Portland Talks New Music, Musical Memories And More

Belgian dreampop band Portland today releases their new single ‘Lay Me Down’, a glorious indie-pop gem with huge waves of echoing guitars and a melancholic undertone. We wanted to learn more about their craft and they kindly agreed: 

When did you begin songwriting?

A long, long time ago. I guess I started while I was 15, 16 years old. Just because I found a broken guitar in the basement at home and the puberty started hitting very bad.

What is your earliest musical memory?

So many things.. But the absolute best, also one of the first, was a moment when I was somewhere in an amusement park and there was an amazing street musician playing Sultans Of Swing. I didn’t know the Dire Straits (yet) and I didn’t know that man, but it was the beginning of a whole new chapter.

You have your single new ‘Lay Me Down’ which is out now. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

Well, life is a rollercoaster. Somethings, when you’re in some weird ‘fight-flight mode’ it’s necessary that the loved ones sometimes grab you by the shoulder to say: “Please, sit down for a moment, breathe and relax.”

Where did you record the song and who produced it?

It’s produced by Tobie Speleman. We recorded it partly in his own studio in Antwerp (Belgium) and in Audioworkx (The Netherlands). We also did some overdubs in the studio of our guitar player, Sebastian Leye and bass & synth man, Boris Van Overschee in Leuven (Belgium).

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the track’s recording sessions?

Absolutely, but difficult to explain. Most of the time we were really tired, without knowing if what we were trying could really work. But in the end we realized we were in some kind of magical vibe. We had some amazing times recording this. Also the writing proces was something cool. It was a song that popped out while not realizing that it could be the first single of the new album.

Who were the musicians who performed on the song with you?

Sebastian Leye on the guitars and backings, Nina Kortekaas for vocals and keys, Borisch Van Overschee for bass and synths, Bram Vanhove at the wonderful drums.

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

Absolutely. Tobie, the producer, is a wonderful and creative producer. We recorded many stuff in weird ways just because we loved it and knew that it could be possible to layer it with other recordings. We were always making a puzzle and an interesting compilation.

Did you collaborate with anyone on the songwriting?

I’m quite proud to say that I wrote the whole song by myself, but of course, the production did many cool stuff as well. So while recording, we also ‘rewrote’ the bridge because it felt pretty needed.

Who designed the single artwork?

The wonderful combo: Titus Simoens & Nina Swaans

Which of your tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

Difficult to say, because I didn’t make lots happy stuff I guess 🙂 Let’s say: a) Sensational

b) Deadlines

c) Time To Talk

Do you have any future music releases planned for 2025?

Yes absolutely! The biggest one so far! ‘Lay Me Down’ is the first single of our new album, and the new album will be released right after Summer. So hold on just a little bit more and I’ll promise you an amazing Indian Summer!

Was it a difficult song to write?

In someway it kinda happend in a very organically vibe. It’s just started to grow on it’s own. I do believe that I you don’t have to overthink it, it’s could be one of the best maybe.

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

I don’t know.. I just hope that I gave everybody a good feeling and lots of love and warmth. And maybe that some songs hit the audience so hard that it could remind them to a beautiful evening with lots of positive energy.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

I’m not really that much into the kind of gear we have to use. What I do know is that I love the musicians of the band. I swear to God, if I would give them some random stuff, like a whistle, a banana and a piece of wood, they would probably make the most beautiful sound you ever heard. And of course, a good voice can do a lot of stuff as well.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

Scherpenheuvel (Belgium). An indescribable place of pilgrimage.

How do you look after your voice?

Just some typical exercises like gargling with cold water and that kind of stuff.

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

I would love to write music for the ultimate classic novel ‘Catcher In The Rye’. It’s something that always influenced me and I will always stay in love with the all the beautifulness of the story.

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

It’s difficult to recommend musicians I think. Just listen to whatever inspires you. Even if you like the sound of a specific train or a busy street, it could always have a good effect on what you’re going to write.

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025?

I’ll be playing in The Waiting Room in London on the 9th of June! Feel more than welcome.

Who is in your touring band and what do they play?

Completely the same, beautiful people who joined the recordings in the studio. Best team <3

What makes Portland happy and what makes you unhappy?

Portland will always be happy after a good performance and some amazing feedback from a beautiful crowd. I would be very unhappy if I didn’t feel it myself.