Portugal. The Man
Encyclopedia
Portugal. The Man is an American psychedelic rock
band based in Portland, Oregon
, but originally from Wasilla, Alaska
. The group released their first two albums with Fearless Records
. They also released material on their own imprint Approaching AIRballoons through indie label Equal Vision Records
. They signed to Atlantic Records
on April 2, 2010.
Similar to The Beatles
, The Rolling Stones
, and Pink Floyd
who experimented and tweaked their sound on each record, not one of Portugal. The Man's albums sound a like. Starting with Waiter: "You Vultures!", each release has been a catalog of their progress as an artistic outfit, showcasing the evolution in their music and as a band.
Lead singer John Gourley creates all the art work for every album cover, t-shirt and tour poster.
, and Ryan Neighbors, who grew up in Salem, Oregon
) were all born and raised in Alaska
. Around August 2002, the band Anatomy of a Ghost
was formed after Gourley moved to Portland, having had no previous singing experience. Anatomy of A Ghost quickly gained popularity, but before long, the group broke up. Portugal. The Man was originally started as John Gourley's side project, with Carothers playing bass. Before they had a drummer, they used drum machines and synth-loops as the backing beat. Gourley and Carothers teamed up with Wesley Hubbard, Nick Klein (former guitar tech for Anatomy of Ghost) and Harvey Tumbleson, and formed Portugal. The Man. The band left Alaska and went to Portland with the intent of recording and touring. The band recorded demos in the summer of 2004 and followed this with a tour with Chiodos that fall. In spring 2005, Klein and Tumbleson left and soon after Sechrist joined the band. Portugal. The Man's debut record Waiter: "You Vultures!" was released by Fearless Records
on January 24, 2006. The album was produced by Casey Bates.
They have opened up for Labelmates Gatsbys American Dream
on the Stampeding Machines tour, alongside similar acts such as HORSE the Band
and Forgive Durden
. In the summer of 2006 they were included on the Circa Survive
headlining tour, and toured with The Fall of Troy
, Tera Melos
and Damiera
. In early 2007, Portugal. The Man self-released a new E.P. entitled It's Complicated Being a Wizard
on their own label, Approaching AIRballoons.
, again produced by Casey Bates, and set out on a full U.S. headline tour with support from The Photo Atlas
, Play Radio Play, Tera Melos, and The Only Children among others. They then toured Europe, and followed it up with another US headlining tour with support from Rocky Votolato
and Great Depression
during September and October. Following this tour, they joined Thursday on a short east coast tour in November alongside Circle Takes The Square
.
In 2008 the band left their label, Fearless Records
, and added Ryan Neighbors, their touring keyboardist, as an official member and the replacement for Wes Hubbard. In the summer of 2008 they were to be the main support band for Rx Bandits
national headlining tour.
On July 30, 2008, it was announced that Portugal. The Man was releasing Censored Colors
under its independent record label, Approaching AIRballoons , in partnership with Equal Vision Records
. It was released September 16, 2008. John Gourley was also chosen as the recipient of the 2008 AP Magazine's 'Best Vocalist of the Year'.
In 2009 they played at Bonnaroo and at Lollapalooza
in Grant Park
, Chicago
.
On April 9 Portugal. The Man announced The Satanic Satanist
, which was released on July 21, 2009. Originally named The Satanic Satanist of the Majestic Majesty, the album title was later shortened and an acoustic counterpart entitled The Majestic Majesty
was released. The Satanic Satanist
is themed around memories and stories from singer John Gourley's growing up in the state of Alaska. The album was recorded with the help of record producer Paul Q. Kolderie
of Pixies and Radiohead
fame, and it was the band's first time recording an album with pre-production. The band released the first video from The Satanic Satanist
for the track "Do You" on September 17, 2009.
On February 11, 2010, John announced that American Ghetto
, the bands fifth studio album, would be released on March 2. In order to avoid another leak, virtually no copies of the album were solicited until the release date.
.
During the summer of 2010, Portugal. The Man went back into the studio to record their new album with guitarist and producer John Hill
. They recorded the album in El Paso, Texas
, London, England, and San Diego, California
. Grammy winner Andy Wallace
mixed the album. Wallace has most notably mixed Rush
, System of a Down
, Nirvana
, Paul McCartney
, At the Drive-In
and Coheed and Cambria
records.
