February 18, 2023
Kaytranada (Louis Celestin) is a Haitian-Canadian record producer and DJ. He is a highly acclaimed electronic artist, having earned two Grammys and countless other awards for his work. Kaytranada has
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February 17, 2023
What happens when a famous music producer takes an interest in self-help books? The Creative Act is your answer. But who is Rick Rubin? Without a doubt, Rubin has an impressive track record in the
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February 14, 2023
The music industry is a place full of musicians, producers, and creators who have the magical ability to make those perfect sounds we hear everyday through our digital devices. We want to listen close
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February 14, 2023
What do popular video games franchises Super Mario, Legend of Zelda, and Star Fox all have in common? They were all produced and published by Nintendo, and the iconic music themes that you hear in...
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February 8, 2023
Being a successful woman in the music industry is no easy feat. Not only do they deal with the typical trials and tribulations of being a musician, but there are also gender-specific challenges.
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February 8, 2023
“Is it just me, or are songs getting shorter these days?” This is a question I have often pondered, especially in the last few years. It appears that in the era of social media, attention spans are
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February 6, 2023
SG Lewis (Samuel George Lewis) is a rising star in the dance/electronic music realm. He is a DJ/producer turned singer-songwriter, and is known for his disco-inspired, transcendent sound. He routinely
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February 4, 2023
Sam Smith just released their new album “Gloria” on the 27th of January. As described by Pitchfork, “Gloria flips between hyperpop, country, dancehall, disco, 2-step, and intimate, Kehlani-esque R&B”.
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February 5, 2023
Virtual reality and the metaverse have become popular topics in the music industry where more and more technology and music have been combined, creating something that could revolutionize the entire
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February 5, 2023
The 65th annual GRAMMY Awards are here, and there's a long-awaited addition to the awards. This year marks the introduction of a new category: the Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical Award. For all
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January 31, 2023
Zach Bryan released his first album in 2019, and in the short time since he has become one of the biggest names in country. His biggest album, “American Heartbreak”, broke single-day album streaming
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January 31, 2023
Miley Cyrus was born into the music industry, and has spent her career channelling her Nashville and Hollywood roots into a diverse discography stacked with hits. Add to that countless covers that are
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A band with roots in Alaska, Portugal. The Man has cultivated a unique sound that transcends the boundaries of indie rock and pop, highlighted by their crossover hit "Feel It Still."
Songwriting at Its Core
At the heart of Portugal. The Man is a songwriting process deeply influenced by their experiences, emotions, and the landscapes of their Alaskan upbringing. John Gourley, the band's frontman, has often taken the lead in crafting the narratives that define their music. "Songwriting is an introspective process for us. It's about capturing the essence of our experiences, our struggles, and our observations," Gourley explains. The band's approach to music is not just about creating hits but about telling stories that resonate on a personal level.
"Chris Black Changed My Life," their most recent album, serves as a testament to their songwriting ethos. The album emerges from a period of significant turmoil for the band, including personal losses and health challenges. "This album is a reflection of what we've gone through these past few years. It's personal, but it's also universal," Gourley notes. The process involved collaboration with producer Jeff Bhasker, who helped shape the album's direction. Bhasker's involvement brought a new dimension to their work, emphasizing the importance of personal connection and mutual understanding in the creative process.
A Hit That Defined a Career
"Feel It Still" stands as a milestone in Portugal. The Man's career. A song that Gourley describes with a mix of affection and astonishment, it catapulted the band to new heights of success. "It was unexpected. That song opened doors for us, brought us into the mainstream in a way we hadn't anticipated," he recalls. The track's success, marked by a Grammy win and over a billion streams, underscores the band's ability to connect with a wide audience without compromising their artistic integrity.
Overcoming Adversity
The path to success has not been without its challenges. From Gourley's struggles with the pressures of fame to the personal adversities faced by band members, including health issues and the loss of close friend and band collaborator Chris Black, Portugal. The Man has navigated a complex landscape of trials. "Adversity has a way of refining your purpose, of clarifying what matters. For us, it's about the music, about the message, and about each other," Gourley reflects.
The band's resilience is evident in their commitment to their community and environmental advocacy, particularly through the PTM Foundation. This commitment extends beyond music, reflecting a deep-seated desire to effect positive change.
Looking Forward
As Portugal. The Man looks to the future, they carry with them the lessons of the past and the creativity that has been their hallmark. The band is already contemplating their next musical venture, with Gourley expressing excitement about exploring new creative avenues. "Music is a journey, and we're always looking forward. There's so much more we want to do, so many more stories we want to tell," he says.
