Music Town, USA

Here is one of the worst kept secrets in Portland: we have an amazing music scene. While the city is best known for indie outfits like the Decemberists, the truth is you can hear all kinds of great music, from underground hip hop to death metal. There is no shortage of fantastic music venues to catch a show, from the Wonder Ballroom right up the street from the SY Design office, to the intimate Doug Fir Lounge, Portland is no doubt the musical mecca for any concert goer.

Just last night, Meghan headed down to the Satyricon to check out local indie/metal outfit Made In Ruins. Even though these guys were the opening act, they clearly already have a strong local following, and fun was had by all. The Satyricon itself is worth checking out if you are in the Chinatown area. The stuff of legend, bands like Nirvana and the Flaming Lips graced the tiny stage before they made it big.

Long hair and giant amps, the axe man cometh!


Local hero of the hip hop scene is totally awesome MC/DJ/Producer, Omega Watts. Omega can be found most Thursday nights spinning at the Someday Lounge as part of 'The Fix'. The Fix features a rotating line up of local deejays and special guests, and for zero dollars at the door, it is one of the best deals in town to get your boogie on. Omega recently played the Doug Fir for the release of his new CD, a great hip hop show.


Besides the plethora of local talent, Portland is often a stopping point for big acts. Even though we are a smaller city, shows often sell out because of the huge local fanbase. French electronic duo Justice recently played the Holocene to a sold out crowd. Some of these shows turn into a fashion show as much as a concert, with local scenesters decked out in their crazy best.

Giant glowing cross + smoke machines = awesome


The Justice motherboard:


At SY Design music is an integral part of our day. We often listen to music 8-9 hours at a time, relying on our tunes to keep us happy and motivated during busy design times. Here are some of our recent musical picks for a productive day:

Jens Lekman- 'Nights Fall Over Kortedala'
Swedish troubadour does it right on his sophmore album. Good to wake up with, strong coffee a bonus.


Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings - '100 Days, 100 Nights'
Amy Winehouse may be getting all the press for the 'new-soul revival' sound, but Ms. Jones continues to keep it real on '100 Days, 100 Nights'. Cool vocals and funk to spare.


Simian Mobile Disco - 'Attack Decay Sustain Release'
This is to be played LOUD. A good cure for creative slumps and post-lunch sluggishness. This one will get ya movin'.