PDX is one of the pseudonyms for the city of Portland, Oregon in America’s North-West. It comes from the abbreviation used for the train and airport terminals. More evocatives nicknames for the city are Stumptown, a reference to historic links with the logging industry, or Bridgetown , so named because of the sequence of bridges that cross the The Willamette River into the city’s downtown area.

As far as Portland’s musical identity is concerned, the double CD PDX Pop Now! gives a tip of the iceberg hint on what to expect. It’s a budget price compilation released to coincide with the annual free, all ages festival which this year took place between July 24-26th. This event, now in its 5th year,  showcases artists from or based in the city and ,in the words of the organisers, its aim is to “advance a sustainable community which values inclusivity and a high caliber of artistry”. Continue reading →