During their fall tour in 2010, Portugal. The Man played a new song known as "We Got It All." At the 2011 SXSW, they debuted another song titled "Senseless." Starting on April 7, 2011, Portugal. The Man began releasing one 30 second clip every week from their new album via their YouTube channel. The songs were "Once Was One," "All Your Light (Times Like These)" and "So American". On April 29, the first full track was released entitled "Got it all (This Can't Be Living Now.)" They released their second song on May 5 entitled "Sleep Forever." The new album is titled In the Mountain in the Cloud and was released on July 19. Zack and Ryan spoke about working on the new record with Atlantic Records. Portugal. The Man's short film, "Sleep Forever", premiered via IFC
.
Portugal. The Man also made their second appearance at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival 10th year anniversary in June 2011, as well as Lollapalooza
in August.
On the 8th of August after their Lollapalooza show, Portugal. The Man's van and trailer were stolen. The van and trailer contained all of the band's instruments and performance gear. On August 9th, the van was recovered, but the contents of the trailer were missing. A list of the missing equipment was made available by the band. On August 12th much of the band's gear was recovered from the home of a man who claimed to have purchased it at a flea market and the band subsequently posted a thank you note on their website saying, "it is more than just a win for PTM, it is also a win for twitter, the world of social media, the Chicago police, and old school journalism." The man was charged with one felony count of theft for purchasing the stolen equipment.
Their live sound has been compared to 1970's progressive rock
and hard rock
bands. Critics often say they sound like Black Sabbath
or Pink Floyd
, because the extended jams are heavier in nature and utilize multiple break-downs, guitar solos, synthesizer
sounds and base grooves not heard in their albums. Songs like "Work All Day" and "People Say," for example, have been changed to sound heavier compared to its album version. Besides adding extended jams during their set and adding a heavier rock sound, Portugal. The Man also change the set list every show to make not one show sound the same as the other.
Another aspect to Portugal's live show is their use of stage lights, fog machines and lasers. Fog machines are often used in excess to create an atmosphere that goes well with their altered music for the live setting. Also, they often play in the dark with the multi-colored stage lights spread throughout the stage floor. These lights actually go along with the beat of Jason Sechrist's drumming, and coupled with the lasers that characterize lead singer John Gourley's persona, these accompany the music and live jamming that ensues multiple times throughout a set perfectly.
On their latest tour, Portugal. The Man has opted to use a newer lighting set up, by not using lasers at all and adding even more fog machines to show off the new impressive lighting rig. Large octopus
looking lighting fixtures encapsulate the stage with orbs of light spreading throughout each "tentacle" or "beam." Throughout a song, heavy amounts of fog is pushed on the stage, and as they play, the orbs of light change color and flow with the music, creating a unique lighting experience, unlike any other band.
Psychedelic rock
Psychedelic rock is a style of rock music that is inspired or influenced by psychedelic culture and attempts to replicate and enhance the mind-altering experiences of psychedelic drugs. It emerged during the mid 1960s among folk rock and blues rock bands in United States and the United Kingdom...
band based in Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon
Portland is a city located in the Pacific Northwest, near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers in the U.S. state of Oregon. As of the 2010 Census, it had a population of 583,776, making it the 29th most populous city in the United States...
, but originally from Wasilla, Alaska
Wasilla, Alaska
Wasilla is a city in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, United States and the sixth-largest city in Alaska. It is located on the northern point of Cook Inlet in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley of the southcentral part of the state. The city's population was 7,831 at the 2010 census...
. The group released their first two albums with Fearless Records
Fearless Records
Fearless Records is an alternative rock-oriented record label that has been signing artists since 1994. Fearless is based in Westminster, California and are best known for their early pop-punk moments captured in the Fearless Flush Sampler and Punk Bites releases, as well as additional releases by...
. They also released material on their own imprint Approaching AIRballoons through indie label Equal Vision Records
Equal Vision Records
Equal Vision Records is a record label based in Albany, New York, which has a focus in metal or punk-based rock genres. Equal Vision Records was founded in the early 1990s by Ray Cappo ....
