"Do what you love, and share it with the world" — Independent Music & Festival Journal Since 2013
South
Are you seeking to spend 2022 knocking one (or several) of the 7 Natural Wonders off your bucket list? If you’ve yet to explore the magnificence of the Grand Canyon, this itinerary will give you the motivation you’ve been needing to finally get to Arizona. Having finally gone for the very first time this past […]
Social Justice
Welcome to the City of Roses, where white supremacy reigns. Life hasn’t been the same since May 26th, 2020. When George Floyd’s murder at the hands of police went viral, solidarity for Black lives rose around the globe. Protests sparked in every major city, some continuing night after night, for nearly two years now. […]
Art
Just before the pandemic, I had the pleasure of creating an installation with social justice organization Don’t Shoot Portland at Portland Art Museum. Titled ‘Liberated Archives’, the installation represented our artistic expression of Don’t Shoot Portlands’ ongoing Liberated Archives programming, which utilizes workshops and educational panels. The artwork is made up of archival maps depicting color […]
Social Culture
It was powerful. As I attended the Los Angeles’ massive march for Black Lives Matter, my heart felt so full and so broken at the same time. But this is what needs to happen and there’s no time to be sad. Racism needs to be headlined and addressed. It needs to be uncomfortable and front […]
![Soulection love in Portland: Sango at 45 East | February 13th, 2020 [Review]](https://i0.wp.com/composeyourselfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/087041d2-sango11.jpg?resize=600%2C375&ssl=1)
Electronic
Arriving at the sleek, high production venue 45 East, it’s hard to know what to expect based on the layout and location. Nestled within a few blocks of warehouses on the east side of Portland, 45 East unites a bottle service club vibe with a low-key party feel. The pretentiousness of a usual club is […]
Electronic
After taking a year off in 2019, Gem and Jam Festival are back to doing what they do best; throwing insane desert parties with a fine selection of art, gems and of course, jams from across the genre board. Music lovers from across the country will be traveling to Tucson for artists like Tipper, Billy […]
Funk
Since their Grammy’s nomination back in November, the average Lettuce fan’s energy has been elevated to another level; mine included. When I was able to secure a flight to San Francisco for the New Year’s Eve Lettuce show, it was all I looked forward to for weeks leading up. Sometimes the best way to ring […]
![Chicano Batman + Portugal. The Man at Fox Theater in Oakland, CA [December 30, 2019]](https://i0.wp.com/composeyourselfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/df0d7caf-img_0325.jpeg?resize=600%2C375&ssl=1)
Indie
Prior to about two weeks ago, I hadn’t planned on doing much in regards to New Year plans. However, I also have a knack for getting into shenanigans last minute, and this was no different. Seeing that two bands I adore were heading to Oakland for a two night run at the beautiful Fox Theater, […]
![Into the abyss: An evening with DIIV at Revolution Hall in Portland Dec 11, 2019 [Photo Gallery]](https://i0.wp.com/composeyourselfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/ee444cb8-dsc01183-1.jpg?resize=600%2C375&ssl=1)
Indie
If you are yet to become familiar, Diiv are a band who convey a staggering amount of emotional depth for only being a 4 piece. After first seeing Diiv at this past years’ Desert Daze, I was instantly drawn to their shoe gaze/thrash/rock n’ roll style. I believe Diiv are single-handedly bringing back shoe-gaze with […]
![A Never-Ending Experience: Shpongle at the Crystal Ballroom in Portland, OR Nov 27, 2019 [Photo Gallery]](https://i0.wp.com/composeyourselfmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/56d6396f-dsc00771.jpg?resize=600%2C375&ssl=1)
Electronic
Shpongle’s live shows are a mix of tribal fusion, worldly influences and electronic beats to create a sound all his own. Throwing in influences of Brazilian dance and flamenco, you can never prepare yourself for what you may experience at a Shpongle show. Make sure to catch Shpongle at his upcoming show in New York, […]