Now that we’re in the thick of Portland's pollening and have been enjoying some ridiculously gorgeous days, we’ve also been loving some new tunes perfectly primed for sunny weather soundtracks. This week we’re bumping a gorgeous new single by soul songstress Veana Baby, looking forward to Portland band Night Heron’s album release gig, and adding an upcoming appearance by acclaimed Nigerian musician Seun Kuti to our calendar.
MUST LISTEN:New release(s) from Portland-relevant artist(s).
“To Love Right” by Veana BabyPortland-based soul singer Veana Baby just released her gorgeously serene new song “To Love Right”—her follow-up to January's delightfully saucy, slightly petty “Pillow Talkin’.” We’re loving her soulful, sun-stricken garden vibes exuding a powerful love of self: “There’s love in my body, love in my heart to give / I am somebody made with the source within.” In an email exchange with the Mercury, Veana beams: “This was my second self-produced song all on my own.” She explained that the beat was made with the help of music creation platform Splice and a beat pad, and that she'd also mixed and mastered the song. There's a forthcoming project in the works, tentatively titled In My Garden, and we can’t wait to hear it. (Lollipop Shoppe, 736 SE Grand, Thurs May 1, 9 pm, $10+, tickets here, 21+)
ADDED TO THE QUEUE:Some upcoming music buzz to add to your radar.
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80Prolific Nigerian musician, singer, and activist Seun Kuti, AKA the youngest son of pioneering afrobeat powerhouse Fela Kuti, is coming to rock the Aladdin Theater on May 7. Having played in his father's band—Egypt 80—since the age of nine, Seun Kuti now leads the group's tours and releases. Kuti recently collaborated with Posdnuos of De La Soul for “Stand Well Well (Grand Stand Version),” a song from Kuti’s forthcoming deluxe edition of Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head), which is slated for a May 28 release. The song is about staying devoted to authenticity and core values in a superficial world, heard perfectly with lyrics, like: “The whole world just dey look like copy and paste / Like everybody get the same likes and get the same taste / They just wanna ball, dem no care about freedom / They just wanna ball, they no care about justice.” Known for his lifelong career and building upon /evolving his father’s fiery socio-political music, Kuti is arguably one of the most important and steadfast creative voices we currently have. (Aladdin Theater, 3017 SE Milwaukie, Thurs May 8, 8 pm, $30, tickets here, all ages)
Night Heron album release with Bendre the Giant and Frankie TilloNight Heron, helmed by former Radiation City frontman Cameron Spies—also comprised of seasoned local musicians from bands like Reptaliens, Y La Bamba, the Apricots, and Weeed—is a dreamy groove-based band consistently making music optimal for soundtracking the quieter moments in life, from late-night drives to early morning rituals. We’re well documented fans of their debut album Instructions for the Night, so we’re stoked to learn of their forthcoming sophomore album Escapism. Especially after hearing its four lead singles: “Morning Cloudz,”“Juice Box,”“Lemon Tree,” and “Sun In My Eyez,” which all feel perfectly timed for summer. The Mississippi Studios release show will feature fellow Portland band Bendre the Giant, a neo-soul/power pop group led by Ben Estrada, along with Boise musician Frankie Tillo, who pulls inspiration from the likes of Elliott Smith, Paul Simon, and DIY punk. (Mississippi Studios, 3939 N Mississippi, Sat May 10, 8 pm, $16, tickets here, 21+)
