Portland’s Best Music Videos of 2023

Let's show some love to the visuals that explain, compound, or even elevate a song's vibe—here are our five favorites.

Hear in Portland's 2023 New Year's Eve Show Picks

Our annual round-up of hot Portland NYE shows, with a new addition: Zyah Belle No Wallflowers DJ Night

Hear in Portland: Y La Bamba to Play Portland Music Month

Plus, Federale and the Delines unwrap Christmas tracks, and Greaterkind is your last shot at a chill live show before Christmas chaos.

Hear in Portland: What If We Watched Reptaliens, Got on a Rooftop, and Kissed?

Plus, Fountaine and 10thmember made an upbeat bopper collab, and are you planning your Portland Music Month?

Hear in Portland: Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme Holiday Shenanigans at the Schnitz

Plus, the Thesis celebrates nine years of lit, local-focus hip-hop and Ms. Arietta Ward throws you a party for HER birthday.

Hear in Portland: A New Jazz Night at Keys Lounge Draws Fans of the 1905

The new Covi. and Drae Slapz joint EP is addictively fun, and a New Year's Eve Cowboy Prom? We're There.

MusicOregon Awards $57,000 in Grants to 18 Portland- and Vancouver-Area Musicians

The Echo Fund supports a historically overlooked creative pursuit: popular music.

HEAR IN PORTLAND: Friends of Noise Fundraising for an All Ages Venue

Ural Thomas and the Pain shine on a stacked New Year's Eve bill, and Portland rapper-producer Fountaine's farewell DJ dance nights.

This Billie Eilish Cover by Wonderly Is Filled With Joyful Irony

We spoke with Portland music duo Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk about the new music video from their album of covers.

The Rumors Are True—North Portland Jazz Club, the 1905, Is Closing

The club built a reputation for top-tier talent performances, but could not escape its looming financial problems.

Live Show Review: Liz Phair's Exile in Guyville 30th Anniversary Tour

The Portland stop was a happy-sad, nostalgia-induced crying jag trip through time.

FREE TICKETS THURSDAY: Enter to Win Free Tix to See Grouplove with Bully at the Crystal!

Hear in Portland: Vagabon Evolves at Mississippi Studios

Plus, Portland rapper Jordan Fletcher on a stacked Kelly's bill, and the Oregon Symphony's adds more diverse holiday concerts.

Portland, Appreciate a Wynne When You Have One

The rapper's homecoming show promises bad-bitch anthems, special surprises, and fans screaming her complex, confident lyrics.

Hear in Portland: Say Yes to the RENAISSANCE / RENAIDDANCE Beyoncé Dance Night

Plus, Federale and the Prids co headline Crystal Ballroom, and two Portland rap projects score a feature from Fatboi Sharif.

Oregon Jazz Legend Dan Balmer to Release New Album on Local Label

An offshoot of the Portland Jazz Composers Ensemble, PJCE Records has comissioned new arrangements of Balmer's music for his record release show.

The Wandering Drones of Water Shrew Trio

The local label supergroup of Bud Tapes' Emmet Martin and Oranj Discs' Skyler Pia release a studio album with Boreen's Morgan O’Sullivan.

Hear in Portland: Pickathon Favorites Butcher Brown to Play the Get Down

This show-heavy music news update has details on Portland's date with Wynne, and Revolutions Per Movie's first live podcast taping—with R.E.M.'s Peter Buck!

Hear In Portland: Mal London Drops a New Single and Headlines the Thesis in November

Bad Bunny's Portland show tickets are in the wind; Moorea Masa and the Mood's latest track is "Magic."

Hear in Portland: Dress Up Like a Record for Mississippi Records

Dial into the slowed down + reverb version of Karma Rivera and Chilifa Nem's “Taraji P," and imagine Providence Park's glow-up possibilities.

See Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour as Big as You Can

The movie version of the exorbitantly-priced stadium show is an equalizer.

FREE TICKETS THURSDAY: Enter to Win Tickets to See The Bad Plus at Revolution Hall!

Hear in Portland: Brown Branch Big Band Honor Jazz Legend

Plus, Portland-based Nigerian singer-songwriter Izzy Baba Melo has "Something Huge," and A Beat Happening's free Lolo Pass showcase is stacked.

Hear in Portland: Chris Slusarenko's New Podcast Talks Stop Making Sense

Plus, sobbing about Dame D.O.L.L.A.'s "Farewell," and vibing with A Beat Happening at OMSI.

