The Mercury's 2026 Music Issue: "All Genres, All Generations, All Genders" - Portland Mercury

"Portland music, and Portland in general, is currently experiencing a renaissance, and all that goes along with periods of accelerated growth and creativity. On one hand, so many artists are incredibly active right now, putting out albums, hosting shows in both DIY and traditional venues, making music videos again, planning tours, and giving a shit about scenes outside of direct personal involvement. On the other hand, venues are closing up shop, festivals are shutting down, ticketing fees continue to make live music inaccessible, and the monstrosity being built in Industrial SE looms large, promising to be a wrecking ball for Portland's already delicate music venue ecosystem."

"Our governments continue to fail us. Our bosses continue to exploit us. All while this one planet we have hurdles toward human-facilitated destruction. What can be done? Music isn't the answer to this hellish game of Monopoly, but it's not not the answer either. For music as salve to governmental woes, see The Honey Drippers' track "Impeach the President" and Amiri Baraka's "Who Will Survive America." A balm for shitty bosses is found in "Stress Builds Character" by Dystopia and Dolly's "9 to 5." Whenever you're feeling down about the expedited end of planet Earth, listen to Hiroshi Yoshimura and breathe deep (while you still can)."

"At the risk of sounding like a broken record, now is always the time to lock in with the music around you. It's everywhere in Portland, taking on so many different shapes and sounds. You want free late-night jazz? Try Keys Lounge. Looking to throw ass in community with queers? Check out Judy, Twirl, and Hickey Machine. The under 21 set is well covered with the recent openings of the Off"

Portland’s music community is experiencing accelerated growth, with many artists releasing albums, hosting shows in DIY and traditional venues, making music videos, planning tours, and caring about broader scenes. At the same time, venues are closing, festivals are shutting down, ticketing fees make live music less accessible, and a major industrial development threatens the fragile venue ecosystem. The piece frames broader social and political problems as ongoing failures by governments and exploitation by bosses, while suggesting music can offer emotional relief without solving systemic harm. It recommends specific local and historical tracks and artists for different kinds of solace, and encourages people to connect with music around them through free late-night jazz and queer community events, including options for under-21 audiences.

Read at Portland Mercury