Features > Articles
Spare Spells' Desert Ghost Story for the Rain-Soaked Pacific Northwest
Katey Trnka - May 19, 2017
Haunted by their origins in the barren lands of the American Southwest and eastern Washington, the desert goth rockers' debut full-length features spooky incantations and supernatural instrumentation.
Pop, Jazz and Dance: In Conversation with Spencer Ludwig
Bren Swogger - Mar 18, 2017
Before opening for Bebe Rexha at Portland’s Wonder Ballroom on March 13, rising star Spencer Ludwig sat down backstage for a conversation about touring, his inspirations, and the power of jazz.
Who is Yur Daddy?
Ollie Collins - Jan 11, 2017
Perennial favorites at the Oregon Brewers Festival, Yur Daddy is ready to release their latest album, 'Alive.' Check them out at their release show on January 13 at the White Eagle.
Darker Tastes: A Preview of XYLØ
Bren Swogger - Oct 24, 2016
Prior to their first visit to Portland, which will kick off their tour with The Naked and Famous, synthpop brother-sister duo XYLØ give Vortex a sneak peek of their music and live set.
A Brief History of Phases: An Interview with Z Berg
Bren Swogger - Aug 12, 2016
On the cusp of kicking off their tour with Fitz and the Tantrums, Phases’ Z Berg talks to Vortex about the band's beginnings, transformation, debut album and creating their live shows. See them on...
Portland Down on the Farm
Ryan J. Prado - Aug 2, 2016
As Pickathon hosts its 18th annual gathering from August 4 to 7, Portland artists and creators of all stripes will continue to represent the best of Portland's sounds, sights and tastes.
Meant To Be: Great Good Fine OK, A Pop Paragon
Sarah Midkiff - Jul 15, 2016
We caught up with Jon Sandler, one-half of the Brooklyn-based synth pop duo, as he prepares for the band’s series of shows along the West Coast including a stop at the Doug Fir on July 24.
Indigo Girls: Song, Spirituality and Social Justice
Andrea Janda - May 13, 2016
In their 30-plus years as a band, Indigo Girls have increasingly turned their attention to social causes.
Sex, Dogs and Mental Health? Logan Lynn Tackles Depression and Suicidal Ideation on New Record
Chris Young - Mar 10, 2016
After years of translating emotional hardship into musical coherence, Lynn's grief has "opened the door to creating something beautiful" as he returns with his eighth studio record, 'Adieu,' in...
Grace Mitchell Tours Her Favorite Places in Portland [Video Premiere]
Eric Skelton - Mar 1, 2016
The “greatest artist in the multiverse” returns to Portland and stops by some of her favorite spots, including Everyday Music, Trade Up and the Crystal Ballroom. Win tickets to her March 4 show...
Vinyl On Demand
Austen Krantz - Feb 22, 2016
Want to press just 10 copies of your record? A local vinyl manufacturer makes affordable, small-run record production available to artists and fans.
Why Isn’t Jazz Popular?
Matt Fleeger - Jan 28, 2016
There’s something for everybody in jazz. It’s the most open-minded sound on the planet, no matter what the Jazz Police say. Photos by Jason Quigley
How to Press Vinyl, Locally
Chris Young - Oct 21, 2015
The birth of local vinyl is happening just down the road from SE Portland in Milwaukie at Cascade Record Pressing, the only vinyl pressing facility in the Northwest and the first one ever in...
Pop Stardom in the High School Age: In Conversation with Breana Renee Eubanks
Bren Swogger - Sep 23, 2015
Vortex talks to Breana Renee Eubanks, a 17-year-old high school senior trying hard to finish her final year of school and make it in the world of pop music.
The Road to the Perfect Music Festival
Chris Young - Jul 1, 2015
The rise of the music festival in America leaves us looking for an unparalleled festival experience. And while we may think of perfection as an end state, it is actually about progression: Pieces...