As No-No Boy, Dr. Julian Saporiti Turned His Research Into Brainy, Bright Folk Songs

"Empire Electric" sounds like Sufjan Stevens' 50-albums-for-50-states project, but about Asian experience in America.

Hear in Portland: NYC Rap Duo Armand Hammer Heat up Polaris Hall

Plus, PDX Pop Now! for fall, and Dame D.O.L.L.A shot a video in Portland's Rose Test Garden with Rexx Life Raj.

Portland's Coolest New Record Shop Is Three Record Stores, a Bookstore, a Radio Station, and a Label

Hear in Portland: Don't Sleep on the Final Doug Fir Lounge Shows at Jupiter Hotel

Plus, Bijoux Cone's powerful song about trans erasure, and Dani Danger's sultry pool views in her "Addicted to Love" music video.

Finally, the Music of Mort Garson Presented as It Should Be: WITH LASERS

OMSI will host a custom light show set to the music of the synth pioneer.

Oregon Symphony's Deanna Tham Helps Us Unpack the Greatest Modern Film Composer

FREE TICKETS THURSDAY: Enter to Win Tix to See the Cavalera Brothers!

Hear in Portland: Wynne Plays the Bachelorette on Her New Single “High Standards”

Plus, Schaus' Holocene record release show is stacked, and Travis Scott added another Portland Utopia tour stop.

Show Recap: The Thesis Yacht Party on September 7, 2023

Fierce performances, surreal moments, luxurious snacks, and a reminder that smoking pot on the Portland Spirit is not allowed.

YOUR SUNDAY READING LIST: City Council Screws Up Again, Proof Portland Isn't Dying, and Ninja Supplies Desperately Needed!

Family Worship Center’s Big Band Rock Lives Inside a Pocket of Time

The faux cult’s debut full length, Kicked Out of the Garden, shows nostalgia for rock and roll grandstanding.

Hear in Portland: Karma Rivera Headlines the Thesis Yacht Party

Plus, new records from intimate songwriters Small Million and family-folk teacher Red Yarn.

YOUR SUNDAY READING LIST: The City Council Candidate Tsunami Approaches, Protecting Portland Trees, and Workers Push Back!

FREE TICKETS THURSDAY: Enter to Win Tix to See PAM's 32 Sounds, Black Artists of Oregon, and the Girl, Intterupt’r Comedy Tour!

YOUR SUNDAY READING LIST: Sketchy Legal Summons, Portland's New Districts, and Stock Up on Snacks, Stoner!

HEAR IN PORTLAND: Jackpot Records Celebrates 25 Years, Moorea Masa's Summer Jam, and Let's Drink Up Some Pink Martini

Get the latest music news and hottest bops to put in your ears.

Six Records for Rotation Before The Elephant 6 Recording Co.

C.B. Stockfleth's new documentary digs into the '90s music collective behind Neutral Milk Hotel, Of Montreal, and the Minders.

Hear in Portland: Orquestra Pacifico Tropicale Promises New Songs and a Third Album

Plus, Dani Danger's gorgeous new "Addicted to Love" is good listening for the inevitable traffic jam at the 50 Cent concert.

FREE TICKETS THURSDAY: Enter to Win Free Tix to See Richard Cheese or Attend the Taylor Rave!

Knot Springs and the Hot Tub Financial Disparity Machine

Visiting Portland’s fanciest spa, or how I learned to stop worrying and love the cold plunge.

Portland Is Losing Its Babytooth

Co-released by local labels Antiquated Future Records and Bud Tapes, the excellent debut is both a hello and goodbye, for now.

YOUR SUNDAY READING LIST: Traffic Violence, the Glory of Pickathon, and Is This Portland's Best Bagel?

The Mercury's Favorite Moments of Pickathon 2023

"The volunteers were kind. The music was excellently curated, and I again came out of it appreciating new artists."

Photo Essay: Pickathon 2023 in Pictures

Trippy art and unforgettable live shows from the annual music festival at Pendarvis Farm.

Hear in Portland: A Bittersweet Final Maarquii Show

Plus, Dame D.O.L.L.A's album release announcement and the second year of Kidz Outside Festival in St. Johns.

Hilarious Hard Rock Trio Tacos! Has a New Album Out on Portland Label Nadine

Eating tacos (the food) with Tacos! (the band)!

Get Farm-Zoned With the Mercury's Pickathon 2023 Picks

Lee Fields, Thee Sinseers, GEL, W.I.T.C.H., and many more play the best darn little music festival held 16 miles outside of Portland.

