Portland (album release)

“Portland sounds more like Arcade Fire than Arcade Fire anno 2025.” - HUMO “Festival crackers and fragile pieces.” - OOR “The band sounds a lot more energetic than before.” - De Standaard A new chapter 2023 was supposed to be a breakthrough year for Portland, with a starring role in Liefde voor Muziek and a triumph at Rock Werchter. That did happen — until frontman Jente Pironet was suddenly confronted with a diagnosis that put everything on hold. What followed was an erratic journey between the stage, the hospital and the writing desk. You can hear that journey in every note of Champain: an album that sparkles with energy and emotional clarity. From the candid indie rock of 'Time Is Now' and 'Lay Me Down' to the intimate, acoustic beauty of the title track and the tranquil 'Aurora'. Portland explores a new, more powerful sound without losing its melancholic core. Pironet writes freely, sometimes whisper-soft, sometimes more fiery than ever. The songs rub and heal, balancing between grandeur and intimacy, and breathe a band that is reclaiming its place on the biggest stages. For fans of Arcade Fire, Bright Eyes en The Killers Support: Nina Sampermans Nina Sampermans is no stranger to the music scene. She has co-written international hits for artists such as Portland, Emma Bale and Gjon's Tears, and has shared the stage with Hooverphonic and Willem Ardui. Her work has been recognised with multiple platinum records and an MIA nomination for Best Songwriter. Today, she is resolutely choosing her own voice and, with her indie folk project, she brings intimate, honest songs that make the complexity of everyday emotions tangible.