UFO Daze by Brown Calculus
"UFO Daze" by Brown Calculus Dir. Kryptic Films
Back to life/Back to reality/Back to the here and now, yeah!

Faithful readers, while it was a nice holiday break, we have at long last made it into the new year of 2020. I know I can't be the only one who's having a hard time solely focusing on the music world right now like I so desperately want to, because bush fires have already killed half a billion animals in Australia, and there is an impeached US president in the midst of trying to start a war with Iran right fucking now. But alas, if you need to look away from the horror on your phone/TV screen for a few minutes, here are a few Portland music-related developments that could bring you joy today and in the future.

Right before the holiday break, Brown Calculus released their new music video for "UFO Daze," directed by Kryptic Films. If you liked Lizzo's viral video for "Juice," you'll love this. With references to Soul Train, '90s sitcom Blossom, and even an infomercial (in which a Voodoo Doughnut makes a cameo), the whole TV-inspired visual is excellently edited, trippy, and hilarious. A true joy to watch. (Be sure to also check out their recent-ish performance of the track on Banana Stand Media's Unpeeled showcase.) And hey! They perform at the Doug Fir tonight with Galaxe and Lisa Vazquez!



Buck up, beliebers! Justin Bieber is coming to Portland on tour this spring. After kicking off his North American leg at Seattle's Century Link Stadium on May 14, the 25-year-old pop star will play Moda Center on May 17. (Check out the full list of tour dates on his website.) Today JB revealed a new song called “Yummy,” a mellow R&B-infused release that's full of sexual innuendos. But "Yummy" is just the beginning; Bieber is set to release the music video for the single tomorrow, followed by his first album in five years, and a new YouTube docuseries called Seasons, which premieres January 27. Eeeeeeeee! I CAN’T FUCKING WAIT.

Coachella 2020
Coachella 2020
Um, the Coachella 2020 Lineup (April 10-12 and 17-19) is certifiably INSANE. They had the nerve to put Rage Against the Machine, Frank Ocean, Megan THEE Stallion, Ari Lennox, FKA Twigs, Lil Uzi Vert, Amber Mark, Koffee, Brockhampton, Amber Mark, Lana Del Rey, Summer Walker, Princess Nokia, Denzel Curry, Black Pumas, and Brockhampton all on the same bill. The audacity! (Looks like Couchella is about to be lit this year so make sure your liquor/weed cabinet is stocked.) See the full lineup and ticket prices on the Coachella site.

While we're on the topic of lineups, be sure to also check out the schedule of events for the NW Film Center's 37th annual Reel Music festival.


It must be the time to drop visuals because Portland MC Karma Rivera also released a video recently for her new single “Down 2 Ride" featuring guitarist Fabi Reyna. The song packs some seriously danceable bass-forward production. The high-quality visual has an aesthetic that's consistent with her previous releases, and this new bop follows the Portland-based rapper's video for September's excellent "Do More Say Less."


Speaking of noteworthy visuals, a couple weeks ago the Shivas also released a music video for their single "Can't Relax" via Tender Loving Empire. The stalwart Portland rock 'n' roll band's visual takes place in what appears to be a house show in someone's basement. Set against the song's raucous, free spirit, the warm colors and expert camera angles perfectly encapsulate what the Rose City's indie rock scene looks and feels like.


One-time Portlander Dodgr (who recently moved back to Cali for the time being) is very likely going to insert herself into every one of these weekly roundups because she just keeps on making major waves in the industry. The rapper/singer's song "Truth Hurts" with Alicia Keys and Mark Ronson recently appeared in a commercial for Peloton TV.

I think I speak for everyone when I say Daaaaaaaamn.