Stumpgrown

Chibia Ulinwa makes it look easy. If her fleet-footed, jazz-inflected manifestos on the human heart aren’t enough to knock you flat against your desk chair, try doing that in between gigs as a public school orchestra director and brand illustrator. Driven by the contrast of her silken vocals and lacerating violin, Chibia led her band through effortless selections from her latest EP, “So This Is Love, Vol. 1.” Mixing & Production: Noah Penwell Sound Engineering & Copywriting: Max Simon Hosting & Direction: Caroline Drew Videography: Maggie Zaleski Photography: Alahn Ek Recorded live at DB Nation Studios on June 23, 2024.

How long does it take to become an institution? It took the Greeks nearly 10 years to build the Parthenon, and even then, it wasn’t an actual house of worship for centuries. And how many people did it take to build it? “Too many,” the Franco brothers might answer.  In just four long, heat-wave-ridden summers, the Francos, “Professional Entertainer” Johnny & His Real Brother Dom have built an institution of tear-spilling and ass-shaking in a western corner of the inimitable Laurelhurst Park. Despite its two-man inception, the Curbside Serenade has blossomed into a multi-stage interactive variety show, replete with singing dogs, comedians, and a gaggle of regulars and new-comers who fill the park to the brim every Thursday.  On June 20th, Stumpgrown was honored to join the parade for an afternoon session and Q&A––the first Curbside Serenade of its kind. Watch as we try to corral the magic (also a Curbside first) for your at-home viewing pleasure.  Mixing & Production: Nick Meigs Sound Engineering: Max Simon & Noah Penwell Hosting, Direction: Caroline Drew Videography: Maggie Zaleski Photography: Alahn Ek Copywriting: Max Simon Recorded live at Laurelhurst Park on June 20, 2024.

If you’re around Portland, you know Jakki. For years, Jakki Wise played ringleader for a stray circus of Portland musicians, showcasing the finest players in an ever-rotating cast—cheekily dubbed the Pink Smudge. These days, the Smudge is a stable, whimsical, and polished force, consisting of Charlie (drums), Caleb (guitar, production), and Oliver (bass). Twinkly rhythms, toe-tapping grooves, and Jakki’s whispy vocals bring bedroom pop sensibilities to center stage. Their infectiously playful performances are sure to wiggle into your head and your dancing feet. Recorded live outside Stumpgrown’s favorite bar and record store, watch this family affair throw down, one smudged microphone at a time. Mixing & Production: Nick Meigs Sound Engineering: Max Simon & Noah Penwell Hosting, Direction, & Copywriting: Caroline Drew Videography: Maggie Zaleski Photography: Alahn Ek Recorded live outside Mississippi Records on May 21, 2024.

Some moments can last forever if you want them to. If catching burgeoning expat Kendall Lujan with her fabulous live ensemble is what came to mind, you’re in luck: filmed at the esteemed Mississippi Records shop in sunny Portland, OR, Kendall weaves melodies and stories through the musical throng like a drunk turning their fall into a pirouette. Largely plucked from her forthcoming release, Lucky Penny, these songs resonate in both their immediacy and timelessness. This Stumpgrown episode brims with old friends, neighborhood staples, and susceptible strangers, and now, we’re glad you get to be a part of this dream too. Mixing & Production: Nick Meigs Sound Engineering & Copywriting: Max Simon Hosting & Direction: Caroline Drew Videography: Maggie Zaleski Photography: Alahn Ek Recorded live at Mississippi Records on April 28, 2024.

Like skinned kneecaps in the springtime sun, Amos Heart songs wear their bruises with pride. Dealing in whistles, whispers, shouts, & stutters, Heart’s joyous and empathetic songwriting invokes hard-earned and well-told stories full of wistful longing and playful anecdotes. These tales fall in the same narrative universe as Amos Heart’s full-band project, Johnny’s Day Out, pairing lighthearted sonic surprises with memorable melodies. As a solo artist, Heart hones in on big feelings told through simple moments. Accompanied by singer, songwriter, & occasional xylophonist Kendall Lujan, this Stumpgrown is our most intimate and heartwarming session to date. Mixing & Production: Noah Penwell Sound Engineering & Copywriting: Max Simon Hosting & Direction: Caroline Drew Videography: Maggie Zaleski Photography: Alahn Ek Recorded live at dB Nation Studios on March 17, 2024.