Portland’s hazey dreampop was an immediate hit in Belgium. From the friendly, at times amorous, yet mostly fragile connection between Jente Pironet and Sarah Pepels, emerged a unique musical project, with the personal and creative interplay between to contradictory people at its centre. Their early hit ‘Pouring Rain’ and their victory at De Nieuwe Lichting 2018 saw Portland rise to prominence really quickly, only for the band to confirm the hype with their legendary and emotional performances at Rock Werchter and Pukkelpop. Debut album ‘The Colours Will Stain’ released in 2019, earning them several nominations at the MIA’s in 2020. Singles like ‘Lucky Clover’, ‘Killers Mind’ and ‘Aftermath’ became instant hits.

Early 2023 saw the band travel to London with producer and songwriter Oli Bayston, to work on their follow-up ‘Departures’. You’ll also be seeing the duo on this season of Liefde voor Muziek. Immediately before the release of ‘Departures’, Sarah announced she was leaving the band, but that doesn’t stop Portland from adding another exquisite live chapter to their story.