. They signed to Atlantic Records
Atlantic Records
Atlantic Records is an American record label best known for its many recordings of rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and jazz...
on April 2, 2010.
Similar to The Beatles
The Beatles
The Beatles were an English rock band, active throughout the 1960s and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Formed in Liverpool, by 1962 the group consisted of John Lennon , Paul McCartney , George Harrison and Ringo Starr...
, The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones are an English rock band, formed in London in April 1962 by Brian Jones , Ian Stewart , Mick Jagger , and Keith Richards . Bassist Bill Wyman and drummer Charlie Watts completed the early line-up...
, and Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd were an English rock band that achieved worldwide success with their progressive and psychedelic rock music. Their work is marked by the use of philosophical lyrics, sonic experimentation, innovative album art, and elaborate live shows. Pink Floyd are one of the most commercially...
who experimented and tweaked their sound on each record, not one of Portugal. The Man's albums sound a like. Starting with Waiter: "You Vultures!", each release has been a catalog of their progress as an artistic outfit, showcasing the evolution in their music and as a band.
Lead singer John Gourley creates all the art work for every album cover, t-shirt and tour poster.
Origin
The members of Portugal. The Man (with the exception of Jason Sechrist, who was born in Portland, OregonPortland, Oregon
Portland is a city located in the Pacific Northwest, near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers in the U.S. state of Oregon. As of the 2010 Census, it had a population of 583,776, making it the 29th most populous city in the United States...
, and Ryan Neighbors, who grew up in Salem, Oregon
Salem, Oregon
Salem is the capital of the U.S. state of Oregon, and the county seat of Marion County. It is located in the center of the Willamette Valley alongside the Willamette River, which runs north through the city. The river forms the boundary between Marion and Polk counties, and the city neighborhood...
) were all born and raised in Alaska
Alaska
Alaska is the largest state in the United States by area. It is situated in the northwest extremity of the North American continent, with Canada to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, with Russia further west across the Bering Strait...
. Around August 2002, the band Anatomy of a Ghost
Anatomy of a Ghost
Anatomy of a Ghost was an American emo/screamo band from Portland, Oregon, some of whose members originally hailed from Alaska.-History:Anatomy of a Ghost formed early in 2002 and gained popularity through live performances and through internet promotional channels. In 2003 they toured the United...
was formed after Gourley moved to Portland, having had no previous singing experience. Anatomy of A Ghost quickly gained popularity, but before long, the group broke up. Portugal. The Man was originally started as John Gourley's side project, with Carothers playing bass. Before they had a drummer, they used drum machines and synth-loops as the backing beat. Gourley and Carothers teamed up with Wesley Hubbard, Nick Klein (former guitar tech for Anatomy of Ghost) and Harvey Tumbleson, and formed Portugal. The Man. The band left Alaska and went to Portland with the intent of recording and touring. The band recorded demos in the summer of 2004 and followed this with a tour with Chiodos that fall. In spring 2005, Klein and Tumbleson left and soon after Sechrist joined the band. Portugal. The Man's debut record Waiter: "You Vultures!" was released by Fearless Records
Fearless Records
Fearless Records is an alternative rock-oriented record label that has been signing artists since 1994. Fearless is based in Westminster, California and are best known for their early pop-punk moments captured in the Fearless Flush Sampler and Punk Bites releases, as well as additional releases by...
on January 24, 2006. The album was produced by Casey Bates.
They have opened up for Labelmates Gatsbys American Dream
Gatsbys American Dream
Gatsbys American Dream is a Seattle-based indie rock band. Since their founding in 2002, they have released four full-length albums and one EP. They have also appeared on several compilations with original songs and covers. Gatsbys American Dream drew their name from F...
on the Stampeding Machines tour, alongside similar acts such as HORSE the Band
HORSE the band
Horse the Band is a band from Lake Forest, California who are best known for their 8-bit Nintendo-influenced sound combined with metalcore. Frontman Nathan Winneke once described their sound as "Nintendocore".-Biography:...
and Forgive Durden
Forgive Durden
Forgive Durden is an indie rock band from Seattle, Washington, who got their name from the novel Fight Club. They are signed to Fueled By Ramen...
