Denver-based singer/songwriter PORTES is just what the music world needs right now. With her latest single, “Human”, PORTES is unafraid to look controversial societal topics in the face, with a hope to spark a change with her music. At its core, “Human” is an uplifting, positive track, but it directly addresses difficult topics and implores listeners to unify and take action to improve human rights and global warming.
Born in Guatemala and adopted as a baby, PORTES was raised in Littleton, Colorado by loving parents and an older brother. Her multicultural experiences have heavily influenced and impacted not just her music, but her life as a whole. Influenced by a wide array of music, from rap and hip hop to French, Moroccan and Middle Eastern, PORTES sound is a melting pot of influences that serves as the perfect backdrop to her powerful lyricism.
With “Human” out now, we caught up with PORTES to talk about her musical background, the new song and her hopes for the future. Read the full interview now below.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself for anyone who might be hearing you for the first time?
I had this concept of “Portes” as a stage name because I write music in a number of different genres and styles. It’s loosely based on the French, “des Portes”, which means doors. I think of my music as different doors opening into my heart.
Growing up, I was a voracious reader. I loved all kinds of books from Nancy Drew mysteries to Garfield cartoons. I have an old copy of Black Beauty that I read over seven times when I was really little. I loved spelling and won awards for it. I’ve just always been a word person. I think that early love for language and learning, along with my passion for music led me to songwriting.
Although, I’ve been songwriting for decades, It’s been in the last ten or so years, that I’m putting the songs on paper into a form that people can actually listen to. I record at The Spot Studios, where I released my first EP, “Bright Trilogy”. My most recent single, “Human” features my son singing. Human touches on important issues such as climate change, global warming, human rights, and social issues. It’s seems to be touching a nerve right now in these times of student walkouts, climate marches, Greta Thunberg, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises. It begs the question, “Can you make a difference?”
What first inspired you to get involved in music?
It’s cliche, but I’ve always been creative. I danced ballet, tap, took drawing and painting lessons and piano. I continue to sing in church choir and mastering my voice with a great vocal coach. I used to write poetry, but I’m just inclined to listen and write music and don’t want to feel boxed into any particular genre.
Your sound is a melting pot of a bunch of different genres and sounds. When you’re working on new music, is it a conscious effort to kind of bridge the gap between genres, or is it something that just comes out?
Depending on the song we are working on, I may already have an idea of what I want the song to be. I grab inspiration from things I listen to or words I see. For instance, I shared some reference tracks with my producer that were open, spacious, and ethereal, but at the same time was listening to the news on CNN and literally saw the headline about bees and the song was born from a culmination of all those senses.
How do you feel that growing up in the Colorado music and arts scene has affected you as an artist and musician? What would you like to be able to bring to the scene that it might be lacking?
I have a lot of friends in the Colorado music scene, so I’m going to their shows and being exposed to new music. I mean, I have a large group of friends who perform “stoner rock”. Now, I might not create the same music as them, but I’d certainly be inspired by it and I love those guys. They are such good people. However, I’d love to front a band again. There’s a different collaborative feel you get with people you mesh with compared to being a solo artist. I’d love to see more strong-minded women leading the Denver music scene. We have such a unique point of view and that really needs to be shared along with greater visibility.
You recently released your new single, “Human,” which is a call to action for climate change and human rights – a very fitting song, especially in 2019. What do you hope listeners take away from the song?
I hope listeners aren’t complacent. We can’t afford to be apathetic. We see climate change happening all around us. Some days, it’s absolutely terrifying or saddening to see what’s happening in the news. I’d love for “Human” to be an anthem for this entire movement and get larger recognition, not just because it’s my song and it’s pretty, but because the song has a real purpose. You can listen to it and think “I can relate to this”. I might be a small voice for change, but all of us can make a loud roar.
If someone wants to get involved in any non-profits around climate change or human rights but might not know where to start, is there anything you’d recommend?
I think it’s about finding your own calling and passion. Each person can get involved in donating money, time, or effort. It can be Habitat for Humanity, a dog shelter, American Red Cross, ACLU, or Amnesty International. I personally have a heart for animals. I donate to Hope for Paws and The Wild Animal Sanctuary often. In the past, I also donated my time, money, and talent to the non-profit, Friendship Bridge. I was born in Guatemala and that organization supports micro-credit lending to women in Guatemala as well. Feed your passion.
With a few new singles out now, could listeners expect to hear some more new music soon?
Of course! I’m very excited about the new album.
Do you have any other big plans for the rest of 2019?
I’ll be completing my next EP, “National Anthems”. It’s a political, protest album. It’s basically the female version of Nine Inch Nails + Rage Against The Machine. I anticipate the album release on February 17, 2020 on President’s Day!
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Especially with a song like “Human”, I am hoping that the message resonates with listeners. If people are as concerned about the state of the world, society, the environment, and climate change that they will be moved towards action. There are many of us out there who are concerned and I’d encourage people to share this song with a friend to be inspired too.
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