It’s true, this week is the week that Pickathon’s cult following heads into that little farm in the woods, subjecting our feet and shoes (RIP) to an epic level of dust and dirt in order to enjoy an even more epic lineup of live music. We’re covering the experiential music festival lots on the site, giving you our top picks for artists and attractions to catch at the weekend-long festival. We'll also be reporting on it afterwards, so we’d like to lay out three local music-developments that are decidedly not Pickathon. You know, for the rest of you losers.  

MUST SEE:

Upcoming local event(s) featuring local artist(s).

Kenyon Dixon, Zyah Belle 

Ever since Portland-based R&B artist Zyah Belle released her groovy and soul-drenched studio debut named after her alter ego, Yam Grier, we’ve been desperate to see her perform live. So we're making it our business to get over to the Roseland's smaller first floor venue Peter's Room, on August 6, to see Zyah Belle open for fellow R&B artist Kenyon Dixon. Those in attendance should pray their little pants off she plays the dreamy and romantic “Ready Or Not,” in addition to her carefree hit "DND"—AKA Do Not Disturb.
Peter’s Room, inside the Roseland Theater, 8 NW 6th, Sun Aug 6, 8 pm, $25-$75, tickets here, all ages)

 

MUST LISTEN: 

New release(s) from a Portland-relevant artist. 

“Like U Did (Me),” Karma Rivera

In the last few months, Portland rapper Karma Rivera has released a dizzying amount of enjoyable and repeatable new singles. Whether it's for keeps or just for play, the tracks feel like she's refined her talent further, expanding her sound from exclusively moody and nasal-forward rap music to a continuous string of irresistible electronic, bass-forward songs that encourage movement and feel like an island vacation. My personal favorites are the speedy and flirtatious “Miss Pressure,” “SHOW UR WORTH”—which includes a subtle nod to the need for consent, even in lesbian relationships—and the lusty “Sirens.” But Karma’s latest single, the upbeat “Like U Did (Me),” is her poppiest effort yet, even as it depicts an enticing but toxic relationship.  All of Karma’s 2023 releases would fit in well on the soundtrack to the next season of The Ultimatum: Queer Love; playing with transitions between scenes of the all-girl cast partying on a complementary vacation, then throwing their hats at each other’s fiancés.

ADDED TO THE QUEUE: 

Some upcoming music buzz to put on your radar.

Wynne On Tour

We simply can’t (and won't) shut up about Portland rapper Wynne, and that’s because I can’t stop blasting Some Like It Hot in my headphones. But who would we be serving, if we ignored such an impressive album rollout simply to appear aloof? After two excellent lead singles (“Jaw Morant” and “Hot Friend,”) the blonde bombshell dropped a skip-free six-track EP on July 14, which she promptly followed up with a super sultry music video for album highlight “What Would Comb Do?” And now she’s gone and announced her tour! THIS IS NOT A DRILL. Before you ask, yes, Portland is the last stop, at least on this leg, because who knows what the team has in store. For the “WWCD?” visual, the rapper takes on the role of an old Hollywood singer, but instead, obviously it’s rap. (Wonder Ballroom, 128 NE Russel, Nov 16, 8 pm, $25, tickets here, all ages)