. In the summer of 2006 they were included on the Circa Survive
Circa Survive
Circa Survive is an American alternative rock band from the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania suburb of Doylestown, formed in 2004. The band consists of vocalist Anthony Green, former singer of Saosin and members of the now-defunct This Day Forward....
headlining tour, and toured with The Fall of Troy
The Fall of Troy
The Fall of Troy was an American progressive math rock trio from Mukilteo, Washington. The trio consisted of Thomas Erak , Andrew Forsman and Frank Ene...
, Tera Melos
Tera Melos
Tera Melos is a band from Sacramento, California, that incorporates many styles of rock, jazz, ambient electronics and unconventional song structure. They are currently a three-piece , consisting of a guitarist/keyboardist/vocalist, bassist, and a drummer...
and Damiera
Damiera
Damiera is a three piece indie/math rock band based in Chicago, Illinois.-The Beginning:Damiera was formed in February, 2005, by David Raymond and ex-guitarist/vocalist Matthew Kipp after the dismemberment of their former project, League...
. In early 2007, Portugal. The Man self-released a new E.P. entitled It's Complicated Being a Wizard
It's Complicated Being a Wizard
It's Complicated Being a Wizard is Portugal. The Man's fifth release, released on February 27, 2007 through Public Music Records. Track one is split up into its distinct movements for easy browsing across tracks two through ten It's Complicated Being a Wizard is Portugal. The Man's fifth release,...
on their own label, Approaching AIRballoons.
Independent years
On June 22, 2007, they released their second full-length, Church MouthChurch Mouth
Church Mouth is the second full length album from Alaskan experimental rock band Portugal. The Man. It was released on July 20, 2007 in Europe and on July 24, 2007 in the UK and the USA. As of June 22, 2007, the album had leaked to p2p networks. Regarding the leak, the band posted the following...
, again produced by Casey Bates, and set out on a full U.S. headline tour with support from The Photo Atlas
The Photo Atlas
The Photo Atlas are a Dance-punk quartet originating from Denver, Colorado. The band consists of Alan Andrews Jr on vocals and guitar, Bill Threlkeld III on guitar, Mark Hawkins on bass, and Joshua Taylor on drums....
, Play Radio Play, Tera Melos, and The Only Children among others. They then toured Europe, and followed it up with another US headlining tour with support from Rocky Votolato
Rocky Votolato
Rocky Votolato is an American singer-songwriter. He was born in Dallas, Texas on March 8, 1977. He was raised in a small town called Frost, roughly 50 miles south of Dallas, until the age of 13. After his parents were divorced, his mother remarried and moved the family to the Pacific Northwest...
and Great Depression
Great Depression
The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries it started in about 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s or early 1940s...
during September and October. Following this tour, they joined Thursday on a short east coast tour in November alongside Circle Takes The Square
Circle Takes the Square
Circle Takes the Square is an American post-hardcore band from Savannah, Georgia. Their debut release was a 7-track self-titled EP in 2001, followed later by a 7" split with Pg. 99...
.
In 2008 the band left their label, Fearless Records
Fearless Records
Fearless Records is an alternative rock-oriented record label that has been signing artists since 1994. Fearless is based in Westminster, California and are best known for their early pop-punk moments captured in the Fearless Flush Sampler and Punk Bites releases, as well as additional releases by...
, and added Ryan Neighbors, their touring keyboardist, as an official member and the replacement for Wes Hubbard. In the summer of 2008 they were to be the main support band for Rx Bandits
Rx Bandits
RX Bandits is a four-piece band based in Seal Beach, California. The band formed in 1995 in Orange County, California. They have appeared on the Vans Warped Tour, at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and at The Bamboozle.-Early years :Originally known as...
national headlining tour.
On July 30, 2008, it was announced that Portugal. The Man was releasing Censored Colors
Censored Colors
Censored Colors is the third full length album from Alaskan experimental rock band Portugal. The Man. The album was released through a partnership with Equal Vision Records on September 16, 2008...
under its independent record label, Approaching AIRballoons , in partnership with Equal Vision Records
Equal Vision Records
Equal Vision Records is a record label based in Albany, New York, which has a focus in metal or punk-based rock genres. Equal Vision Records was founded in the early 1990s by Ray Cappo ....
. It was released September 16, 2008. John Gourley was also chosen as the recipient of the 2008 AP Magazine's 'Best Vocalist of the Year'.
