MFNW - Portland's Music Festival Day 1 Nike's Bands in the Hood Review
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DAY 1: MFNW ( Music Fest North West) - It is Portland's annual music festival where both local and national ( and some international aka Arctic Monkeys, The Dirty Three) come to the Northwest and share their talents and energy with all the local fans as well as those around the globe ( example my cabbie last night picked up a carload of ladies from France who came to the festival). So, there is quite a draw with heaps of talented bands. Yesterday I set out to cover the Nike "Bands in the Hood" set at the Wonder Ballroom in NE Portland. Nike was also hosting a party for the invitees. The Festival is free for admission on a daily basis for those who want to see the bands they need to pick up a pass from Portland's Jackpot Records and I'm sure there is quite the line. Alternately you can get a wristband for the entire weekend which allows you access to all the venues and bands in this 3 day music event.
Day 1 @ the Wonder Ballroom - artist The Helio Sequence (Portland Oregon)
Interview:
The Nike reps were there to assist the media and bloggers (Moggers) like myself to get some time with the bands. Helio Sequence a returning artist from Portland to MFNW spent some time after their sound check with me in the Nike Lounge. It was really exciting to meet this Portland pop-infused folk band for the first time ( I've been a fan for several years).
Brandon (vocals/guitar)
The Helio Sequence is an indie rock band signed to label Sub Pop. The band was formed in 1999 in Beaverton, Oregon, a suburb of Portland, Oregon, and consists of Brandon Summers on guitar and vocals and Benjamin Weikel, who has also played for Modest Mouse, on keyboards and drums. The band produces an eccentric brand of electronica-tinged indie rock. To date, they have released two albums on Sub Pop, two on Portland-based label Cavity Search and a self-released EP. Their fourth album, entitled Keep Your Eyes Ahead, was released on January 29, 2008, by Sub Pop.
After our introduction, Benjamin and Brandon and I started off on common ground (last year's MFNW) where they performed along with a local band Menomena and the Seattle band Fleet Foxes at the Crystal Ballroom. Myself, a big Menomena fan came to the show to see them and check out the Helio Sequence and the Fleet Foxes who also were having a break out year. We chatted about the relationship they had with the Menomena boys and how that has been ongoing since the Helio Sequences early beginnings circa the early 90's. We discussed the changes that have occurred in the environment around town and how Portland's demographic s and population has exploded with not only folks giving up higher paying jobs to make their way to Portland only to become Baristas and wait tables in order to live in the environment we know and love here in Portland, a different perhaps slower beat to the outside world. Whatever the reasons may be the city has been attracting a growing number of artists who have come here to make Portland their home and livelihood.
Helio Sequence stated they are working on new material but didn't give out any deets on that topic other than they will be looking to release a new album next year. They plan on finishing up their "Keep Your Eyes Ahead" tour here in Portland by the end of November and will then use the rainy Portland winter season to do some writing and producing in their studio here. They also ventured to say that they are interested and have been working the production side of things with a few artists. They did not confide any "side projects" but mentioned that they did adde some collaboration with fellow Menomena band member, Brent Knopf, on his new debut album (aka side project) from Ramona Falls, Intuit.
Brandon, the vocals for the band, related to me how his medical crises while touring on their 2nd album brought about a big change in his life and in many ways, a blessing in disguise. He related to me how he had to focus on his voice and really make some corrections in how he sang. Ben said in his opinion, Brandon's voice became more of his own and matured in his own unique way. From the Record Label, Sub Pop: "Brandon taught himself vocal exercises and mic technique. He took up jogging and vowed not to be another lazy musician; from that point on, recording and practice sessions were to begin at 9am sharp. In light of such devotion, it's not surprising The Helio Sequence regrouped and went on to record their most dynamic, extraordinary work to date. Keep Your Eyes Ahead marries the duo's signature layered keyboards and impossibly big guitars with crisp songwriting and a newfound appreciation for minimalism. The finger picking on "Shed Your Love" is backed by exquisite strings and ambient noise, but Brandon's serene, self-assured delivery remains front and center. "
It was evident to me that not only did Brandon come into his own during that period but the band did as well as they played their hearts out to a packed crowd last night and gave the Portland fans an amazing set of songs. The band came out for a much desired encore and played for a good two hour set of layered, electrifying, soaring pop music . Watching Ben play the drums as you can see from the photos was entertaining and energizing all on its own. He is intense and plays the drums like Danny Seim from Menomena with a torrential flurry of percussion.
