The new issue is out now!
Get the mag mailed to your door each quarter—just join the Vortex Access Party!
Or pick up a copy around town at these fine establishments.
Exploring the Experimental in Portland Music
From the artist-run, education-emphasizing synth library S1, to the “anything but ordinary” contemporary chamber music of Third Angle New Music, to expert improvisers at the Creative Music Guild, discover our city’s experimental music sanctuaries, where nothing is off limits and diving deep is celebrated. Plus new music from Wynne, Abronia, Green Hills Alone, Projekt Records and Spotted Peccary Music.
Join our Vortex
Just like a vortex in nature revolves around a central axis, our magazine revolves around our people—aka you! Become a member of the Vortex Access Party and get our mag mailed to your door each quarter as well as access to contests for festival tickets, concert photography, vinyl and more!
You can also sign up for the Vortex Newsletter and a PDF of issue #22 will be delivered to your inbox!
CLICK HERE to join the party!See ya out there in Portland’s musical vortex!
From The Editor
Pay It Forward
Chris Young - Oct 18, 2019
We started this magazine because we were inspired by our creative community, and in turn, we have reflexively inspired. Join us on October 24 for free beer and snacks at the Cravedog happy hour...
Community
Luddites and the Digital Embrace
Olivia Awbrey - Nov 5, 2019
It’s no wonder many musicians feel like they need to be marketing agents first and musicians second. Olivia Awbrey chats with Seattle's Kinski about their pre-digital days and the influence of...
Community
The Portland Underground: Digital Underground
Ollie Collins - Nov 4, 2019
While the digital age can let us down, we can still use it to our benefit.
New In #PDXmusic
Artist to Watch: Wynne's On The Rise In Rip City
Mac Smiff - Oct 17, 2019
With the city's hip-hop scene behind her, Wynne is set to drop her debut mixtape on October 25 and continue her effort to bring about town unity with her blistering rhymes.
New In #PDXmusic
Artist to Watch: Let Abronia's Unholy Amalgam Wash Over You
Ryan J. Prado - Oct 18, 2019
With their thoroughly collaborative spirit and a blend of psych rock, spaghetti western twang and droney doom metal, the six-piece explores expansive new territory on their sophomore album. Out...
New In #PDXmusic
Artist to Watch: The Truth-Seeking Mantra of Green Hills Alone
Ryan J. Prado - Sep 25, 2019
The duo's introspective, sonically rich sophomore record 'Eternal Return' isn't out until October 1, but you can delve into it now with the advance stream here.
Portraits of Portland Music
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...
Portraits of Portland Music
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.
Portraits of Portland Music
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...
Portraits of Portland Music
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...
New In #PDXmusic
Labels to Watch: Projekt Records and Spotted Peccary Music
Ryan J. Prado - Nov 1, 2019
Operating for a combined 70 years, Projekt Records and Spotted Peccary Music have storied histories exploring the fringes of music from near and far. Showing no signs of slowing down, these local...
History
Her Unsung History
Chris Young - Oct 31, 2019
Musician and illustrator Rachel Frankel sheds light on important musical biographies, setting the stage for a formidable future that’s female. Hear Frankel talk about her book 'She Can Really Lay...
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...