In 2009 they played at Bonnaroo and at Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza is an annual music festival featuring popular alternative rock, heavy metal, punk rock and hip hop bands, dance and comedy performances, and craft booths. It has also provided a platform for non-profit and political groups. The music festival hosts more than 160,000 people over a...
in Grant Park
Grant Park (Chicago)
Grant Park, with between the downtown Chicago Loop and Lake Michigan, offers many different attractions in its large open space. The park is generally flat. It is also crossed by large boulevards and even a bed of sunken railroad tracks...
, Chicago
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
.
On April 9 Portugal. The Man announced The Satanic Satanist
The Satanic Satanist
The Satanic Satanist is the fourth full-length album from Alaskan experimental rock band Portugal. The Man. The album's artwork is a combination of photographs and watercolor illustrations by lead singer John Gourley....
, which was released on July 21, 2009. Originally named The Satanic Satanist of the Majestic Majesty, the album title was later shortened and an acoustic counterpart entitled The Majestic Majesty
The Majestic Majesty
The Majestic Majesty is the acoustic accompaniment to Portugal. The Man's fourth full length album The Satanic Satanist and features all of the albums songs performed acoustically, except the track "Let You Down."...
was released. The Satanic Satanist
The Satanic Satanist
The Satanic Satanist is the fourth full-length album from Alaskan experimental rock band Portugal. The Man. The album's artwork is a combination of photographs and watercolor illustrations by lead singer John Gourley....
is themed around memories and stories from singer John Gourley's growing up in the state of Alaska. The album was recorded with the help of record producer Paul Q. Kolderie
Paul Q. Kolderie
Paul Q. Kolderie is a record producer, engineer, and mixer. He has worked with Pixies, Radiohead, Orangutang, Hole, Dinosaur Jr., Juliana Hatfield, Wax, Warren Zevon, Uncle Tupelo, Throwing Muses, Morphine, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Abandoned Pools, and The Go-Go's...
of Pixies and Radiohead
Radiohead
Radiohead are an English rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke , Jonny Greenwood , Ed O'Brien , Colin Greenwood and Phil Selway .Radiohead released their debut single "Creep" in 1992...
fame, and it was the band's first time recording an album with pre-production. The band released the first video from The Satanic Satanist
The Satanic Satanist
The Satanic Satanist is the fourth full-length album from Alaskan experimental rock band Portugal. The Man. The album's artwork is a combination of photographs and watercolor illustrations by lead singer John Gourley....
for the track "Do You" on September 17, 2009.
On February 11, 2010, John announced that American Ghetto
American Ghetto
American Ghetto is the fifth studio album by indie rock band Portugal. The Man. It was released coinciding with a tour of North America in March 2010.On February 22, 2010, the band released the song "The Dead Dog" as a free download.-Track listing:...
, the bands fifth studio album, would be released on March 2. In order to avoid another leak, virtually no copies of the album were solicited until the release date.
Atlantic years (2010-present)
In April 2010 the band announced their transfer to Atlantic RecordsAtlantic Records
Atlantic Records is an American record label best known for its many recordings of rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and jazz...
.
During the summer of 2010, Portugal. The Man went back into the studio to record their new album with guitarist and producer John Hill
John Hill (producer)
John Graham Hill is an American record producer, songwriter, remixer and musician.-Selected Discography:Hill's discography to date includes -* Rihanna* Shakira* M.I.A.* Christina Aguilera* Santigold* Natasha Bedingfield...
. They recorded the album in El Paso, Texas
El Paso, Texas
El Paso, is a city in and the county seat of El Paso County, Texas, United States, and lies in far West Texas. In the 2010 census, the city had a population of 649,121. It is the sixth largest city in Texas and the 19th largest city in the United States...
, London, England, and San Diego, California
San Diego, California
San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest city in California. The city is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, immediately adjacent to the Mexican border. The birthplace of California, San Diego is known for its mild year-round...
