In this column, WW music calendar and contributing writer Mitch Lillie helps the discerning club-goer put together their weekly calendar by compiling Portland's best dance-music options for the next seven days. Turn up, tune in, drop the bass.
Club Chemtrail is about to get a new home at Holocene, which means that Thursday is your last chance to cram into the Rose and get down. The guest this month is Houstonâs Wheez-ie of Trouble & Bass. Heâs a master of high-energy bass and juke music and an able curator, so keep an eye on Wheez-ieâs newborn imprint Southern Belle Recordings as it releases its first records this year. (10 pm, $5, 21+)
He may not have been as public as Skream, but former dubstep kingpin Scuba has denounced the wobble all the same. Heâs got an excuse, though, having moved from the UK to four-on-the-floor-happy Berlin in 2007. Much of early dubstepâs echoes and moodiness still ring true in Scubaâs house and techno tracks, especially those on Phenix 1, released last month on Scubaâs own Hotflush Recordings. The new Scuba will fill the biggest of rooms at Rotture on Friday. (9 pm, $12 advance, 21+)
Recess Gallery and Internet label Blankstairs are halfway through Concept, an amazing exposition of local electronic artists each Friday in April. This week, they host melodic basshead Gulls, techno and house deconstructionist Tabor Dark, Olympia house duo Braxton/Palmer and maker of very non-basic beats Acid Farm. Vibes are in full effect in the cozy second floor space that reaches subtropical temperaturesâjust donât open a window. (10 pm, $5, 21+)
Jonas Rake doesnât get much attention around town, but his live techno sets are phenomenal. Formerly known as Dampkrane, heâs been slowly releasing quality cuts on Soundcloud. Please, Portland electronic scene, sign himâor just support him live at the Blue Monk on Saturday. (9 pm, $5, 21+)
In case you missed it in WWâs Scoop or all over social media, everyoneâs favorite multi-genre, low ceiling event space, Langano Lounge, is closing down in early May. There are some cool rock shows planned for the official closing weekend, but for all the dancers out there, Belegdeh/Balekdeh, the 4/20 show this Sunday, might be your last chance to swing from the ceiling. Shannon Phone, IBQT and Spliff Angel will all perform live, with some Dropping Gems DJs. (8 pm, free, 21+)
This is Hollywood Bowlâs first appearance on Beats Per Week, but also unfortunately the last. The northeast entertainment staple is throwing a going away party on Sunday, and theyâve rolled a turkey (sorry) by landing San Diego house producer and Surface boss Halo as a headliner with plenty of local support. (10 pm, $12 advance, $15 day of show, 21+)
Vektroidâwho also records as Macintosh Plus and a bunch of other monikers composed of Japanese charactersâdoes not play live very often, so itâs worth arriving at Valentineâs early on Tuesday to catch the vaporwave pioneer play alongside Magic Fades. (9:30 pm, $3-5, 21+)
WWeek 2015