Features > Portraits of Portland Music
Shining a spotlight on stories of the Portland music scene and the people who make it go round.
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...Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll... Responsibly
Elizabeth Seward - Feb 3, 2020
Embracing this hedonistic stereotype leads to a very unsustainable lifestyle for artists who already lack affordable healthcare options. In pursuit of health and wellness for Portland musicians,...S1: The Imaginarium of Sound and Music
Harris Newman - Nov 7, 2019
If you have an artistic vision, S1 can make it happen. If you don’t, well, then simply relish in some of Portland’s most creative, up-and-coming musicians.Exploring the Experimental in Portland Music
Chris Young - Nov 6, 2019
“It’s a wild time to be in Portland because there’s so much experimentation going on and it’s really beautiful.” Discover our city’s experimental music sanctuaries, where nothing is off limits and...Third Angle New Music: Pushing the Boundaries of Contemporary Chamber Music
Katey Trnka - Oct 14, 2019
Pairing talented locals with 21st-century composers, Third Angle's modular ensemble seeks to break new ground through multidimensional collaborations with dancers, poets, visual artists, authors...Creative Music Guild: Expert Improvisation on Display
Chris Young - Oct 8, 2019
With multiple regular series frequently introducing local concertgoers to brilliant improvisers from near and far, the Creative Music Guild seeks to break musical barriers while building community...Music Wasn’t On The Menu
Chad Walsh - Aug 22, 2019
But a vintage ballroom with a recording studio below made it undeniable for The Secret Society.Serenading Your Senses
Skylor Powell - Aug 21, 2019
With an orchestrated menu of local food, music and friendship.Quenching A Collaborative Thirst
Katey Trnka - Aug 20, 2019
Portland beverage makers and bands join forces.From Power Pop to Pok Pok
Chad Walsh - Aug 19, 2019
Chef Andy Ricker could've been serving up basslines instead of tasty wings.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...