. Grammy winner Andy Wallace
Andy Wallace (producer)
Andy Wallace is a Grammy Award-winning music studio engineer with a long track record of successful productions, beginning with the 1986 production of the Run-DMC/Aerosmith collaboration on "Walk This Way" with Rick Rubin...
mixed the album. Wallace has most notably mixed Rush
Rush (band)
Rush is a Canadian rock band formed in August 1968, in the Willowdale neighbourhood of Toronto, Ontario. The band is composed of bassist, keyboardist, and lead vocalist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and drummer and lyricist Neil Peart...
, System of a Down
System of a Down
System of a Down, also known by the acronym SOAD and often shortened to System, is a rock band from Southern California. The band was formed in 1994. It consists of Serj Tankian , Daron Malakian , Shavo Odadjian and John Dolmayan...
, Nirvana
Nirvana (band)
Nirvana was an American rock band that was formed by singer/guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic in Aberdeen, Washington in 1987...
, Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney
Sir James Paul McCartney, MBE, Hon RAM, FRCM is an English musician, singer-songwriter and composer. Formerly of The Beatles and Wings , McCartney is listed in Guinness World Records as the "most successful musician and composer in popular music history", with 60 gold discs and sales of 100...
, At the Drive-In
At the Drive-In
At the Drive-In was an American rock band from El Paso, Texas, considered part of the post-hardcore genre and active from 1993 to 2001. They were known for their extremely energetic stage shows which hearkened back to the 1980s hardcore scene...
and Coheed and Cambria
Coheed and Cambria
Coheed and Cambria is an American progressive rock band from Nyack, New York. Formed in 1995, the group incorporates aspects of progressive rock, punk rock, metal and post-hardcore....
records.
During their fall tour in 2010, Portugal. The Man played a new song known as "We Got It All." At the 2011 SXSW, they debuted another song titled "Senseless." Starting on April 7, 2011, Portugal. The Man began releasing one 30 second clip every week from their new album via their YouTube channel. The songs were "Once Was One," "All Your Light (Times Like These)" and "So American". On April 29, the first full track was released entitled "Got it all (This Can't Be Living Now.)" They released their second song on May 5 entitled "Sleep Forever." The new album is titled In the Mountain in the Cloud and was released on July 19. Zack and Ryan spoke about working on the new record with Atlantic Records. Portugal. The Man's short film, "Sleep Forever", premiered via IFC
Independent Film Channel
The Independent Film Channel is an American cable TV network that airs independent film and related programming. IFC programming includes commercially interrupted feature-length films, original documentaries, shorts, animated series, original series, acquired series, and content exclusively for...
.
Portugal. The Man also made their second appearance at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival 10th year anniversary in June 2011, as well as Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza is an annual music festival featuring popular alternative rock, heavy metal, punk rock and hip hop bands, dance and comedy performances, and craft booths. It has also provided a platform for non-profit and political groups. The music festival hosts more than 160,000 people over a...
in August.
On the 8th of August after their Lollapalooza show, Portugal. The Man's van and trailer were stolen. The van and trailer contained all of the band's instruments and performance gear. On August 9th, the van was recovered, but the contents of the trailer were missing. A list of the missing equipment was made available by the band. On August 12th much of the band's gear was recovered from the home of a man who claimed to have purchased it at a flea market and the band subsequently posted a thank you note on their website saying, "it is more than just a win for PTM, it is also a win for twitter, the world of social media, the Chicago police, and old school journalism." The man was charged with one felony count of theft for purchasing the stolen equipment.
Live Show
Portugal. The Man's live show is very unique. First off, the songs they play live sound completely different from their album versions. Not only do they radically change their songs for the live setting, but Portugal also adds live jams at the end of certain songs to create a stream-of-consciousness flow between songs. This adds a flow between songs that makes the set seem like one epic movement. Their jams have been known to last longer than five minutes in some cases, with songs like "Horse Warming Party" and Aka M80 the Wolf" from Waiter: "You Vultures!" extending over the five minute mark.Their live sound has been compared to 1970's progressive rock
Progressive rock
Progressive rock is a subgenre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s as part of a "mostly British attempt to elevate rock music to new levels of artistic credibility." John Covach, in Contemporary Music Review, says that many thought it would not just "succeed the pop of...
and hard rock
Hard rock
Hard rock is a loosely defined genre of rock music which has its earliest roots in mid-1960s garage rock, blues rock and psychedelic rock...
bands. Critics often say they sound like Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath are an English heavy metal band, formed in Aston, Birmingham in 1969 by Ozzy Osbourne , Tony Iommi , Geezer Butler , and Bill Ward . The band has since experienced multiple line-up changes, with Tony Iommi the only constant presence in the band through the years. A total of 22...
or Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd were an English rock band that achieved worldwide success with their progressive and psychedelic rock music. Their work is marked by the use of philosophical lyrics, sonic experimentation, innovative album art, and elaborate live shows. Pink Floyd are one of the most commercially...
