Modest Mouse, The Shins and The Decemberists…what do all these bands have in common?
They’re based in Portland, of course!
Portland’s music scene is perennially abuzz with ace bands and plenty of opportunities to discover your next favorite artist.
And here at PRP we play a local artist every fifteen minutes. In other words, we’re always on the lookout for local talent!
Here’s five Portland artists – whose music ranges from soul to indie-pop and rock – we think you’ll love.
Ashleigh Flynn & the Riveters
Ashleigh Flynn & the Riveters (AF&TR) sing their own brand of folk-roots-Americana. Or as Flynn labels it, “Female Powered Americana!”.
Her newest release boasts her superb band. And naturally, everyone lives in Portland. She recorded her “Low Arc of the Sun” EP at Portland’s Secret Society Ballroom.
Flynn’s no stranger to music festivals, either. She’s played SXSW, Bumbershoot, Bonnaroo and lots more.
Her favorite Portland venue? That’d be the highly esteemed Mississippi Studios. “I’ve grown up playing there,” says Flynn.
What’s she looking forward to this year?
“Playing more shows and writing more songs,” says Flynn, plus, she quips, “winning back The White House and Senate.”
The band’s style and enthusiasm plus Flynn’s engaging stage persona make Ashleigh Flynn & the Riveters a band to keep on your radar.
Check out “This Love“.
For a night full of fun, make sure to get AF&TR on your calendar.
Kingsley
Portland artist Kingsley sang before she could talk. Inspired by pop music, she began writing and producing her own songs at the tender age of ten.
Her specialty? An indie-pop sound with electronic touches, heart-wrenching lyrics and superb vocals.
There’s a lighthearted story about her name: “Most know me as Moe Lincoln…but I picked Kingsley when I was in 6th grade. I told my ma I wanted to be a pop star and she said I can be any name…so I went online and did a lot of research, and found Kingsley.” Adds Kingsley: “The name felt like it should have always been mine. Nowadays, most people don’t call me Moe, they call me Kingsley. Even my ma calls me Kings…”
Assisted by producer, engineer and studio owner Luke Neill, Kingsley is currently working on her new album. First-rate singer Amy Evans is providing background vocals.
Check out Kingsley singing “Ghost.”
Don’t let another year go by without hearing Kingsley live. And if she plays The Old Church Concert Hall, you’re in luck. Its excellent acoustics make it her favorite – “just a beautiful space,” says Kingsley.
As part of the upcoming RXFest, she plays Valentines at 8pm February 15th.
The Resolectrics
Portland’s The Resolectrics are a rock and soul power trio it’s high time you knew about.
Their forte’? Exploring roots-music landscapes via layered harmonies and fun arrangements.
Their new “Open Seas” album expands on their love of American R&B. They’ve added into the mix timeless, British invasion-style psychedelia and a touch of soul-based horns and harmonica.
Have a listen to their stellar track “Only Blind.”
The band is a regular at the McMenamins venues, including the Edgefield Winery and Portland’s Rock Creek Tavern.
This month finds The Resolectrics with shows in Washington and Idaho. In February they play Talent on the 19th, Seattle on the 27th and Portland on the 29th.
Keep an eye out for them, and bring your dancing shoes.
Blitzen Trapper
Acclaimed folk-rock Blitzen Trapper remain one of Portland’s favorites. They’re famous for the compelling way they mix genres and for giving excellent live performances.
Blitzen Trapper’s early influences include Michael Stipe, Bob Dylan, Son Volt’s Jay Farrar, and Neil Young.
With nine studio albums to their credit, the band continues to earn new fans, grow musically, and yes, play live shows in Portland.
In 2014 they released “Live in Portland” taken from material performed at the Doug Fir Lounge. They released “Wild and Reckless” in 2017.
A few more accolades?
Bandleader Eric Earley – who began playing music at the age of three – writes most of the band’s music. In 2015, Early earned the title of Songwriter of the Week from American Songwriter magazine. The band has been written up by Paste, Pitchfork and other music news outlets numerous times.
Don’t miss them live!
Joseph
Never pass up a chance to see folk-pop band Joseph.
Singer-songwriter Natalie Schepman and younger twin sisters Meegan and Allison make up the band, named after the town of Joseph, Oregon, and their grandfather Jo. The band has played numerous music festivals and have toured with English singer-songwriter and guitarist James Bay.
In 2016, Joseph had their television premier performing “White Flag” on Jimmy Fallon. They’re currently signed to ATO Records and on tour to promote new album “Good Luck, Kid.”
Their latest release is a new direction for the band. Enhanced by a bolder, more electric vibe, it was produced by Leggy Landgon and is garnering great reviews.
For a taste of their sweet sound, have a listen to “Green Eyes” .
To sum up: Joseph’s compelling, ethereal harmonies and innate gift for putting great songs together make them a standout in Portland’s music scene.
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🎼That’s a wrap!
We play all of these artists and many more Portland-area musicians each and every day.
Please remember to support local musicians in the marketplace by buying their music and attending live shows. You can also donate to PRP here.
For more on Portland’s vibrant music scene, watch this space!
- 2023: An abundance of music to love - December 3, 2023
- Attract birds to your garden this fall and winter - September 29, 2023
- Portland’s The Noted have new album in the works - September 29, 2023
Portland, Oregon is known for its vibrant music scene with a thriving community of local musicians. This article by the Portland Radio Project gives us a glimpse of some of the amazing talents that the city has to offer. From indie to hip-hop to folk, there is something for everyone. I was particularly impressed with the diverse range of artists featured, and I am excited to see what else Portland has in store for us in the future.