Ben on the drums
Keep Your Eyes Ahead was on several TOP album lists in the blogosphere and for good reason. This band has formed quite a unique sound in an industry with some many followers and good, but not new or great sounds. The Helio Sequence is coming into their own and we look forward to future albums from the band that seems to be aligned with the chemistry to take it to another level.
Stay tuned for more updates later for the MFNW !!
Indy x
Ben and Brandon in the Nike Lounge with Local Art ( the Rose City and the saying that the local soccer team fans chant "Ain't No Pity"
Ben and Brandon making some important Nike Hoodie customizations for their personal Hoodies in the Nike Van out front of the Wonder Ballroom.
Dr Dog (opening act for Helio Sequence from Philly)
Comments (13)
*sigh* looking forward to hearing more about it through you Indy x
Sounds awesome! Thanks for the review!!
ummmm. this is friggin kewl.
Love this MFNW promo clip...
MFNW 2009 Clip from localcut on Vimeo.
thanks all, ye, Trevor, the organizer of MFNW, did an amazing job as did all the venues this weekend. Yesterday, was just full on. I have never seen this city so alive, sonically. The pinnacle event for me was last night's Pixie, aka solo project, Frank Black, aka Black Franice, gig. He took us, me and the Aussie Group, "The Youth Group", attending with me down a rabbit hole to which we will NEVER return, just EPIC!
More reviews to follow, I need help, I'm addicited to this stuff! ;-)
Wow! Sounds wonderful.
Just saw "We Were Promised Jetpacks," "Twilight Sad," and "Frightened Rabbit" tonight in LA at the Knitting factory - they' been on US tour Sept 12 - 29 and hit up MFNW on Thursday night on Dante's stage. Did anybody get to check them out? All three bands are from Scotland and rock - especially We Were Promised Jetpacks. These kids are all about 21 (even though they look 15) and seriously "bring it" everytime they play live. Check them out if you get a chance.
This festival looks great - glad someplace is still supporting localo bands and true Indie music (leave it Portland....)
thanks for the review!
Ye, look at that line up hey? If I could have been there I would have seen them, but perhaps next time. They were on the list though .. good choices/bands all of them hey?
Indy
I like what you have going but I think you are following along a plateau in regards to your music reporting. Helio, Fleet Foxes, Artic have all pretty much arrived. They are great and should get their share of ink. This is not news. The boat you missed in this artical was Dr. Dog and the impact that they may well have on song writing and music in the future. I would have hated to be Helio and follow Dr. Dog. Brandon looked even more sheepish than usual. He got into his set quickly and they put on a very good show over recorded tracks and loops but I think as many others did this was an upside down bill. Ask other musicians around town that are familair with Dr. Dog. Thanks for listening. This MFNW had many excellent moments and hope the bands that needed a boost got the right exposure. Glad you guys had a good time. Hope to see you around town.
Saw Helio Sequence open for Modest Mouse a few years ago, and it might've been even better than MM (who were, I think, at their peak at the time). Nice report!
Thanks for the comments Spencer. They are in 'my book" better than...
JD, Dr. Dog was obviously not up to what I have seen them perform in the pasat but had a good set. I had limited time with them but saw the set and thought they were a good "opener" as they were to HS. My thoughts.
INdy x
Not sure how to respond. It appears the two bands are on seperate trajectories as it should be. My sense was a letting down within the crowd when Helio went on. They did a great job I thought but several of the folks I was with left for other venues after 5 or 6 songs. The short form sets that most of the MFNW requires make it essential that the openers get rightinto it. Dr. Dog delivered immediately with lusterously composed three movement walls of sound built from scratch. One new listener commented that they come very close to offering too much but manage to gracefully walk to the edge and parse their orchestrations as if their lives depended on you understanding what they are expressing. (not sure how to respond, yeah right.) Please don't getme wrong. I think Helio is an excellent project with decent chemistry. I just think Dr. Dog has more upside potential.
thank you so much