The state of Oregon has been nurturing and cultivating some of the best musicians in the industry. From singers to songwriters, multi-instrumentalists, and everything in between, Oregon has consistently produced exceptional talent that has taken the music world by storm.
Let’s take a closer look at the 20 best musicians from Oregon and discover the sounds that have defined Oregon’s vibrant music scene:
Contents
- 1. Portugal. The Man
- 2. Everclear
- 3. Elliott Smith
- 4. Kathleen Hanna
- 5. The Helio Sequence
- 6. Aminé
- 7. The Decemberists
- 8. Aja Volkman
- 9. Quarterflash
- 10. Chromatics
- 11. The Dandy Warhols
- 12. Meredith Brooks
- 13. Pink Martini
- 14. Blind Pilot
- 15. Johnnie Ray
- 16. Kutless
- 17. She & Him
- 18. Kellin Quinn
- 19. Floater
- 20. Agalloch
- Conclusion
1. Portugal. The Man
![Portugal. The Man - Feel It Still [Live/Stripped Session]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/F09POwrBn-M/maxresdefault.jpg)
Portugal. The Man is a rock band who is known for their eclectic mix of genres, including indie rock, psychedelic rock, and pop.
They gained fame with their hit song “Feel It Still,” which won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance in 2018. Some of their albums include “Woodstock,” “American Ghetto,” and “Church Mouth.”
2. Everclear
Everclear is an alternative rock band. Led by singer and guitarist Art Alexakis, the band became famous in the mid-1990s with hits such as “Santa Monica,” “Father of Mine,” and “Wonderful.”
Everclear’s music often deals with themes of family, relationships, and personal struggles, and has been relatable to fans who grew up in the 1990s.
3. Elliott Smith
Elliott Smith was a indie singer-songwriter and musician who gained fame in the 1990s with his haunting and introspective songs that often dealt with themes of depression, addiction, and personal struggles.
Smith was nominated for an Academy Award for his song “Miss Misery” from the film Good Will Hunting.
4. Kathleen Hanna
Kathleen Hanna is a musician who became popular in the 1990s as the lead singer of Bikini Kill, a punk rock band known for being a part of the riot grrrl movement.
Hanna’s music often addressed feminist issues, and she has been an outspoken advocate for women’s rights and gender equality throughout her career.
5. The Helio Sequence
The Helio Sequence is an indie rock band. The duo consists of singer and guitarist Brandon Summers and drummer Benjamin Weikel, and they are known for their intricate and layered sound.
The Helio Sequence has released numerous critically acclaimed albums that includes “Young Effectuals,” “Love and Distance,” and “Com Plex.”
6. Aminé
Aminé is a rapper and singer-songwriter who gained fame in 2016 with his debut single “Caroline,” which reached the top 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Aminé’s music is known for its eclectic mix of hip-hop, trap, and R&B, and he has collaborated with artists such as Kehlani and Offset.
7. The Decemberists
The Decemberists are an indie rock ban. Led by singer and songwriter Colin Meloy, the band is known for its literary and historical references in their songs, as well as their unique instrumentation that includes accordion, mandolin, and harmonica.
The Decemberists have released numerous critically acclaimed albums, including “The Crane Wife” and “The Hazards of Love”
8. Aja Volkman
Famous for being the lead singer Nico Vega, Aja Volkman is a singer, songwriter, and musician. Volkman’s powerful vocals and emotionally charged lyrics have earned her a dedicated following, and she has collaborated with artists such as her ex-husband Dan Reynolds from Imagine Dragons and X Ambassadors. Nico Vega released a self-titled album and “Lead to Light.”
9. Quarterflash
A rock group led by husband and wife Rindy and Marv Ross, Quarterflash gained fame in the early 1980s with hits such as “Harden My Heart” and “Find Another Fool.”
Quarterflash’s music is known for its catchy hooks and memorable saxophone riffs, and they have continued to tour and release music throughout the years.
10. Chromatics
Chromatics is an electronic band. The band’s music is known for its dreamy and atmospheric soundscapes, as well as its use of vintage synthesizers and drum machines.
