PHOTOS: Mitski – Portland, OR – 8/9/2022

For nearly a decade, Mitski has been a rare voice in the indie music scene. The singer-songwriter has become known for her poignant lyrics and an unmistakable intensity that has been shown across her six studio albums. Her most recent album Laurel Hell continues her distinct musical lineage while experimenting with new sounds and styles that still manage to fit her like a glove. She performed a knockout show in Portland back in March during a particularly rainy spell for the city, and less than six months later she was back for more, this time on a warm and sunny August evening.

The McMenamins Edgefield Amphitheater – located just outside of Portland – was the perfect venue for the night. The large, outdoor amphitheater has hosted hundreds of kick-ass shows and this Tuesday night was no different. Hurray for the Riff Raff delivered a stellar opening set and not long before the sun set, Mitski appeared. The opening synths of “Love Me More” rang out from the speakers while Mitski slowly walked on stage. The fans cheered with adoration and the show was off to the races.

When Mitski’s on stage, she bares her soul while still feeling like an enigma. She’s clearly willing to let herself be vulnerable on stage, yet she still appears as a fully unknowable presence. She showed her respects to the crowd by bowing at the beginning of her set, and the fans showed their respects right back by getting swept away by her magic.

Bathed in colored lights, Mitski flew around the stage for her 20+ song set while belting out lyrics from throughout her career. In addition to her unique voice, Mitski also uses her body to bring the emotions of her songs to life. Her dramatic poses and dances commanded attention and brought yet another layer to her already dynamic performance. From start to finish, Mitski delivered something special for the Portland crowd that was truly a sight to behold. Check out some photos from the show below and be sure to catch Mitski if you get the chance!