Downtown York Fall/Holiday 2017 - 40

Q. What music are you currently listening to?
A. My playlists are usually quite eclectic but I definitely have a thing
for female vocalists... Actually I think a lot of the band does! I'm really enjoying new music from The Japanese House; their vocalist is an
incredible songwriter. I've been really into Banks lately as well. Her
most recent album The Altar is dark and beautiful and her lyrics are
so empowering for women. Lastly, Niki & The Dove's "Everybody's
Heart is Broken Now" is probably one of my favorite albums for the
summer months.
Q. Do you currently have anything exciting in the works?
A. Lots! We're wrapping up tracking for an EP, hopefully to be released this fall and there will be plenty of fun stuff that comes along
with that! I've been writing some new material here and there, so I'm
excited to work on that with the guys in the near future.
Q. Why do you think music has such an influence on its
listeners?
A. Music is an expression of the soul. Like a lot of visual art, it's a
way for humans to communicate in abstract ways that language
cannot. Then when you incorporate lyrics, a whole other layer is
added to the experience because it puts those raw feelings into the
context of a story that can be related to. It's a really powerful thing
to be to connect with humanity as a musician. There's nothing like
the beauty and pure emotion that music unlocks for each person on
their own unique level.

DOWNTOWN YORK FALL 2017

Q. If you had to switch to a completely different genre of
music than what you play now, what would you switch to
and why?
A. I've toyed with this idea of an electronic pop band for a little
while, actually. There's usually a performative element with bands
like that so it would be really fun to come up with some spectacular light show and a really glittery wardrobe. Electronic artists like
Grimes and Purity Ring are great examples of such a 'genre,' and
they always put on the most mesmerizing shows.
Q. What's your favorite thing about being in a band?
A. We've all become like family these past several years, and it's a
privilege to be able to create with people who see and accept you
for all you are, uplifting and challenging you. I think that kind of a
community is important for each person to find, and I think outside of
the members of Port Ellis we're also able to be a part of a community of artists which is wonderful.

Upcoming show
September 15th at York College
Check them out on Facebook to see more upcoming dates!
https://www.facebook.com/portellisband/

Photo Credit: Brady Pappas

Q. How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
A. We've all grown in confidence as individual musicians and
where we fit in as a creative team. Because of that, I feel like we're
all more comfortable with pushing our limits and moving forward
with a new sound. Port Ellis never felt like a project that fit one label
and I love that and I know we always want to preserve that mystery.

https://www.facebook.com/portellisband/

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Downtown York Fall/Holiday 2017