Between repeatedly streaming the viral, politically-minded hit “HGT (Hostile Government Takeover),” and that soul-shattering, mind-altering performance by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande that opened the 2025 Oscars, there are a few local updates you will want to check out. In addition to Project Pabst and Pickathon announcing their summer lineups, it’s worth considering copping tickets to see Jakki and the Pink Smudge at Lollipop Shoppe later this month, plus a new single from Keeks and a compilation album from Albina Music Trust.
Must See:
Upcoming local event(s) featuring local artist(s).
Jakki and the Pink Smudge / Grooblen / Grrlband / Grolixes
Named after the frontwoman’s pink lipstick which often finds itself smudged on the microphone, indie fuzz rockers Jakki and the Pink Smudge are strongly influenced by artists ranging from No Doubt and Radiohead to Galaxie 500 and Packs. The band just dropped their new single, “Repeat Bruise,” accompanied with a music video. Filmed inside the Central Eastside home goods warehouse, Urbanite, the video appropriately features wrestlers in the background while Jakki delivers hushed vocals. For their upcoming show at Lollipop Shoppe, expect to bear witness to their delightful ongoing shtick: Jakki Wise playing guitar and singing while perched atop her bandmates’ shoulders. Also on the bill that night are Grooblen, Grrlband, and Grolixes. (Lollipop Shoppe, 736 SE Grand, Thurs March 20, 9 pm, $10+, tickets here, 21+)
Must Listen:
New release(s) from Portland-relevant artist(s).
Soul Assembly Compilation (Albina Music Trust)
A curatorial collaboration between Albina Music Trust and Liquid Beat Records, Soul Assembly was released February 21. Soul Assembly gets its name from a 1968 program developed by the Black Student Union at Jefferson High School. Following Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, the local high school’s BSU responded to widespread racial tensions in the community with a series of public presentations that highlighted the cultural identity of Black Portlanders. This manifested as theatrical, educational, music-driven assemblies that toured various Portland Public Schools and public auditoriums around Portland, honoring the customs, pride, and creativity that flourished in Albina’s Black community. Now, over 50 years later, the project’s namesake takes on new meaning, as the album hopes to connect new audiences to this significant period in Portland’s music history. The liner notes on Albina Music Trust’s Bandcamp page describe the Soul Assembly compilation as “a remix project connecting Portland’s contemporary beatmakers with Albina’s historic musician community. It’s the first in a series of releases featuring music from Albina Music Trust’s archive: sampled, reimagined, and flipped.” Spearheaded by the production mastery of Tony Ozier, the resulting 14-track instrumental comp. is exceedingly enjoyable. Highlights include “The Mayor,” in which Jonny Cool samples his father and uncle’s late ’60s symphonic soul group, The Gangsters; Jumbo’s (of the Lifesavas) treatment of “Searchin’” by early '70s soul group, Shades Of Brown; Tony Ozier’s multiple disco-era tracks; HOT16’s vibrant revitalization of Chicago-to-Portland music collective, Be Present Art Group; and TROX’s sampling and looping of various tracks of the AMT label, including standout track “Body Groove.” Expertly curated, the project makes for wonderful background music that fans of chill-hop will no-doubt love.
Added to the Queue:
Some upcoming music buzz to add to your radar.
Is That Keeks? EP Release Show
In January we touted the chillingly fierce new single by alternative hip-hop artist, Keeks, that encouraged femme queens to “Move!,” and defend themselves by any means necessary. Now we’re stoked to share yet another new single from the Portland artist called “The Chillest,” which, like “Move!,” is also produced by talented, locally based beatmaker, Snugsworth. With lines like “I do not do blow/ I’m a fuckin’ lady/ If I’m in your venue you gon’ fuckin’ pay me,” the song is cold as fuck—my only complaint is that the track could be longer. Luckily, there’s more where that came from; on March 29, the artist will host a release party for her new EP, Gwendolyn, at Back 2 Earth PDX. The party's theme is CUNT and will feature DJ sets by ALoSo, Sanrosada, and Father Fannie. (Back 2 Earth PDX, 3536 NE MLK Jr. Blvd, Sat March 29, 9 pm, $5 at the door, 21+)
