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The spellbinding chemistry of Port Cities is built on masterful songwriting, skillfully crafted arrangements, and the powerful electricity between the three voices at its helm. The band surfaced as a result of genuine connection and a profound shared belief in the music they make together; it’s soulful and vibrant — commanding, organic pop melodies buoyed by stunning three-part harmonies. Coupled with their engaging camaraderie onstage and off, Port Cities have become a not-to-be-missed live experience.
The trio—Carleton Stone, Breagh Mackinnon, and Dylan Guthro—began writing together in 2011 amidst the breathtaking edge-of-the-world landscapes of Cape Breton Island. They formed a strong musical connection as each of them were releasing award-winning albums and touring solo careers, but soon their creative success started to demand more ongoing collaboration.
Each of the three songwriters brings distinct strengths to Port Cities, creating heart-wrenching songs reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac and Crosby Stills & Nash. The quality of their music should come as no shock: between them, they’ve recorded six solo albums and have collaborated with the likes of JUNO award-winning duo Classified and David Myles, Hawksley Workman (Tegan and Sara, Serena Ryder), Howie Beck (Feist, Hayden), and acclaimed singer-songwriter/Broken Social Scene alum Jason Collett.
The band worked with mentor and friend Gordie Sampson (Carrie Underwood, LeAnn Rhymes, Rascal Flatts), writing and recording their staggering debut—a multi-layered pop opus dense with biting guitar, swells of synth, and irresistible beats. While the production is spirited and contemporary, it’s easy to hear the long-standing tradition of songcraft and folk music behind each radiant chorus, dazzling hook, and driving instrumentation.
Throughout the entire record and at every show —whether it be in a raw crash of rock n’ roll or a devastating, gentle acoustic number—the strength of Port Cities lies clearly in the riveting force of Stone, Mackinnon, and Guthro’s passionate voices.
