CONCERTS FILLING THIS FALL WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC

Fall is such a relaxing time of the year: The leaves are changing color, there’s a slight nip in the air, and many bands and artists are going on tour. I don’t know about you guys, but I am really excited for these amazing up-and-coming artist tours, so let’s get down to business!

Starting off the list is Logic, with his “The Confessions of a Dangerous Mind” tour at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 6 at the Moda Center in Portland. Robert Bryson Hall, better known by his stage name, Logic, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter and music producer. “Confessions” finds him venting feelings of self-doubt caused by hateful comments on social media, and his grappling with the criticism he is getting for his vulnerable material. When teasing the album in early January, the rapper described the effort as a mix between his “Under Pressure” and his 2016 mixtape, “Bobby Tarantino.”

Next we have NF with his “The Search” tour at 8 p.m. on Oct. 8 at the Moda Center. The Search is also the fourth studio album by American hip hop artist NF. Even though most would categorize him as a Christian artist, he doesn’t agree: “I’m a Christian, but I don’t make Christian music. You’re not going to reach everyone with just one point of view,” he has told interviewers.  

If you’re looking for a quick way to describe NF’s album, what better way then by using one of his songs. “Therapy Session” is an analysis of his life and mental state. It discusses his growth from being a nobody, to performing in front of thousands, and giving his listeners music to relate to, while also touching on the seemingly ever-increasing negativity he receives.

A therapy session is a place where someone can go to discuss anything and where they can be entirely honest about what’s bothering them. NF describes his music as being his outlet and therapy.

Following up is The Jonas Brothers, an American pop rock band, with their Happiness Begins Tour, at the Moda at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 13. Formed in 2005, they gained popularity from their appearances on the Disney Channel television network (I’m sure a lot of us still remember the show). They consist of three brothers: Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas. They embarked on their 40-date trek across North America this summer, which will carry into Europe over the winter. Bebe Rexha and rising star Jordan McGraw will also appear, as they will open each concert throughout the tour. 

We also have Hozier’s “Wasteland, Baby!” tour at 8 p.m. on Oct. 17, also at Moda. “Wasteland, Baby!” is about falling in love. Hozier compares it to an apocalyptic event, and he frames it in a way that is not necessarily negative, but more reflects a new beginning. Ultimately, it’s a song about looking at the end of the world and finding love in the face of that, as well as finding the humor in a destructive event – a theme that permeates the whole album. 

Lukas Graham will be at the McMenamins Crystal Ballroom the evening of Oct. 23 (appearing about 9 p.m.). The band recently issued its third album, The Purple Album, with its lead single, “Love Someone.”

I can’t help but say that I’m pretty excited about the Bring Me the Horizon “Threesome” Tour, featuring Sleeping With Sirens and Poppy. Bring Me the Horizon are an English rock band formed in Sheffield in 2004. The group consists of lead vocalist Oliver Sykes, guitarist Lee Malia, bassist Matt Kean, drummer Matt Nicholls, and keyboardist Jordan Fish, and unlike some bands that have either fizzled out over time or have dissolved, they are still going strong as ever.

Bring Me the Horizon is promoting their newest album, “Amo,” which Sykes has said is a “bit of a love album, basically.”

These are just a handful of the upcoming performances to kick off the holiday season, because I can’t think of a better way to enjoy it than jamming out to some good live music with friends, and then screaming the lyrics at the top of my lungs with hundreds of others as they scream along with me.