It sure is good to be back in the swing of things again. With lots of local shows cropping up, forthcoming projects to get excited about, and brand new releases you can listen to now, check out this round-up of upcoming music to hear in Portland.
MUST-LISTEN
One great new single from a locally relevant artist.
“Charmander,” Aminé
Aminé continues his streak of making Portland proud. Last week, Portland-raised rapper/superstar Aminé released a new single, “Charmander,” marking his first release of the year. With hooks like “I’ve been living on an island, too” and “People be so phony/ That’s why I be on my lonely,” Aminé raps about enjoying time away from civilization. And staying true to form, it comes with an epic new music video that’s co-directed by Jack Bergert. The visual sees him hanging out with a Clifford-sized doodle, working out with a hunny, getting high on reefer, and the like.
MUST-SEE
Three can’t-miss upcoming shows.
Fountaine and Friends
Last week we talked about Fountaine’s upcoming can’t-miss set on The Thesis stage, but if you couldn’t make it out to see the rapper/producer rock on Thursday, fans get an extra chance the following night, when the Northeast Portland-raised artist spits his smooth lyrics, energizing mantras, and exciting dance moves once again at the same venue. He’ll no-doubt be playing some recent tracks from his two new excellent projects, South of Nowhere and Blue??II.
Friday November 5, Kelly’s Olympian, 9 pm, $7 advance, $10 door. Get tickets here.
All Black Effect: Scooty
Another must-see Kelly’s Olympian show this week is dubbed the All Black Effect, presented by local, Black-owned grassroot collective 4ThePeople. The showcase celebrates “Black femme power.” R&B artist Scooty headlines (representing local label Produce Organics), while rapper and Mat Randol collaborator Nia Joe and electronic duo Majik add solid support to the bill.
Saturday November 6, Kelly’s Olympian, 9 pm, $10 adv, $15 door. Get tickets here.
Moorea Masa, Frankie Simone, Blossom
Portland soul singer Moorea Masa is playing a show at the lovely (and might we add excellent COVID-19 venue) Mississippi Studios. She’ll play tracks from her 2021 EP Heart in the Wild: Side A, like catchy singles “Honey” and “Lion,” and (hopefully) standout track “Until Then.” Make sure to check out the Mercury’s interview with Moorea Masa from earlier this year. The show couldn’t get any better local support for the bill than queer Borinquen pop artist Frankie Simone, along with neo-soul singer Blossom who round out the lineup.
Thursday November 18, Mississippi Studios, 8 pm, $15. Get tickets here.
ADDED TO THE QUEUE
Upcoming music news on our radar.
Who’s Listening Anyway, Zyah Belle
California-to-Portland transplant Zyah Belle is gearing up to release her new EP, Who’s Listening Anyway, sometime this month. The full drop date and tracklist for this is still TBA, but one thing’s for sure: It’s already a pretty promising project by the sounds of lead singles like the recent, very vibey “Say My Name,” as well as 2020’s “Sugawater,” and especially “I Think That I Love You,” which also has an addictive dance remix featuring ROMderful and Mat/Matix.
