Portugal. The Man: A Journey Through Music and Activism

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Portugal. The Man is an American rock band that originated in Wasilla, Alaska, in 2004. The band is known for its eclectic mix of music styles, including indie rock, psychedelic rock, and pop. The core members of the band are John Gourley (vocals, guitar), Zach Carothers (bass), Kyle O'Quin (keyboards), Jason Sechrist (drums), and Eric Howk (guitar). Zoe Manville, John Gourley's wife, also contributes to the band's music.
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Career Highlights

  1. Formation and Early Years:
    • The band was formed by John Gourley and Zach Carothers, who met at Wasilla High School. They initially played in a band called Anatomy of a Ghost before starting Portugal. The Man as a side project.
    • They moved to Portland, Oregon, in search of better recording and touring opportunities.
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  1. Breakthrough Album: "Woodstock":
    • The band's breakthrough came with the 2017 album "Woodstock," which included the hit single "Feel It Still." The song became a massive success, earning the band a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and achieving multi-platinum status.
    • "Feel It Still" topped the Alternative Songs chart for 20 weeks, setting a record for the most weeks at number one on the chart.
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  1. Activism and Social Justice:
    • Portugal. The Man is known for its commitment to social justice. The band has consistently used its platform to support various causes, including Indigenous rights, mental health, and environmental issues.
    • In 2020, they launched the PTM Foundation, which focuses on building community resilience, empathy, and awareness through music, stories, art, education, and connectivity.
  2. Recent Activities:
    • The band released their latest album, "Chris Black Changed My Life," in 2023. This album was a tribute to their late friend Chris Black and explored themes of mental health and existential crisis.
    • They continue to perform live, with recent concerts including a free show in San Francisco's Civic Center Plaza as part of the city's efforts to energize downtown neighborhoods.

Notable Albums

  1. "The Satanic Satanist" (2009):
    • This album is often regarded as one of their best, featuring straightforward songs of love and life with a blend of early psychedelia and grounded realism.
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  1. "In the Mountain in the Cloud" (2011):
    • Known for its inventive and innovative sound, this album includes standout tracks like "So American" and the closing track "Sleep Forever".
  2. "Evil Friends" (2013):
    • Produced by Danger Mouse, this album marked a significant shift towards a more polished and pop-oriented sound.
  3. "Woodstock" (2017):
    • The album that brought them mainstream success, featuring the hit single "Feel It Still".

Live Performances

Portugal. The Man is renowned for their dynamic and unpredictable live shows. They often incorporate a mix of their discography, including unexpected covers and medleys. Their performances are known for their visual elements, including unique stage setups and video projections.

Fun Facts

  • The period in the band's name is significant, inspired by David Bowie's larger-than-life fame. It represents the idea that the band is a collective entity, not just a single person.
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  • Eric Howk, one of the band's guitarists, uses a wheelchair due to a spinal cord injury but continues to perform and tour with the band.
Portugal. The Man continues to be a significant force in the music industry, known for their innovative music, commitment to social causes, and engaging live performances.