Music

Chris Portka set to drop his album, “Trash Music”

Chris Portka unveils his groundbreaking album, “Trash Music.” Pioneering a sound that defies conventional boundaries, Portka’s journey from crippling anxiety to a musical revelation has culminated in an album that promises to redefine the very essence of music.

“Trash Music” is a testament to Portka’s resilience and artistic vision. Drawing inspiration from his grunge roots and years of internal struggles, he has crafted a genre he aptly dubs “trash music.” This sonic odyssey explores the uncharted realms of music, blending ethereal glitch rock with raw folk, and venturing boldly into the avant-garde.

This album, set to release on October 1, 2023, on vinyl, is a revelation in itself. With 12 mesmerizing tracks clocking in at 40 minutes, “Trash Music” is a sonic tapestry that promises to take listeners on a transcendental journey through the depths of Portka’s musical psyche.

Chris Portka’s evolution as an artist is a remarkable narrative of self-discovery and empowerment. Overcoming the shackles of anxiety, he has not only found his voice but has harnessed its power to create a genre that’s uniquely his own.

Chris Portka has been gracing the Bay Area’s cafe scene with soul-stirring solo acoustic shows as part of his musical journey. His Instagram Live sessions, clad in a relaxed robe, have garnered a dedicated following. Moreover, he’s set to embark on a highly-anticipated tour later this year, where he will take the stage alongside the Al Harper Band, showcasing his prowess as a guitarist and vocalist.

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Album Review

Paul Terry, Aptøsrs & Cellarscape unite on bold new album “Alternative Piano Club”

Combining his three artistic alter egos, Paul Terry presents an awe-inspiring new 12-track album, “Alternative Piano Club,” written in collaboration with Aptøsrs and Cellarscape. This is an album-length voyage of music that blends acoustic, rock, and piano-driven cinematic sounds.

Torn between this complex emotional spectrum, all the while the piano remains at its core throughout. Paul Terry opens his “Memento Mori (Chromogenic Phase)” contemplatively, creating a solemn, reflective mood. Cellarscape’s “Three Years Of Roses“ is warmer, whereas Aptøsrs’ “Questionnaires“ is much more textured as a large, sculptural post-rock.

“Dave’s Theme,” written by Paul Terry, musically expands the narrative with a touch of cinematic elevation that aligns well. “We Shape The Clouds” by Cellarscape is fluffy and heart-warming, “Writers Behind The Curtain” is somber, more narrative. We are all together in “A Place We Made,” an honest, intimate, emotionally grounded space.

The project contains vocal warmth and cultural depth in the song “This Is My Home“ by Silas Miami & Lana Crowster. Proceeding in a totally different direction is the stronger emotional clarity of Paul Terry’s acoustic storytelling on “Any Time You Want To Fly” and “No Sleep Has Come.” Cellarscape presents a wide, spacious atmospheric moment in “Cygnus,” while Aptøsrs ends with “Rust Mountain (Monochrome Piano Version),” a simple gem that brings the project full circle.

The mixing of Sam Okell and Adam Noble, the mastering of Alex Wharton and Robin Schmidt have, in many ways, brought their polish to it while still making it feel human. “Alternative Piano Club” is a work entity, where three musical personalities met and talk mind in the same emotional language.

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Artist Spotlight

LAST ALEX! balances precision and pulse on the electrifying track “Plus 1”

LAST ALEX!, a Chicago-based artist and producer, comes out with “Plus 1,” a high-energy release that combines technical prowess with an undeniable melodic instinct.

LAST ALEX! puts both craftsmanship and creativity on display here. The song’s strength lies in its balance, in detailed execution without sacrificing feeling, and in complexity without losing momentum.

LAST ALEX! doesn’t fully lean into the cold technique or loose emotion, but finds the sweet spot where skill and soul meet. This yields a polished, vibrant, and musically confident track.

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