies, setting the stage for a formidable future that’s female. Hear Frankel talk about her book 'She Can Really Lay... 
Pickathon: The Rebel Festival
Darka Dusty - Jul 23, 2015
Entering its 17th year, the eco-friendly, volunteer-supported festival on farm and forestlands just east of Portland has become a model for not just sustainability but also top-notch performances...
KMHD: 30 Years of Jazz Radio Against the Odds
Don Campbell - Feb 25, 2015
Through ups and downs, Portland's own 89.1 FM is among the oldest listener-supported jazz station in the country.
Oregon Music Hall of Fame: Honoring The Past, Building The Future
Don Campbell - Nov 11, 2014
“The whole message is to recognize Oregon’s musical past, and use that as a vehicle for education to support Oregon’s musical future.” Photo by John Alcala
On The Waterfront
Don Campbell - Jul 2, 2014
A history of the Waterfront Blues Festival: How a small one-day fest turned the powerful force of music into a benefit to feed the hungry and a blues-fueled good time. Photos by John Alcala
Side Projects
Creating the Ultimate Expression of Love
Sarah Vitort - Aug 31, 2020
In times of uncertainty, music is medicine.
Golden Brown’s Casey Burge Talks Craft
Vanessa Soza - Apr 17, 2017
The Minden frontman talks about his solo work and what keeps him going in our vibrant local music scene.
EL VY: Trading Moves
Chris Young - Oct 23, 2015
Ramona Falls’ Brent Knopf and The National’s Matt Berninger finally make their lunar landing: With a debut record out on October 30, they’ll kick off their tour in Portland with two sold-out Doug...
Papi Fimbres and the Illusion of Time
Ryan J. Prado - Mar 26, 2015
The prolific drummer and percussionist will go from navigating 22 bands down to just a couple when he and his wife move to Germany for a year beginning in August 2015. Moving day aside, you still...
Portland’s Indespensable Sideman: Dave Depper
Ryan J. Prado - Nov 21, 2014
“He asked if I wanted to play bass for his band. I didn’t play bass, nor did I own one, but for some reason I said yes.”
Ex-PDX
From Portland to L.A.: In Conversation with Eli Hirsch of courtship.
Bren Swogger - Jan 23, 2018
After finding his roots in the Portland music scene, Eli Hirsch found his home in Los Angeles and a passion project in courtship. While on the road with his band, Hirsch took some time out to...
Andrew Oliver: A Former Portlander Swingin' In London
Don Campbell - Mar 25, 2015
From Portland to London and back (temporarily), Oliver will be home in the Northwest to celebrate an album release with The Kora Band on March 28 at The Secret Society as well as play other dates...
Starfucker: From Doug Firs To Desert
Chris Young - Nov 18, 2014
STRFKR's Josh Hodges has been looking forward to a year off since moving to L.A. Unfortunately, 2014 wasn't that year—but it did see the much-loved PDX dance makers play both Coachella and Red...
Jay Collins: West Meets East
Don Campbell - Jul 7, 2014
After cutting his teeth in Portland in the '80s, Jay Collins has established himself as one of New York’s finest jazz saxophonists and session players.
Joe Haege Checks In From Parts Unknown
Ryan J. Prado - May 5, 2014
From L.A. to Leipzig, Germany, Joe Haege may have left the Rose City for the time being, but he still has plans for another 31Knots record in the fall and has been plugging away at a new Vin...
