As our never-ending summer comes to a close this week, and we welcome back inches upon inches of rain. We’re also getting jazzed about the new LP from Portland-based rapper Epp, two promising upcoming shows, and one farther out event featuring MAITA, in December.Â
MUST-SEE:Â
Can’t miss upcoming events.
Lollipop Shoppe Opens: Reptaliens, Bijoux Cone, Buddy Wynkoop
Beloved dance club/burger bar Dig A Pony closed its doors in June. Promising new owners took over, re-built the bar, added a stage, and named the new venue after one of Fred Cole (Dead Moon)'s early, ’60s era projects—Lollipop Shoppe. Now finally, it's time for the venue’s first show(!), kicking off with a chill lineup of Portland-based indie synth group Reptaliens, vapor bop singer Bijoux Cone (FKA Bryson Cone), and garage-art-punk four-piece Buddy Wynkoop—all that and po-boys on the menu too. (Lollipop Shoppe, 736 SE Grand, Fri Oct 28, 8:30 pm, $10-12, tickets here, 21+)
Jessie Reyez
Anyone who catches so much as a glimpse of R&B and hip-hop singer Jessie Reyez' sold out Roseland show at the Roseland is in for a treat. It’s not hard to see why an increasing amount of fans are obsessed. Just watch her recent Tiny Desk performance featuring a medley of “Mutual Friend," "Figures," and "Only One," "Forever," "Imported," and "Mood.” The girl’s got grit, charisma, beauty, and vocal chops, both as a singer and a rapper. The recently released LP Yessie is her best work yet. Even if you don't immediately recognize her name, you've definitely heard something she's written—given all her songwriting credits for Kehlani, Calvin Harris, and Dua Lipa. Reyez was a tour opener for Billie Eilish and PartyNextDoor, and appeared on Beyoncé’s The Lion King companion projects: Black Is King, and The Lion King: The Gift. Somebody give this woman her own Disney soundtrack already! (Roseland Theater, 8 NW 6th, Fri Oct 28, 8 pm, SOLD OUT, all ages, w/SADBOI FKA EBHONI)
MUST LISTEN:Â
New release from a Portland-relevant artist. Â Â
FOLD, Epp
On October 14, Portland-based rapper Epp (stylized ePP) dropped FOLD, his second record with Portland label EYRST. It's excellent from start to finish, featuring production from Epp’s labelmate and frequent collaborator Neill Avon Tally, among others. Though FOLD immediately feels more fun than the 2019 There’s a Place For People Like You, it's still full of metaphor and meaning—e.g. the title is an acronym for Figuring Out Life’s Difficulties. “There are always serious topics I want to speak about, but not in a corny way," Epp wrote in a press release. "I think I’ve done a good job getting the message through without being a raptivist." He went on to explain that “Horseshoe” is about police brutality, "and specifically things going on in Downtown Portland. How do we talk about these issues and still have fun?” Look for the joy on bouncy and club-ready “InTheHouse” produced by Tices, and “Fever” produced by Zhan and Tawrence. Uptempo, rock infused “NTA,” with vocalist Goreguzz of the metal band Bystander, brings a ton of energy to the floor before the delightful, Chillhop “ThankYou4YourTime” sends the listener out with good vibes.
ADDED TO THE QUEUE:Â
Some upcoming music buzz to put on your radar.
MAITA
December in Portland often goes hand in hand with live music dry spells, but that just makes the true gems even easier to spot; such is the case with an early month show, featuring headliner MAITA, AKA the music project of Oregon-raised singer songwriter Maria Maita-Keppeler. The artist will play songs  from her latest project I Just Want to Be Wild For You—about dissociation, disconnect, confusion, and isolation—in addition to her stunning, acclaimed debut album Best Wishes from 2020. Don’t forget to check out this interview MAITA did with the Mercury, back in February. (Mississippi Studios, 3939 N Mississippi, Fri Dec 2, 9 pm, $15, tickets here, 21+ w/ the Fourth Wall, Phone Voice)
