Features > Portraits of Portland Music
Shining a spotlight on stories of the Portland music scene and the people who make it go round.
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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 Young - 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...