Portland is home to the late singer-songwriter Elliott Smith. Portland is – also – the world of Jente Pironet. A musical prodigy with great storytelling ability and an impressive vocal range. And a loyal fan of Smith.

Portland quickly transforms from a solo project by Pironet to a band with a clear DNA. Melancholic feel-good music, a soundtrack for strong emotions and important life moments. Dark and light, acoustic guitars and electronics, joy and sadness, Portland is constantly flirting with these contrasts. The songs take cues from British indie pop (see Elbow) and American indiefolk (see Bon Iver) but also take in the dreamy vibe of Fleetwood Mac and Beach House.

Portland got noticed in Belgium’s major music competitions (Humo’s Rock Rally and De Nieuwe Lichting) shortly after its inception, and steamed straight to the stages of Rock Werchter (BE), Pukkelpop (BE), Eurosonic (NL) and The Great Escape (GB) with its debut album ‘Your Colours Will Stain’ (2019).

The title of the sophomore album ‘Departures’ (2023) comes from the departures board at Brussels South. That train station was the starting point for quite a few trips to London. Portland spent six intensive weeks with British artist (Boxed In, Oli Bayston) and producer Oliver Bayston. He was previously in the studio with African drum legend Tony Allen, futuristic energy bomb Black Midi and Kelley Lee Owens.

For Pironet, Portland is much more than love for Elliott Smith. It is a port city as its name suggests. Symbolising a new departure, a new beginning…