Hear in Portland: Karma Rivera's 2023 Singles Show an Irresistible Bass-Forward Direction

Plus, a rare Zyah Belle live appearance at Peter's Room, and THIS IS NOT A DRILL—Wynne is going on tour.

Prodigal Portlander Drowse Returns to the Gloom

Kyle Bates on pursuing a doctorate in composition, the long, warm drones he's been making with Chicago sound artist Lula Asplund, and his upcoming show at Mississippi Studios.

FREE TICKETS THURSDAY: Enter to Win Free Tix to See OSEES and Cash Cab's Ben Bailey!

Hear in Portland: Jazz and Groove-Driven Trio Greaterkind Gets Steamy

Plus, a Heavy Gold label night at the Fixin' To, a new collab from Mal London and JxJury, and Dame D.O.L.L.A. tells us "The Way It Goes."

FairWell Festival Favorites: Five Country-ish Bands We Loved

FairWell's first year drew tens of thousands to Redmond, Oregon for a Lollapalooza of "good country" music.

Live Show Review: Our Mom Taylor Swift Visited Seattle, Saturday July 22

Taylor Swift stopped by Seattle to visit the 140,000 children she helped raise.

Portland Composer Saloli's Enchanting Synth Portrait of a Bear

Mary Sutton's new record draws in the classic and the personal—from Erik Satie to a painting by her father, Cherokee artist Jerry Sutton.

FREE TICKETS THURSDAY: Enter to Win FREE TIX to Attend Tomorrow's BARBIE RAVE!

Hear in Portland: What's Hotter—the Cover of Wynne's New EP or Her Jaw-Dropping Tracks?

Plus, Nonbinary Girlfriend plays Live on KEXP, and a rare KAYTRAMINÉ show at Edgefield.

FREE TICKETS THURSDAY: Enter to Win FREE TIX to See Neil Young and Disturbed!

Hear in Portland: On Red Head Redemption Jinkx Monsoon Reveals They've Moved Back to Portland

Plus, an excellent new summer anthem collab from JxJURY and Mal London, and a promising upcoming free Sunday show at Rontoms!

The Mercury's 48-Hour Drag-A-Thon Live Blog

Darcelle XV Showplace and Wildfang broke a Guinness World Record—here's what happened!

FREE TICKETS THURSDAY: Win Free Tix to See Hank Williams Jr. This Friday!

Hear in Portland: Neo-Soul Singer Lo Steele Is a Portland Soul Legacy

Plus, Sarah Clarke co-headlines with Lyle Divinsky, and Mic Check celebrates seven years of showcases and the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.

Candid Ramblings Rhymes with Refreshing Directness

Being in Portland helped rapper Lakeeyscia Griffin find the confidence to write a song about her partner.

HEAR IN PORTLAND: Popular Farm Music Fest Pickathon Posts a Plea for Its Future

Plus, Thirsty City showcase celebrates nine years at the Goodfoot, and who should be on your radar at the Waterfront Blues Festival?

FREE TICKETS THURSDAY: Enter to Win Free Tix to See Vacations and Last Dinosaurs at the Crystal!

Hear in Portland:  Oregon Trail Sessions Is Bringing Beats to the Woods

Plus, Wynne's "Hot Friend," freestyle on Sway, and three Portugal. The Man music videos you can't see outside Movie Madness.

Ecliptic's Brewers & Their Bands Celebrates Portland Craft Beer Makers and Their Music

The daytime tasting fest celebrates local craft beers and the musicians who brewed them.

FREE TICKETS THURSDAY: Enter to WIN FREE TICKETS to See the Sabertooth Festival and the Gamer Rave!

HEAR IN PORTLAND: Nonbinary Girlfriend's Ambitious and Lovely "Body"

Plus, emcee trio the Pharmacee drops a rowdy club banger and a good reason to attend Shrista's Late Lyrics.

Hear in Portland: The Prids Shoegaze the Stage at Lollipop Shoppe

Plus, Mississippi Records releases Be Present Art Group's debut EP, and Janelle Monae's Age of Pleasure is upon us!

Hear in Portland: Kingsley Headlines the Thesis, Records at Clinton Street Theater

Plus, a terrific new record from Dust Raps the Blues and a stacked local show you shouldn't miss.

