The Actual Goners are a roots-rock duo who now call Toronto home. Originally from Vancouver Island; these two songwriters are influenced by the likes of Wilco and Bruce Springsteen. You can definitely hear the Springsteen in their latest track “Coricidin Bottle Blues” with the subtle synth track that follows along with the rest of the instruments. Also reminds me of The War On Drugs in a way. This track as well as “Wide Awake” were recorded at the Henhouse Studio in Nashville with Steve Dawson. “The Henhouse Sessions” is available now on all platforms. See them live at The Piston on May 16th with Bywater Blues and Sean Pinchin. – Kris Gies
Khan has released a new compilation of ambient music recorded between 2014 and 2018 called Ghosts and Mirrors. Khan is moniker of electronic music producer Connor Plunkett, and this album is the follow-up to his sophomore release “Jardin de l’Aude”.
The duo of Genevieve DeGroot and Jon Cox, a.k.a. Sadurn, recently released an EP Gleam, via Dead Definition Records. Delicate, acoustic guitar and ukulele accentuate DeGroot’s impassioned, silky vocals. Bedroom-folk songwriting addresses personal concerns, while simultaneously capturing a soothing, daydreamy quality and captivating calm. You can find the pair this evening upstairs at World Cafe Live as part of a lineup that also includes Mother Moses and Americanadian.
Amanda X not only returned to the stage this past Saturday at Everybody Hits, they also released a pair of singles. Recorded by Dan Angel and James Ryskalchick at the Dungeon, “Vivid” captures a melodic awakening as the vocals intertwine and the bass pushes the pace, ascending and then spilling over into distorted guitar. “End of Days” jumps right in, recognizing the shortcomings of getting off to a bad start; it trades off vocally, while riding a contrasting exuberance. (Photo by Scott Troyan)
Dina Maccabee’s forthcoming record The Sharpening Machine is a balancing act; Maccabee juggles inclinations towards melodic singing and experimental vocal expression, while simultaneously modulating between instrumental textures both acoustic and electronic. While it can be initially perplexing to discern her overall vision, it is out of these contrasts that she creates a tension wherein shifts in structure and sound deliver a satisfying build and release. Recent single “Could You Be Right” serves as a testament to the record’s dynamic nature, changing from stumbling synth lines and a wandering vocal melody to an indie-pop, almost baroque-like march during the song’s chorus (and then back again). It’s a peak behind the curtain to Maccabee’s uniquely singular vision which will drop in full on April 5th – stream it below, and be sure to catch her at The Owl Music Parlor on April 6th with Kaethe Hostetter and Out of Sight of Land. -Connor Beckett McInerney (@b_ck_tt)
A bedroom-folk/twee vibe adorns Roz‘s "2 Years". Candid lyricism describes a communicative disconnect and the frustration that results. "Its okay if I walk home in the cold" – the narrator suggests an impasse has been reached. The only question is: What happens next?
Jeff’s Plasma Blast is happening this week! Plasma Blast has been a popular mini-fest ever since its inception in 2016. For a look at what to expect this year, we spoke to founder Rocko Zevenbergen about all the details, and what he hopes people can get out of attending.
The Deli Portland: What can people expect to see when they show up on Thursday?
People can expect a whole lot of ripper groups that have taken the Portland underground by storm! We have an amazingly diverse selection of acts, we’re expecting a vast variety of scenes crossing over at this show. You can also expect plenty of info about Bad Taste Video’s first feature film, "I Need You Dead!" and how the money from the event will be supporting it!
This is the fourth Plasma Blast! How has it evolved over the years?
When we started Plasma Blast it was originally a festival attached to Gage Nelson, Gavin Houck, and I’s previous musical endeavor Skelevision. I did most of the heavy lifting for Jeff’s and so I’ve decided to continue it post-Skelevision. In year’s past we’ve done a pretty heavy focus on indie rock tunage, however I wanted to shake it up this year. This time we have rock accompanied by groups featuring Hip Hop, Neo-Soul, Powerviolence, and more!
You have a really packed lineup. How did you go about deciding which artists would be playing?
Jeff’s is always about who I’ve worked with or noticed since the previous year’s fest. Who are the artists that I’ve seen perform and just been blown away by? This year was especially interesting as the show is a fundraiser for my first feature film, so everyone performing is doing so solely in support of that. It’s truly an honor beyond comprehension.
Is there any particular artist(s) whose sets you’re really looking forward to?
Some groups I’m having on due to the hype I’ve heard around them. I’ve actually yet to see Snake Dance perform but from what I’ve heard I’m very excited. At the end of the night one of my best friend’s labels SWEAM will be featured. They really harness the modern hip hop slap that I love and I’m stoked to see them tear the house down. I’d also really encourage people to get here early as our first three groups, Agricultural Development, Yuvees, and Kno Knuckle (featuring Gavin & Gage of Skelevision!), are easily some of the most enthralling projects in the scene right now.