, because the extended jams are heavier in nature and utilize multiple break-downs, guitar solos, synthesizer
Synthesizer
A synthesizer is an electronic instrument capable of producing sounds by generating electrical signals of different frequencies. These electrical signals are played through a loudspeaker or set of headphones...
sounds and base grooves not heard in their albums. Songs like "Work All Day" and "People Say," for example, have been changed to sound heavier compared to its album version. Besides adding extended jams during their set and adding a heavier rock sound, Portugal. The Man also change the set list every show to make not one show sound the same as the other.
Another aspect to Portugal's live show is their use of stage lights, fog machines and lasers. Fog machines are often used in excess to create an atmosphere that goes well with their altered music for the live setting. Also, they often play in the dark with the multi-colored stage lights spread throughout the stage floor. These lights actually go along with the beat of Jason Sechrist's drumming, and coupled with the lasers that characterize lead singer John Gourley's persona, these accompany the music and live jamming that ensues multiple times throughout a set perfectly.
On their latest tour, Portugal. The Man has opted to use a newer lighting set up, by not using lasers at all and adding even more fog machines to show off the new impressive lighting rig. Large octopus
Octopus
The octopus is a cephalopod mollusc of the order Octopoda. Octopuses have two eyes and four pairs of arms, and like other cephalopods they are bilaterally symmetric. An octopus has a hard beak, with its mouth at the center point of the arms...
looking lighting fixtures encapsulate the stage with orbs of light spreading throughout each "tentacle" or "beam." Throughout a song, heavy amounts of fog is pushed on the stage, and as they play, the orbs of light change color and flow with the music, creating a unique lighting experience, unlike any other band.
Current members
- John Baldwin Gourley - vocals, guitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
, organOrgan-Biology and medicine:*Organ , a collection of tissues joined in structural unit to serve a common function*Organ pipe coral, a marine organism native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans*Stenocereus thurberi, the organ pipe cactus plant-Music:...
, machines - Jason Sechrist - drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
- Ryan Neighbors - keyboardsKeyboard instrumentA keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments...
, synthesizerSynthesizerA synthesizer is an electronic instrument capable of producing sounds by generating electrical signals of different frequencies. These electrical signals are played through a loudspeaker or set of headphones...
s, backing vocalsBacking vocalistA backing vocalist or backing singer is a singer who provides vocal harmony with the lead vocalist or other backing vocalists... - Zachary Carothers - bass guitarBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
, backing vocals
Former touring members
- Zoe Manville - backing vocals, keyboards, synthesizers, tambourineTambourineThe tambourine or marine is a musical instrument of the percussion family consisting of a frame, often of wood or plastic, with pairs of small metal jingles, called "zils". Classically the term tambourine denotes an instrument with a drumhead, though some variants may not have a head at all....
- Kyle O'Quin - keyboards, synthesizers
- Garrett Lunceford - drums
Studio albums
| Year | Album details | Peak chart positions | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
US Heat |
AUT Ö3 Austria Top 40 Ö3 Austria Top 40 is the name of the official Austrian singles chart, as well as the radio show which presents it, aired Fridays on Hitradio Ö3. The show presents the Austrian singles, ringtones and downloads chart. It premiered on 26 November 1968 as Disc Parade and was presented by Ernst Grissemann... |
CHE Swiss Music Charts The Swiss Music Charts are Switzerland's main music sales charts. The charts are a record of the highest-selling singles and albums in various genres in Switzerland.The Swiss Charts include:* Singles Top 75... |
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| 2006 | Waiter: "You Vultures!"
