Portland

In seven years, Portland has become one of the most popular indie acts in Belgium. The band of and around frontman Jente Pironet caused a stir with sensitive, dreamy songs, which they lift live to moments of hazy euphoria. Portland broke through in 2018 as the winner of De Nieuwe Lichting. Their winning song, the compelling ‘ Pouring Rain ’, showed its true nature as an anthem the following year on the stages of Rock Werchter and Pukkelpop. With their debut ‘ Your Colours Will Stain ’ (2019), Portland confirmed their status as a great promise. A tour through all of Belgium and Europe followed, including a sold-out AB. After the pandemic years, 2023 was supposed to be a new important year for Portland. With their second record Departures, they wanted to take the step to a larger audience. But a harsh verdict from the doctor caused all dreams to fall apart: Jente had been diagnosed with three brain tumors. The day after his diagnosis, Portland still climbed the stage of Cactusfestival to give an epic concert there – in retrospect full of meaning and urgency. The treatment worked and already in 2024 Portland was back on stage. Voor Pironet brought the personal misery a new sound: more energetic, more hopeful, grander. Not only suitable for the intimate club, but also for the main stage. Whoever listens to their new, third record Champain today, hears that Portland has succeeded in that. The grief that Pironet and his musicians had to carry in recent years is still in every note, but at the same time, the group resolutely looks forward. The road is still long, but Portland is on the way, with the window open and the car radio on eleven.