2014 MusicFest NW

MusicFest NW has announced that 2014's festival format will change. Instead of housing shows all across Portland, it will be held at Waterfront Park. I'm excited for the change. Some of the venues in the past have been on the smaller side and not everyone was able to make it into a show. Being held in August, will provide some great weather for the outdoor music festival as well as two stages to bounce back and forth to. I'm already excited for this year's MFNW. 

Doing It Right

SNL's Brooks Wheelan made a 'second a day' video of his experiences of 2013. It seems like a lot of people have attempted to make one of these videos, but Wheelan did it right. Backed up by some solid tunes, it looks like he had an exciting year. 

Check it out, you won't be disappointed. 

On The Record Player

Ok, so my record player is still in Las Vegas waiting for me to bring it back to Portland. But, here's what's I'm listening to today. Wild Cub's latest album "Youth" has been on repeat for me lately. It has a great mix of some sweat synth sounds, drums, and soft vocals. It's the perfect thing to put on in the background while getting work done or put on some headphones, sit down, chill and listen. 

The next album that I've been enjoying over the past few months is Cat Power's "Sun". Even though this album is from 2012, it still consistently impresses me. It's got a soft and melodic sound that instantly takes you on a journey. Take a moment and backtrack to a couple years ago and give it a listen. 

Crystal Ballroom: Atlas Genius

This weekend on Saturday at the Crystal Ballroom, Atlas Genius headlines joined with Family of the Year and Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr.  Atlas Genius has a fun dance pop sounds with slick melodies.  The Crystal Ballroom will be a perfect spot to listen with their signature bouncy floors that add to the experience.

Teen Daze at Holocene

This week on the 7th you can find Teen Daze providing Portland with ambient waves of sound at the Holocene.  Teen Daze has reverb drenched sounds with chill wave flow that is mesmerizing to listen to.  Holocene will be the perfect spot to stop and listen for a while. Holocene is an awesome events warehouse for music and arts with a great sounds system to create the perfect atmosphere for a show. Be sure to stop by on Thursday for some great sounds from Teen Daze at 8:30.  

Life Is Beautiful

This weekend marks the first ever Life Is Beautiful festival held in downtown Las Vegas.  LIB includes two days of world class music including headliners such as The Killers and Vampire Weekend. There will be a Culinary Village housing world class chefs offering up some tasty food.  But it's not just music and food, there will be an arts element to the festival including acts from Cirque du Soleil performances from shows such as 'The Beatles Love',  'Mystere', and many other fine performances.  But that's not all! A learning element that provides talks from business people, including downtown Vegas' new king Tony Hsieh, creator of Zappos.  The weekend will be packed with locals and travelers ready to hear amazing sounds, eat great food, and be amazed.  Most of the downtown has been planned to be shut down and blocked off for the festival.  It will be interesting to see how the new festival will operate.  I know I'm excited to bounce around to and from all the different stages to see some great bands such as Haim, Cayucas, and Cults.  

Here Some Sounds, Enjoy Some Logs

This Friday at Doug Fir Lounge Au Revoir Simone will be playing some dreamy electonic pop.  Any show at the Doug Fir is guaranteed to be good.  Downstairs offers a cool space decorated with log walls and a snazzy light up floor surrounding the bar.  You can sit cooly on the edges in a comfy booth or get out on the dance floor and bop around to some cool beats.  My personal favorite spot is sitting up at the bar.  Designed with a swanky aesthetic set in a wooded area, it offers a great spot to enjoy the night.