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Building Bridges, Not Boundaries
In Bridge City, our music community seeks to overcome immigration politics and connect global communities by building bridges, not boundaries. From DACA recipients to activists, asylum seekers to those using their voices to speak out, Portland musicians affected by wall-building federal policies are inspired, continuing to do what they do in amazing fashion.
Issue #21 examines a national conversation on a local level, exploring how those in our music community are tackling roadblocks and connecting with the wider world. Plus discover new music from Rasheed Jamal, Nosila, Help, TK & The Holy Know-Nothings, J. Graves, Summer Cannibals and Aan.
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From The Editor
Reading Between The Lines
Chris Young - Aug 1, 2019
Music is capable of inspiring and bridging divides; it is infinitely more impactful than the words on this page.
Community
Rock ‘n’ Roll Pride for Late Bloomers
Olivia Awbrey - Jun 27, 2019
It’s never too late to rock and never too late to love who you love.
Community
The Portland Underground: In Person
Ollie Collins - Aug 14, 2019
Get back to basics, be intentional and live life looking up, not down at the phone.
New In #PDXmusic
Artist to Watch: Rasheed Jamal Is Ready to Reign Supreme
Mac Smiff - Jul 5, 2019
With the dramatically named 'Messiah Complex' on the horizon, one of Portland's most skilled rappers is ready to make his mark. And while you'll have to wait for its release later this summer,...
New In #PDXmusic
Artist to Watch: Nosila’s Finding Herself and Her Community
Chris Young - Aug 30, 2019
Hear a new electropop gem from Nosila now and then celebrate the release of her debut EP at The Library at Growler's Taproom with BOYGIRLBOY and Sheers on September 5. Wanna win tix? Leave a...
New In #PDXmusic
Artist to Watch: Need Some Help Taking Out Your Rage?
Ryan J. Prado - Jul 12, 2019
Made up of scene stalwarts, Help is here to do just that. Do not miss their angry, stress-relieving energy at PDX Pop Now! on July 20 or at their EP release show at Rontoms on August 25.
New In #PDXmusic
Artist to Watch: TK & The Holy Know-Nothings Bring The Heat
Skylor Young - Aug 21, 2019
A veritable supergroup of rootsy rockers featuring members of Fruition alongside LaurelThirst scene stalwarts Taylor Kingman and Lewi Longmire, the five-piece are here to share hard-won life...
New In #PDXmusic
Artist to Watch: From One 'Marathon' to the Next with J. Graves
Katey Trnka - Sep 4, 2019
Calling all Riot Grrrls: Hear propulsive new music from J. Graves now and then celebrate the release of her debut LP 'Marathon' at The High Water Mark with Gabby Holt and Keeper Keeper on...
Portraits of Portland Music
Building A Bridge Over Troubled Waters
Thacher Schmid - Aug 13, 2019
In Bridge City, our music community seeks to overcome immigration politics and connect global communities by building bridges, not boundaries.
Portraits of Portland Music
Sahel Sounds: Connecting Cultures Across Continents
Katey Trnka - Aug 19, 2019
Since 2009, Portlander Christopher Kirkley has been introducing Westerners to the music of northern Africa, striking a delicate balance between curation and collaboration in the wake of rapid...
Albums
Can’t Tell Summer Cannibals No
Ryan J. Prado - Jun 25, 2019
Defiant and determined, the Portland four-piece return with their fourth and most intimate record to date. Catch them all over the NW this summer—in Sisters at The Suttle Lodge on July 5, at...
Albums
Get Lost in Aan's Own Little World
Ryan J. Prado - Jun 12, 2019
Bud Wilson tried exploring every weird corner while making his third record 'Losing My Shadow'—out June 13 via Fresh Selects. Celebrate its release at Mississippi Studios on June 19 with Korgy &...
Resources
An Icon Is Born
Harris Newman - Sep 11, 2019
Jamie Mustard has cracked the code for why certain songs endure over time—and he’s willing to share the formula.
Vortex Marketplace
Portland and Oregon's vibrant music scene is supported by a bevy of local businesses and artists who value music in our community. The following supporters of Vortex Music Magazine play a vital role in encouraging, enabling and cultivating the music that circulates through the veins and culture...
