Along with spring being in the air, there’s a ton of unmissable upcoming music happenings in the Rose City. This week we’re stoked on the new three-way collaboration between rappers Milc and Wynne and producer Spinitch, along with some upcoming May shows by epic cumbia act Orquestra PacĂfico Tropical and touring R&B star SiR.Â
MUST LISTEN:
New release(s) from Portland-relevant artist(s).
“Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” Milc feat. Wynne and SpinitchÂ
Over a beat produced by Portland-based producer Spinitch, local lyricist Milc opens things up with a chill verse featuring expertly delivering lines, sports puns, and references to Portland. After a beat break Wynne’s verse shines brightly—as per usual—building on intensity, complexity and precision. Fans are dying for them to release liner notes or a lyric video for easy verse memorization. Some favorite lyrics are laid down by Wynne in the track's closing seconds: “I never met a verse I couldn’t body / no beat could stop me / this the shit they copy / walkie talkie / LA want me but Portland got me.”
ADDED TO THE QUEUE:Â
Some upcoming music buzz to add to your radar.
Cinco de Mayo with Orquestra PacĂfico Tropical / Caicedo
Portland’s Orquestra PacĂfico Tropical are always a good time when they play live—bringing the house down with infectiously electrifying live renditions of ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s cumbia from Colombia to Peru, as well as original material. Led by powerhouse multi-instrumentalist Papi Fimbres, the group will appropriately play its first local show of the year (and only show till summer) on Cinco de Mayo. [UPDATE: Plans by the organizers to have Vancouver food cart El Viejon Taqueria y Mariscos at this event fell through. -eds] Local group Caicedo opens the night, and light show creator Easy provides the visuals. (Alberta Abbey, 126 NE Alberta, Mon May 5, 8 pm, $5+, tickets here, all ages)
SiR
Having established himself as a standout R&B artist with early-career releases like his HER EP series, SiR has become one to watch. It’s worth checking out his Tiny Desk Concert from 2020, in which Portland singer Zyah Belle can be heard providing backup. For his upcoming show at the Crystal, fans can look forward to hearing favorites from his 2019 album Chasing Summer and highlights from his 2024 release Heavy. The latter album explored the conflict between public and personal life, marital turmoil, and the myriad struggles that come with growing fame all of which we've seen exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. (Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W Burnside, Thurs May 8, 8 pm, $52.25+, tickets here, all ages)