The American Legion is a great local resource for artists hoping to put on more accessible shows. What relationship does Post 134 have to Jeff’s Plasma Blast?
Every year Jeff’s Plasma Blast has taken place at the Legion (not counting the "fiasco" of Jeff’s II at the Hawthorne Theater). The Legion has always had open arms to us and we appreciate and respect the venue to no end. Just last month I worked with them to throw a fundraiser show for their space and as a result they are letting 100% of all door money go to the film. The Legion has always, and will continue to be, the best spot in Portland for bands to take the stage at any age and at any point in their band’s career. If you haven’t booked with Legion, I’d highly recommend it, they are very flexible and accommodating and have a staff that really care about supporting independent art.
You’re also raising funds for a local feature film called "I Need You Dead!” What are your plans for this project, and how can other artists get involved?
"I Need You Dead!" tells the story of a young punk by the name of DOOD. During a moment of total teenage angst, he births a fleshy hairball of a Creature. It is a manifestation of DOOD’s most self-deprecative thoughts and impulses. He must find some way to rid of this Creature… before it consumes his entire being! Supporting us on this satirical take on depression is President of Troma Entertainment and creator of The Toxic Avenger, Lloyd Kaufman, who is endorsing the film. We also have special effects master Eric Fox down in LA currently creating our practical Creature puppet in his MorbFX Lab! The film is currently in pre-production and is open to anyone who wants to get involved. In Portland, I often don’t see opportunities to get involved in an underground film project such as this, so I’m very excited to be able to offer one to people. If you want to be on our cast or crew simply email me at rocko.badtaste@gmail.com.
Are there any other things you hope will come out of Plasma Blast 4?
At the end of the day I throw shows because I love seeing the new faces. When some high-school kid wanders into a space like this and gets their mind blown by local music, a supportive kind scene, and a safe space where one can express themselves to the fullest degree, I bask in that. I also hope the more seasoned artists of our scene get a chance to meet the other groups I’ve paired them with! I like mixing my bills up and introducing new groups to others. It wasn’t too long ago I started booking one of my best friend’s, rapper Este, with a bunch of my rock friends and now I swear he’s performing at every rock house show in Portland (and killing it too might I add)! Lastly, my own solo musical endeavor Rocko N’ Roll will be playing, it’s our second show and I’m excited to play in front of Jeff’s notoriously amped-up crowd. It should be one hell of a Plasma Blast!
Jeff’s Plasma Blast is this Thursday, March 14th. Doors open at 5, and it’s $5-10 to get in. Check out the promo video for "I Need You Dead" below.
Channeling a sound reminiscent of forward looking artists like Radiohead and Pink Floyd, NYC-based band Upright Man molds a signature psych-rock style propelled by a traditional guitar, bass, and drums set up. In their 2017 debut self-titled album, the trio consisting of Aidan Dolan (guitar/vocals), Nick Katz (bass/vocals), and Max Yassky (drums/vocals) flaunts an assortment of openings for each song that range from punchy and overdriven basslines to swiftly picked guitar riffs. Songs like "Ecstacy" and "Agorognostic" soothe with ambient verses and then explode into hard-charging choruses that show off the band’s authentic sound. In songs like "Say What You Mean" you can hear the folk influences of Led Zeppelin’s groundbreaking second album, and yet, through all these changes the three New Yorkers remain themselves. The album’s title track (which double as the band’s names, since the record is self-titled) is a hard-hitting classic rock ode that truly crystallizes the group’s versatility. Upright Man will be taking the stage at Brooklyn Bazaar on March 15th. – Rene Cobar
The music industry can tear you up. If it does, you either get out, or you go all in. (In some cases, you throw caution to the wind, start your own label, and send hundreds of emails a day booking shows or hawking albums.) Hailey Whitters knows this all too well, as she chronicles in her new single "Ten Year Town". The song, which comes from her upcoming self-financed album The Dream, talks about her life in Nashville over the past decade as she’s tried to make it in the music world, with every failed single, radio station rejection letter, and empty venue giving her the drive to keep going. "Ten Year Town" is a stripped-down and honest song about how raw trying to live creatively can make a person, but it also explores the idea that no matter how hard it gets, there’s always a little bit of hope left over. Take a look at the video for "Ten Year Town" below, and stay tuned for the release of The Dream later this year. – Will Sisskind
Whitney has announced a Fall U.S. headlining tour last week that will kick off in Austin, TX on September 13th. This is their first U.S. since 2017 which followed the release of their debut album, Light Upon The Lake.
Whitney is lead Vocalist/Drummer Julien Ehrlich and guitarist Max Kakacek and is currently in the studio finishing up their sophomore album which should be released later this year to coincide with their tour.
