Is anyone else scrambling to find the money for Beyoncé tickets, silver outfits (per her Virgo season request), and not having the brainspace for much else? Me too! Still, on the local scene, there are some upcoming must-see events, including a Renaissance dance party, and a couple ICYMI releases to check out.
MUST SEE:
Upcoming local event(s) featuring local artist(s).
Renaissance / Renaiddance: Beyoncé’s Birthday Month Bash – Virgo Season! (Sounds by Troubled Youth)
Whether you’re one of the sad souls who can’t make it to the Renaissance Tour stop in Seattle (on September 14), or are in need of a way to extend the party, this dance party at Holocene a week later is providing a dance party for the occasion. While nothing can compare to seeing and hearing the Queen herself perform live, grooving along to songs from her ballroom-, disco-, and techno-inspired album as they’re played at full blast is a worthy way to spend an evening. Billed as a “Beyoncé Birthday Month Bash,” DJ Troubled Youth will be spinning four hours of Beyoncé cuts, while promising that we can “expect to hear every song on the album and more.” While there’s no formal dress code, sticking to Beyoncé’s request for fans to wear silver or chrome to her tour isn’t a terrible idea.
Wed Sept 20, 9 pm, Holocene, 1001 SE Morrison, tickets, $15
MUST LISTEN:
New release(s) from a Portland-relevant artist.
“On My Own,” Bremer Baden
Back in June, Portland-based rapper Bremer Baden released a new single, “On My Own,” which tackles the feeling of temporarily isolating oneself to figure some shit out. At the Mic Check Anniversary show earlier this month—right before I graciously accepted an award for doing my damn job with a commitment to local hip-hop culture and community—Bremer Baden performed a highly enjoyable and energetic set, with “On My Own” being the final song on the setlist. The emotionally-charged song packs relatable lyrics, poppy sonics, and a throbbing bass that prompts listeners to nod their heads and move their feet. (It also temporarily took my mind off the nauseating wildfire smoke-fueled migraine I was suffering from that day, which led me to violently vomit in the bathroom and miss Dame D.O.L.L.A.’s performance.)
“In the Mood,” Wynne
A couple weeks ago, Wynne added to her string of excellent new content, dropping yet another new music video that premiered via World Star Hip-Hop. Her latest fiery video is for the Some Like It Hot opening track “In the Mood,” and depicts Wynne playing all kinds of roles, from a boxing referee; inside a Tornado Cash Blaster box; as a playmate on the cover of PLAYBOY, alongside headlines that read “Wynne doesn’t give a fuck what your man thinks,” “In the Mood For Money,” and “101 Ways to Curve Him.” One thing’s for sure: We are eating this up.
ADDED TO THE QUEUE:
Some upcoming music buzz to put on your radar.
Transmute, Phosphene
In a couple weeks, Portland-based shoegaze and indie pop duo Phosphene is releasing their third full-length, Transmute. “It’s our most adventurous and creatively expansive work to date, in terms of instrumentation and subject matter,” says Rachel Frankel of Phosphene, adding that their sound on the album blends genres like post-punk, dream pop, and shoegaze, and is further inspired by artists like Alvvays, Japanese Breakfast, and Slowdive. Recently, the duo released a song and music video for “Black Sheep,” which is the album’s pensive and moody lead single. On August 10, the band also released the somber and emotive “Jigsaw.” Look out for the full album coming September 15.
