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Portland Live This Week

The Life and Times of Portland Recording Studios

With a city and music industry constantly in flux, Portland’s recording rooms are facing new challenges. Yet, there is no shortage of spaces, whether professional or DIY. Explore basements, handmade gear, multidimensional operations, unparalleled studios, and reputable mastering engineers alongside successful artists turned producers, storied haunts, and today’s hip-hop scene.
The Perfectly Constructed Space

From individually poured pieces of concrete in the foundation to five isolation rooms to 22-foot-high ceilings, East Burnside's B-Side Studios provides a wooded vibe and a welcoming atmosphere for a growing list of sessions from notable local artists and more.
Join the Vortex Access Party!

Just like a vortex in nature revolves around a central axis, Vortex Music Magazine revolves around our community—aka you! Join the Vortex Access Party today!
Studios That Do More Than Make Records

Whether intentional or not, some Portland studios have developed extracurricular specializations in offering multimedia services or event space—because for The Rye Room and The Hallowed Halls, being resourceful was always a part of the plan.
The Hip-Hop Studio-Label Hybrid

The likes of EYRST, Burn Money Music and It’s Future Time are blazing new trails in the production and dissemination of hip-hop and R&B in Portland by providing local artists with the tools and environment needed to develop their talent.
From Successful Artist to Producer: Hutch Harris

As The Thermals began to wind down, Hutch Harris found himself producing records with Victor Nash at Destination: Universe! Working swiftly and on the cheap, he's already spent time behind the board for Deathlist, King Who and many more.
The Studio That's Not Bound By Location

Tucker Martine's Flora Recording & Playback started in Seattle, moved down the I-5 corridor thanks to a blossoming relationship with The Decemberists, and has been based out basements, barns and churches over the years. This summer will see Martine take ownership of a new custom-built space in NE Portland. Photos by Jason Quigley
Historic Recording Rooms in Portland

Portland is a music city and our studios are where we document the sounds of local artists as well as international stars. Legendary studios have come and gone over the years while many are still going strong: Here's a rundown of several of those special rooms and their recording royalty.
Support Local, #PDXmusic-Loving Businesses

Portland's vibrant music scene is supported by local businesses that value music in our community. Check out these supporters of Vortex Music Magazine that play a vital role in encouraging, enabling and cultivating the music that circulates through the veins and culture of our city.
Vortex on Vinyl, Again!

To celebrate our fourth birthday, we gathered eight unreleased songs from local artists and cut a danceable, rock-and-rollable, emotional smattering of stellar PDX sounds to wax! Get your copy on Record Store Day or at our birthday party at Kelly’s Olympian—featuring LEO ISLO, Mic Capes and MAITA—on April 26!

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