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| 2007 | Church Mouth Church Mouth Church Mouth is the second full length album from Alaskan experimental rock band Portugal. The Man. It was released on July 20, 2007 in Europe and on July 24, 2007 in the UK and the USA. As of June 22, 2007, the album had leaked to p2p networks. Regarding the leak, the band posted the following... |
— | 30 | — | — | ||||
| 2008 | Censored Colors Censored Colors Censored Colors is the third full length album from Alaskan experimental rock band Portugal. The Man. The album was released through a partnership with Equal Vision Records on September 16, 2008... Equal Vision Records Equal Vision Records is a record label based in Albany, New York, which has a focus in metal or punk-based rock genres. Equal Vision Records was founded in the early 1990s by Ray Cappo .... |
— | 10 | — | — | ||||
| 2009 | The Satanic Satanist The Satanic Satanist The Satanic Satanist is the fourth full-length album from Alaskan experimental rock band Portugal. The Man. The album's artwork is a combination of photographs and watercolor illustrations by lead singer John Gourley.... |
81 | — | — | — | ||||
| The Majestic Majesty The Majestic Majesty The Majestic Majesty is the acoustic accompaniment to Portugal. The Man's fourth full length album The Satanic Satanist and features all of the albums songs performed acoustically, except the track "Let You Down."... Music download A music download is the transferral of music from an Internet-facing computer or website to a user's local computer. This term encompasses both legal downloads and downloads of copyright material without permission or payment... |
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| 2010 | American Ghetto American Ghetto American Ghetto is the fifth studio album by indie rock band Portugal. The Man. It was released coinciding with a tour of North America in March 2010.On February 22, 2010, the band released the song "The Dead Dog" as a free download.-Track listing:... |
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| 2011 | In the Mountain in the Cloud
Atlantic Records Atlantic Records is an American record label best known for its many recordings of rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and jazz... |
42 | — | 60 | 70 | ||||
| "—" denotes a release that did not chart. | |||||||||
Extended plays
| Year | Album details |
|---|---|
| 2005 | Under Waves of the Brown Coat Under Waves of the Brown Coat Under Waves of the Brown Coat is Portugal. The Man's first EP. It was released in 2005. Portions of the guitar work on Airballoons can be heard on It's Complicated Being a Wizard, released two years later.-Track listing:# "Airballoons"# "Monster"...
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| 2006 | The Pines & The Devil The Pines & The Devil The Pines & The Devil is a 7-inch vinyl EP from Portugal. The Man. It was put out right after Waiter: "You Vultures!" and includes two new songs that were later added to the digital EP Devil Say I, I Say AIR.-Track listing:# "The Pines" – 3:13... LP record The LP, or long-playing microgroove record, is a format for phonograph records, an analog sound storage medium. Introduced by Columbia Records in 1948, it was soon adopted as a new standard by the entire record industry... |
| 2006 | Devil Say I, I Say AIR Devil Say I, I Say AIR Devil Say I, I Say AIR is Portugal. The Man's second EP. It was also the second release in 2006, this digital release followed the bands first full-length released on Fearless Records... |
| 2007 | It's Complicated Being a Wizard It's Complicated Being a Wizard It's Complicated Being a Wizard is Portugal. The Man's fifth release, released on February 27, 2007 through Public Music Records. Track one is split up into its distinct movements for easy browsing across tracks two through ten It's Complicated Being a Wizard is Portugal. The Man's fifth release,... LP record The LP, or long-playing microgroove record, is a format for phonograph records, an analog sound storage medium. Introduced by Columbia Records in 1948, it was soon adopted as a new standard by the entire record industry... , CD |
| 2007 | My Mind & Seventeen
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Singles
| Year | Title | Peak chart positions | Album | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Alt |
US Rock Rock Songs Rock Songs is a chart published weekly by Billboard magazine which ranks the airplay of songs on alternative, mainstream rock and triple A radio stations. The first chart was published in the issue dated June 20, 2009. "Know Your Enemy" by Green Day was the first number-one song. The Rock Songs... |
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| 2008 | "Lay Me Back Down" | — | — | Censored Colors | |||||
| 2009 | "People Say" | 16 | 31 | The Satanic Satanist | |||||
| 2011 | "Got It All (This Can't Be Living Now)" | 36 | — | In the Mountain in the Cloud | |||||
| "So American" | — | — | |||||||
| "—" denotes a release that did not chart. | |||||||||