Music Essentials: Portugal. The Man

Portland-based psychedelic rock group Portugal. The Man — Consisting of John Gourley, Zach Carothers, Kyle O’Quin, and Kane Ritchotte – recently released their eight studio efforts, Evil Friends — a genuine mix of nonchalant alt-rock and DIY punk that’s fitting for both a mosh pit and a campfire sing along. No stranger when it comes to blending compelling sounds in its repertoire, Portugal is an indie band in the most proverbial sense. Started with just Gourley and Carothers, both with no formal musical schooling, the band’s early releases saw the two friends vocally experiment over drum machines and a synth-loop — an independent start-up that shaped their sound and overall aesthetics. While the band spent a good few years away from the mainstream limelight, it was only inevitable that a major like Atlantic Records would back them eventually. This began a new escapade where Grammy wining producers Andy Wallace and the awe-inspiring Danger Mouse stepped onboard. Confidently delivering pan-genre neo-folk with ingenuousness, Portugal continue to provide social commentary, drawing from religious motifs and pop-culture topics in Gourley’s heart-felt lyrics. Here we catch up with Portugal’s frontman John Gourley who shares with us his Music Essentials. While a MacBook Pro and iPhone are basic items any touring artist can’t live without, Gourley also show us his “crew jacket,” in addition the 63 Fender Jazzmaster – an item that stands behind his livelihood.

Photo Credit: Verena Stefanie Grotto