PORTLAND

Portland is the Belgian dream pop band around Jente Pironet, known for its melancholic beauty and lush soundscapes. After his breakthrough with the albums Your Colours Will Stain (2019) and Departures (2023) and various passages along, among others, Rock Werchter and Pukkelpop, Jente Pironet ended up in a turbulent period in the summer of 2023. He was forced to fight a fierce battle against the big C for half a year, which will be a lasting fight. 2024 began with renewed hope. Pironet was allowed to receive the MIA ‘Alternative’ and a triumphant return to sold-out halls followed. The new album Champain (2025) openly carries the scars of those difficult years, but at the same time expresses an indomitable zest for life. It reads like a completely honest travel diary of a wandering soul, from stage to hospital to writing desk and back. About falling—hard and deep—and getting back up. About hoping and stubbornly persisting. And you can hear that: Portland has never sounded as energetic, mature, and rich as on its new record.