Chromatics have released numerous critically acclaimed albums, including “Kill for Love” and “Closer to Grey,” and have been praised for their innovative approach to electronic music.
11. The Dandy Warhols
The Dandy Warhols are an alternative rock band led by singer and guitarist Courtney Taylor-Taylor and Peter Holmstrom. The band gained fame with hits such as “Bohemian Like You” and “We Used to Be Friends.” The band was the subject to the documentary film “Dig!” which received wide acclaim.
12. Meredith Brooks
![Meredith Brooks - Bitch [6-16-97]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MFS0jwT5Abk/sddefault.jpg)
Meredith Brooks is a hip-hop singer-songwriter and guitarist who gained fame in the late 1990s with her hit song “Bitch,” which became an anthem for female empowerment.
Brooks’ music is known for its mix of rock, pop, and blues influences, as well as her honest and confessional lyrics that often explore themes of love and relationships.
13. Pink Martini
Pink Martini is a musical group led by pianist Thomas Lauderdale. The band’s music is known for its eclectic mix of genres, including Latin, jazz, and classical music.
Pink Martini has released numerous critically acclaimed albums and has collaborated with artists such as Rufus Wainwright and China Forbes. Some of their albums are “Sympathique,” “Splendor in the Grass,” and “Get Happy.”
14. Blind Pilot
Blind Pilot is a indie-folk band. The band’s music is known for its introspective lyrics and intricate harmonies. Blind Pilot has released several critically acclaimed albums, including “Three Rounds” and a “Sound and And Then Like Lions,” and has toured extensively throughout the United States.
15. Johnnie Ray
Johnnie Ray was a singer-songwriter and pianist who gained fame in the 1950s with hits such as “The Little White Cloud That Cried” and “Cry.”
Ray’s music is known for its emotional intensity and his distinctive vocal style. He has been cited as an influence by many contemporary musicians and is considered one of the pioneers of rock and roll.
16. Kutless
Kutless is a Christian rock band. The band gained fame with hits such as “Strong Tower” and “What Faith Can Do.” Kutless’ music is known for its heavy guitar riffs and powerful lyrics that explore themes of faith and spirituality.
The band has released numerous albums and has been nominated for several awards for their music.
17. She & Him
She & Him is a musical duo that gained fame with their debut album, Volume One, which featured the hit single “Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?”
She & Him’s music is known for its indie sound, as well as Deschanel’s sweet and soulful vocals. Some of their albums are “A Very She & Him Christmas,” “Classics,” and “Melt Away: A Tribute To Brian Wilson.”
18. Kellin Quinn
Kellin Quinn is a singer and songwriter who is well-known as the frontman of the rock band Sleeping with Sirens. The band’s album “With Ears to See and Eyes to Hear” features well-loved track, which includes “If I’m James Dean, Then You’re Audrey Hepburn.”
Quinn’s powerful vocals and emotionally charged lyrics have earned him a dedicated following, and apart from his band, he has collaborated with artists such as Machine Gun Kelly and Pierce the Veil.
19. Floater
Floater is a rock band who are popular for their amazing live performances and their music mixed with psychedelic rock, pop and reggae. The band’s music is known for its heavy guitar riffs and introspective lyrics. Floater has released several albums such as “Glyph,” “Burning Sosobra,” and “Alter.”
20. Agalloch
Agalloch was a metal band who is known for its atmospheric and folk-inspired sound, as well as its use of unconventional instruments such as a deer skull.
Agalloch released several critically acclaimed albums before disbanding in 2016, and their music has influenced many other artists in the metal and experimental music scenes.
Conclusion
Musicians from Oregon have proven their talent and creativity in various genres, from grunge to jazz to metal and indie-folk. Chromatics, Aminé, Aja Volkman, and The Decemberists are just a few of the many musicians from Oregon who have left their legacy on the music world for us to enjoy.
Portugal. The Man Featured Image (Top-Left) by: Christian Stipkovits, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Everclear Featured Image (Top-Right) by: Justin Higuchi from Los Angeles, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Elliott Smith Featured Image (Bottom-Left) by: Alexis from Bronx, United States, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Dandy Warhols Featured Image (Bottom-Right) by: Satyricrash, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
