Those outside of Portland may not know what a great cultural hub it is. Of course we are biased, but the city literally has everything you could ask for.

Not only is Portland a great city to live in, but it is also a place that has produced extremely talented musicians. Maybe you have heard of a few acts on this list, but did not know that they come from the PDX!

1. The Decemberists – The Decemberists are a folk-rock band that was formed in Portland in 2000. They are known for their elaborate narratives and historical references in their lyrics. They have released several critically acclaimed albums, including “Her Majesty the Decemberists” and “The Hazards of Love”.
2. Modest Mouse – Modest Mouse is an alternative rock band that was formed in Issaquah, Washington in 1993, but they later relocated to Portland. They are known for their eclectic sound, which incorporates elements of punk, indie rock, and alternative country. Their most popular album, “Good News for People Who Love Bad News,” was released in 2004 and includes the hit single “Float On”.
3. Sleater-Kinney – Sleater-Kinney is an influential feminist punk rock band that was formed in Olympia, Washington in 1994. The band is composed of Corin Tucker and Carrie Brownstein, who later went on to co-create the popular sketch comedy show “Portlandia”. Sleater-Kinney is known for their politically charged lyrics and energetic live performances.
4. The Dandy Warhols – The Dandy Warhols are a psychedelic rock band that was formed in Portland in 1994. They are known for their upbeat, retro-inspired sound and their irreverent lyrics. Their most popular album, “Thirteen Tales from Urban Bohemia,” was released in 2000 and includes the hit single “Bohemian Like You”.
5. Blitzen Trapper – Blitzen Trapper is an alternative country band that was formed in Portland in 2000. They are known for their eclectic sound, which draws from a wide range of musical influences, including folk, rock, and psychedelic music. Their most popular album, “Furr,” was released in 2008 and includes the title track, which has become one of their signature songs.
6. Quasi – Quasi is an indie rock band that was formed in Portland in 1993. They are known for their experimental approach to music and their unpredictable live performances. They have released several critically acclaimed albums, including “Featuring “Birds” and “American Gong”.
7. The Shins – The Shins are an indie rock band that was formed in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1996, but they later relocated to Portland. They are known for their catchy melodies, intricate harmonies, and introspective lyrics. Their most popular album, “Chutes Too Narrow,” was released in 2003 and includes the hit single “New Slang”.
8. The Thermals – The Thermals are an indie punk band that was formed in Portland in 2002. They are known for their energetic live performances and their political and socially conscious lyrics. Their most popular album, “The Body, the Blood, the Machine,” was released in 2006 and includes the hit single “A Pillar of Salt”.
9. Elliott Smith – Elliott Smith was a singer-songwriter who was born in Omaha, Nebraska, but later relocated to Portland. He was known for his introspective and emotionally charged lyrics, as well as his hauntingly beautiful voice. He released several critically acclaimed albums, including “Either/Or” and “Figure 8”, before his untimely death in 2003.
10. Chromatics – Chromatics is an electronic pop band that was formed in Portland in 1999. They are known for their dreamy, synth-based sound and their cinematic lyrics. Their most popular album, “Kill for Love,” was released in 2012 and includes the hit single “Kill for Love”.