We’re only a couple months into 2025, and yet it feels like so much has happened on a national scale. Unlike some people, we believe celebrating diversity is integral to nurturing a thriving arts and music ecosystem. There’s plenty of great things happening in Portland’s music scene that are worth your time and attention, like noteworthy shows from the Thesis and Friends of Noise, to a gorgeous new song and music video from rising R&B star Zyah Belle. 

MUST SEE: 

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

The Thesis ft. Victoria Yabut / Wayne Grey / Rachel Wong / BAE.wav / DJ Verbz

The March edition of the Thesis stars Portland-raised Filipino American singer-songwriter Victoria Yabut. Active as a music artist since 2021, Yabut is also known around town for her creative work as a makeup artist. She recently released a catchy new single with Wayne Grey called “Love Me Down,” about wanting to be loved down in the now, instead of wife’d up for the long haul. Like her greater catalog, the song utilizes elements of both rap and pop vocals, and she’ll no doubt be performing tracks from her two EPs Overdue and Almira. The evening will co-star her collaborator Grey, and will also showcase the range of pop-R&B artist Rachel Wong, along with BAE.wav, a producer and artist from LA. As always, resident DJ Verbz will get the party started, spinning expertly curated tunes on the 1s and 2s. (Lollipop Shoppe, 736 SE Grand, Thurs March 6, 9 pm, $10-15, tickets here, 21+)

MUST LISTEN: 

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

“1-800 Heartbreak” by Zyah Belle 

It's a blessing to bear witness to the rise of soul singer and certified it girl, Zyah Belle, an LA-to-Portland transplant who's been gaining attention for her soulful voice, high quality releases, and dialed in aesthetic. Following up her single “Lyin’,” in which she portrays a scorned lover, Belle dropped another sultry heartbreak anthem called “1-800 Heartbreak” a week before Valentine’s Day. While she’s head over heels in love in real life—we congratulated her in this very column for her recent engagement to Portland-based rapper Covi., AKA Victor Covington—in the new track's video, Zyah Belle is repeatedly calling her honey, and going through the yearning and overthinking that happens when you’ve got it bad. Produced by SEPH, it’s generously peppered with retro sonics, throwing the listener right back to the ’90s and feels reminiscent of artists like Tamia. There’s also a music video directed by Jacob Rink that gorgeously plays into the song’s telephone theme, with our girl Zyah waiting by a vintage princess phone in full glam. By the end of the video, the object of her affection does call her back, and it becomes painfully clear that the man isn’t worth her energy.

ADDED TO THE QUEUE: 

Some upcoming music buzz to add to your radar.

Spring BreakFest ’25 ft. Karma Rivera / Unspeakable Carnage / Altar Girl / Lil Jerzy / Palmas Del Sol / Shannon Wiancko / Hannah Glavor / Phalseprofit

All ages music nonprofit Friends of Noise—which seeks to amplify youth musicians and create all-inclusive music programming that prioritizes creativity over alcohol sales—is gearing up for its annual Spring BreakFest showcase. This year the headliner is stalwart rapper Karma Rivera, known for her lively stage presence and ever-growing dance-worthy catalog. Also on the stacked lineup is death metal trio Unspeakable Carnage; post-punk, darkwave four-piece Altar Girl; rapper Lil Jerzy, who made an impression at FoN’s recent Icebreaker showcase. Another big draw is Palmas del Sol, a band making a mix of cumbia, salsa, tropical, with Latin pop elements, comprised of members of other Portland-area bands including Dreckig, Orquestra Pacífico Tropical, and others. Singer-songwriter Shannon Wiancko, folk-pop artist Hannah Glavor, with rapper, singer-songwriter Phalseprofit rounds out the bill. (Oregon Contemporary, 8371 N Interstate, Sat March 22, 3:30 pm, $12-16, tickets here, all ages. Showgoers are encouraged to take MAX, which stops at the intersection of N Interstate & Denver.)