There’s always something exciting happening when it comes to the Pacific Northwest (PNW) music scene.
Though we might not often stop to appreciate it, many excellent bands and artists hail from, or are now based in, the PNW. Among them: The Shins, Mat Kearney, Ashley Flynn & The Riveters, blues artist Ty Curtis, Sleater-Kinney and many others.
Let’s take a look at what’s happening!
Mat Kearney
Born in Eugene and now based in Nashville, outstanding singer-songwriter Matt Kearney has lots going on.
His recent soft-rock “January Flower” release is getting rave reviews. That’s likely because he’s still sticking with his winning formula: heartfelt disclosure, superior vocals and polished pop arrangements.
He plays Portland’s Schnitzer Concert Hall in May.
Catch his show, and, check out “January Flower.”
It’s one not-to-miss!
Bees in A Bottle
Bees In A Bottle, above, have a new album due out this Fall.
Portland-based indie-rock duo Bees In A Bottle are a top-tier band to keep on your radar.
Don’t let their lovely layered vocals deceive you, as their songs often take on serious subject matter.
They released “Treasures Ugly and Few” last year. Filled with lilting harmonies and well-structured arrangements, exceptional tracks include “Language” and “Follow.”
Commanding rock track “Liar” is another standout. “Treasures Ugly and Few” confirmed their superior standing in PNW’s music scene.
Bees In A Bottle have 3 studio records to their credit, including two albums with Grammy Award-winning producers.
They’re recording their 4th album due out this Fall. It’s a collection of songs told from the perspective of the women closest to the many male musicians who’ve died from suicide or addiction.
“I wanted to give voice to the survivors’ point of view,” says band member and songwriter Christine McAllister. Chad McAllister is the other half of this duo; both are multi-instrumentalists.
Bees in a Bottle have two shows coming up!
They play Roland Winery in Longview Washington April 9, and Portland’s Flying Fish May 14th.
You can find all their music on Bandcamp. Catch them live if you can!
Eddie Berman
Folk-Americana artist Eddie Berman currently makes his home in Portland. An avid reader, Berman’s work is as much inspired by the books he reads as it is by hikes he takes in Portland’s Forest Park.
Berman’s sometimes mournful, introspective brand of warm folk-rock is worthy of a wider fan base.
His 2017 “Before the Bridge” is filled with great tracks like comforting “Easy Rider” and mournful “Low Down Curse.”
Berman released “Taurus” last year, and it’s on our playlist.
Brandi Carlile
Who’s up for a Grammy, makes her home up north in Washington, recently wrote a book and is currently on tour?
That’d be American singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile.
Now on tour, Carlile has shows scheduled in Nashville, Santa Barbara and Red Rocks.
If you haven’t added her latest “In These Silent Days” release to your library, you might be due for a trip to your favorite record store.
Don’t miss her when she comes to the PNW’s Gorge Ampitheatre in May!
The Muddy Souls
Eugene’s The Muddy Souls blend bluegrass and folk for a winning sound that’s sure to up the vibe quotient at your next social gathering.
The Muddy Souls’ American roots music is uplifting and expertly executed. Formed in 2018, the 5-member band has been consistently working on new music and booking live shows.
Out this month, watch for “The Raven,” their newest studio album.
Ashleigh Flynn
A native of Kentucky, Ashleigh Flynn has been on the Americana scene since 2008 with the release of her third “American Dream” album.
Equally impressive to her studio albums are her ace live performances.
Brilliantly mixing genres (country, zydeco, rock) and engaging her audience, Flynn and her band The Riveters consistently create charming, heartland rock that brings down the house.
Keep your eye on her Twitter feed or her website for upcoming shows.
Laura Veirs
Let’s hear it for Portland’s Laura Veirs! She’s currently on tour playing numerous venues in the United Kingdom.
Wow! Fantastic fanbase for this PNW musician.
If you’re new to Veirs, check out her last album here.
More music news
American rockers Sleater-Kinney (Olympia, Washington) just released “Path of Wellness.” It’s getting great write-ups.
PNW-based bands Modest Mouse and The Shins are among those headlining the second annual Just Like Heaven Festival in Los Angeles this May.
American indie-rocker’s The Decemberists’ “Arise from the Bunkers” Tour starts in August.
Blitzen Trapper play Sessions Music Hall in April. photo by Tyler Kohlhoff
Portland’s Blitzen Trapper play a unique brand of indie-folk-rock and are currently touring to promote their “Holy Smokes Future Jokes” release.
They’ve been written up by the likes of Rolling Stone and American Songwriter.
“Holy Smokes Future Jokes” was among my Top 10 when it came out (during the height of the pandemic). It’s great to see the band can finally get out and play some of these superb tracks live.
The northwest treasure that is Blitzen Trapper play Eugene’s Sessions Music Hall Sunday, April 24.
Don’t miss them!
That’s a wrap
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