Portland Thrash Trio U SCO Has a New Record, and It Was Worth the Wait

Catchin’ Heat defies description, but we'll still try: monolithic and euphoric with epic interlocking bass clarinet from Jonathan Sielaff.

FREE TICKETS THURSDAY: Enter to WIN FREE TICKETS to See Duran Duran on June 1!

Hear in Portland: Wynne's Super Sexy Music Video for "Jaw Morant" Is Here

Plus, dream-folk duo Shady Cove at Lollipop Shoppe, and the unmissable local talent at a Prince birthday tribute night.

Western Sky Music Places Jeffrey Silverstein at a Crossroads

The Portland-based songwriter’s new album gives country music a cosmic twist.

Hear in Portland: New Methods Body Music Video "Snares" Contains Mysterious Angles

Ancient Heat reunite for Holocene's 20th birthday party, and it's looking like a real millennial dad rock summer.

YOUR SUNDAY READING LIST: Peterson Quits Again, Bus Drivers Spreading the Gospel, and How Much DO You Know About Portland Anyway?

HEAR IN PORTLAND: There Are No Skips on Sqip’s Boi

Plus, some shows on our radar: the Shivas rock Lollipop Shoppe and Oh, Rose melts faces at Mississippi Studios.

Portland Radio Institution Intends to Move to Dishier Downtown Digs

We spoke with All Classical CEO Suzanne Nance about benefits of the move, like a new recording studio and additional space to foster classical-loving community.

Oregon Sister Trio Joseph Release The Sun

Hear in Portland this week: a new single (and music video tease) from Wynne and Jidenna returns to the Roseland.

YOUR SUNDAY READING LIST: Gunshot Detection Tech Under Fire, and the Welcome Return of Holman's Bar... and Jorts!

Q & A: Hulder Is the One-Woman Black Metal Band Taking the Scene by Storm

The mysterious Olympia-based musician reminisced about oxtail soup, Enya, and recording her demo in a frigid Oregon garage.

YOUR SUNDAY READING LIST: Commish Mapps' Plan to Screw Over Black Portlanders Backfires, Justice for the Normandale Park Shooter, and a Very EVIL Game Show!

Live Show Review: Haley Heynderickx Debuted New Songs at Her Friday April 14 Solo Show

Fans gazed up at Heynderickx with a mix of holy reverence and girl crush.

The True Special Occasion Is Emily King Playing Portland (It's Also Her New Album Title)

Hear in Portland this week: Silvertongue Sunday Sessions alert, and if you're only vibing to the "4Eva" video, you're missing out on a second Animé verse.

YOUR SUNDAY READING LIST: Questioning NAACP Leadership, "Fast Forward" to Rapper Mat Randol, and Adorable Animal Trivia!

Rapper Mat Randol Rhymes at Iconic Portland Spots in “Fast Forward”

Great music you can soon HEAR IN PORTLAND: Black power anthems from Sampa the Great and cosmic country from Jeffery Silverstein

YOUR SUNDAY READING LIST: Government Overhaul Update, Kids are Fucking Fed Up, and Cops Get an Expensive New Toy

Synth and Nature Swim Together on Siren and the Sea's Gravity Wave

Hear in Portland this week: Afrobeat and dancehall at the Thesis, and Portland music icons celebrate 50 years of hip hop with Beats & Rhymes.

YOUR SUNDAY READING LIST: Rescue Workers Condemn Gonzalez Tent Ban, a Lifeline for Renters, and Fun Stuff to Do in April!

Lean Into It with Portugal. The Man's End-of-Times Dance Party Song "Dummy"

Hear in Portland this week: Fkn around live with Phony Ppl and a catchy, cinematic Federale show.

YOUR SUNDAY READING LIST: New Takeout Container Rules, This Year's Pickathon Lineup, and Oregon Expands Reproductive and Gender Rights

FREE TICKETS THURSDAY: Win Free Tix to See Aly & AJ at the Crystal Ballroom!

BEHOLD! Pickathon's 2023 Lineup

The Pendarvis Farm fest welcomes soul icon Lee Fields, folk duo Watchhouse, psych rockers the Shivas, and many other excellent musicians.

Indie Pop Sister Trio, Joseph, Stun with “The Sun”

Hear in Portland this week: The Get Down turns one, and a dream downtown music bill of Edna Vazquez and Mariachi Tradición.

Tides Is Jenny Conlee's Soundtrack to the Pacific Northwest Coast

Decemberists accordion player unveils a solo album of unresolved sounds found in Greek musical scales.