Originals Artists for Hire in Portland

Hire Original Artists in Portland, Oregon, United States

Original artists in Portland, Oregon, United States range from a solo singer-songwriter with an acoustic guitar to a full band or a rapper with a DJ, and the common thread is a repertoire they wrote themselves. Some have released records and play festivals; others are working musicians who fold three or four of their own songs into a covers set. The profile tells you which, and the audio and video on it are the quickest way to judge whether the sound fits the event.

Where Original Music Works

Original acts suit the parts of an event where people listen rather than dance: a drinks reception, a dinner, a festival slot or a launch where the music is meant to be noticed. For a wedding party or a dancefloor, ask how much of the set is covers, because a room full of guests who do not know the songs is the one thing an originals act cannot fix. Many will learn a first-dance song or a request if asked in advance.

What Original Artists Cost

Fees for original artists in Portland run from $110 to $2,350+, with most bookings around $450. A solo acoustic set sits at the bottom of the range and a band with its own sound engineer at the top; an act with a following charges for the name as well as the set. Travel and a PA, where the venue has none, are the usual extras.