The Local Artist Speaks: BENNA GOTTFRIED

From the PDX Pop Now! web site:

In 1998, PDX Pop listserv began in true DIY fashion when a few dozen Portland musicians, fans, and writers started a listserv that focused on promoting and discussing the local music scene. In ways it mirrored the collaborative nature of Portland’s music scene; one where cooperation trumped competition and motivation spurred from the question, “How big can this thing get?”This question inspired the creation of PDX Pop Now! when 14 people envisioned local music emboldened by local recognition, and were driven to ignite it.

One of those people involved in this fabulous event is Benna Gottfried. She has been involved with PDX PopNow! since 2009.

Meet Benna Gottfried!

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How long have you lived in the Portland area?
I was raised in Raleigh Hills, left for college in Los Angeles and came right back when I graduated. So, basically 26 years (minus college).

Give us a brief history of your band/project:
In 1998, PDX Pop listserv began in true DIY fashion when a few dozen Portland musicians, fans, and writers started a listserv that focused on promoting and discussing the local music scene.

The idea: that Portland’s self-sustained scene had reached a level deserving of recognition, discovery, enhancement, stimulation, participation, accessibility and—most importantly—celebration! Thus, the PDX Pop Now! music festival and compilation of all local performers was born in 2004.

After producing the third-annual PDX Pop Now! festival, these volunteers decided to turn their labor of love into a lasting legacy. In July of 2007, PDX POP Now! became a registered 501c3 non-profit organization.

Now, driven by a dedicated Board of Directors and more than 200 volunteers, we are committed to celebrating, promoting and sustaining Portland’s vital and diverse music community. In harmony with this mission, we also work to connect this diverse music community to the general public through our outreach efforts.

What’s the first song you ever learned to play?
I'm not actually much of a musician myself, but I remember learning Minuet in G when I was just starting piano lessons at age 7.

What’s your favorite local venue to play? To see other bands?
There are a lot of great venues Holocene, Mississippi Studios, Doug Fir, Valentines, but I think I really need to send my love to Backspace for guaranteeing an awesome all-ages music experience for every show.

Speaking of other bands, who do you like on the Portland music scene?
Ages and Ages, Brainstorm, Kelli Schaefer, oh and this great track that was submitted to the PDX Pop Now! comp. I don't know who it is yet (all of the tracks are anonymized for the voting process), but I can't get enough!

Tell us about a recent “Only in Portland” moment you might have had.
The other week I saw Builders and the Butchers busking outside of Powell's. You don't see nationally renowned bands playing on the street very often.

Finish this sentence: “I cannot live without LOCAL MUSIC!”

KZME Radio is a proud media sponsor of PDX Pop Now!.