HER.jpeg
Courtesy of HER


Things are constantly and quickly changing here in the Rose City. This week, vinyl and music media shop Everyday Music announced it will close its NE Sandy location on Sat May 7. While the closure isn't related to poor business, it does mean one less music shop in town and serves as another reminder of why we need to hold our precious shops tight, go to smaller local shows (and actually pay to get in), buy records at one of the city’s many small businesses, and purchase music on Bandcamp by Portland-based favs. This week we provide a few such ways to support Portland music, including a couple new singles available on Bandcamp, and two live events showcasing local artists. Also, stellar R&B artist H.E.R is coming to Portland on tour next month!

MUST-SEE:
Two can’t miss upcoming shows.

Single Release Show: J. Graves, Childspeak, King Youngblood


Indie-rock outfit J. Graves, the full-band music project of Jessa Graves, just dropped a new single “Valentine.” The tumultuous and bright track is the lead single off Graves' forthcoming project Fortress of Fun, which is set to drop in October. “Valentine” had a spotlight during the broadcast of a recent Trail Blazers game, where the band also played some pre-game tunes at Dr. Jack's Saturday Night Pre-Game Concert Series. To celebrate the single’s release, Graves will headline a show at Doug Fir tonight, with bill support from Eugene-based prog rock four-piece Childspeak and Seattle alt-rockers King Youngblood.
(Thurs March 17, 9 pm, The Doug Fir, 830 E Burnside, $15, tickets)




Rose Tinted w/ Calvin Valentine, Milc


Kicking off their spring residency at Holocene, hip-hop band Rose Tinted will play live-sampled beats, flipping classic hip-hop favorites, and sharing the stage with local stalwart emcees. Co-presented by XRAY.FM, this particular installment showcases the multiple talents of producer/rapper/instrumentalist Calvin Valentine (a Eugene, Oregon native who’s now based in Los Angeles) and Portland-based rapper Milc. The show will mark Ben “Milc” Johnson’s first time playing his excellent 2021 album Tiger Milc. From Calvin Valentine—who, by the way, is also a Milc collaborator—we expect a set list with more recent cuts from albums like last year’s Weed Is Awesome, but we're also hoping to hear at least some of his 2017 love letter EP Eugene.
(Thurs March 24, 9 pm, Holocene, 1001 SE Morrison, $12, tickets)




MUST-LISTEN:
One great new release from a locally relevant artist.

“coup de grce,” Snugsworth


Portland-based producer Snugsworth—who’s known for both his solo work as well as collaborating with other locally based artists like R&B singer/songwriter Blossom—just released a new single, “coup de grce.” Driven by acoustic guitar strummed in staccato, the moody pop-rock ballad’s name, “coup de grce,” is taken from a phrase that means the final shot or blow given to kill. The first single since his October EP release, Femboy, “coup de grce” clocks in at just under two minutes, and sees Snugsworth appropriately singing in somber, raspy and falsetto tones. Right now the single is exclusively available to buy/listen on Bandcamp, but will appear on streaming platforms April 1.


ADDED TO THE QUEUE:
Some upcoming music buzz to put on your radar.

H.E.R.


All-around wonderful R&B singer/songwriter/instrumentalist H.E.R. is currently working her way across North America, arriving in Portland (finally!) to support her latest full-length, Back of My Mind! The last time H.E.R. came to town she opened for Bryson Tiller on his 2017 True to Self Tour, and damn near stole the entire show. The live versions of her debut self-titled mixtape were a pretty hard act to follow. Signed to Sony’s RCA Records at 14 years old, the artist intentionally kept her image ambiguous—for years she appeared as a silhouette on her album artwork, hiding her features behind a bodacious weave and darkened sunglasses. Nowadays H.E.R. is a little less mysterious, sporting an enviable tomboy-chic wardrobe. But her newly revealed aesthetic comes second to her mind-boggling musical talents: she wields her voice impeccably well live, and plays a variety of instruments—bass, acoustic or electric guitar (although she’s known for her custom translucent Stratocaster), piano and drums. Her Portland show at Moda Center is sure to activate every local R&B fan’s FOMO, and luckily, there’s still plenty of seats (as well as some reasonably priced meet-and-greet packages) available.
(Sat April 16, 7:30 pm, Moda Center, 1 N Center Ct, $45-399, all ages, tickets)