Vortex Magazine

Portraits of Portland Music

Seven musicians of diverse genres and backgrounds offer their perspectives on the community, culture and business that’s alive in Portland’s music scene today.

“I THINK PEOPLE GIVE A SHIT HERE—I REALLY DO,” SAYS A SOFT-SPOKEN MAN WHO’S SPENT HIS FAIR SHARE OF TIME IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY, LIKELY WITNESSING PLENTY OF PEOPLE WHO DON'T. - JOSE

Jose Medeles runs NE Portland’s Revival Drum Shop and makes percussive noise with drums and vibraphones in 1939 Ensemble, but he’s been playing professional since age 15, building an enviable resume that’s taken him around the world behind the kit for The Breeders and on stages with legends like Joey Ramone and Mike Watt as well as in studios with contemporary stars like Ben Harper.

“I’ve achieved so many of my goals—so many,” he quietly emphasizes. “When I left Los Angeles, I knew what I was leaving and I was fine with that. I’m cool, you know what I mean? I’m totally satisfied. I feel really fortunate, but I sacrificed a lot.”

The desire “to concentrate on family and be a present husband and father” is what brought Medeles to Portland to settle down and start, what was at the time, the “smallest drum shop in the world.”

After years of touring through the Northwest and seeing Portland’s evolution, Medeles had an inkling of what the Rose City was like—“laid back” and reminiscent of his Midwest roots— but he had no idea of the community he would find here.