PORT OF Est.

Hailing from Portland, Maine, electronic pop duo Port Of Est are doing things their own way. Comprised of vocalist Hannah Tarkinson and multi-instrumental producer Todd Kitchens the twosome came together in 2013. The rest is history.
After a year of working together Tarkinson and Kitchens discovered a way to combine their dissonant musical inspirations to create their own individual sound. Combining elements of electro-pop, folk, hip hop, IBM, shoe gaze, and drum and bass, Port Of Est has created quite the innovative soundscape.
Now they are showcasing that soundscape with the release of their debut single “Valentine in my Headphones.”
The track (perfectly timed around a Valentine’s Day release) allows listeners to lose themselves in a musical romance. Drums provide a powerful beat to the production, and they gallantly soldier on behind Tarkinson’s ethereal vocals. “Soldier don’t you fall down we’ve got plans for you silver, gold, the moon” she sweetly croons across the instrumental, welcoming others to follow her into the music. Kitchens’ production is heavily layered, providing plenty of interest and unexpected moments of pure peace.
Port Of Est teamed up with Nancy Andrews and animation students of the College of the Atlantic to create a colorful and atmospheric video to accompany their musical debut. The visual takes on a psychedelic feeling, as silhouettes appear in front of a celestial rainbow of color. The colorful light show eventually dominates the screen and organically undulates in time with the frenzied beat. The resulting visual teeters on a fine line between being invigorating and overwhelming; however, it effectively compliments the track’s frenzied sense of peace.

“Valentine In My Headphones” is truly an innovative release from the twosome, and it shows quite a bit of promise for things to come. The track balances the dreaminess of Hannah Tarkinson’s vocals with Todd Kitchens’ electrifying production to create an enveloping sense of release. It’s almost like you have fallen into the frenzy of the music, but you’ve never felt more lovingly embraced.
What do you think of Port Of Est’s debut? Personally, we’ve heard enough that we are intrigued to see how things develop for the forward thinking duo!

- Mike Nied - Popwrapped

Port of Est sounds like a band from Maine, which is probably why I’m drawn to them. Not only is their name intriguing and vivid, their music is a breath of fresh air amongst the excessive number of electronic sounds coming out of Los Angeles. This duo takes you for a wild ride with their music, like a calm roller coaster (as much of an oxymoron as that is).
As their name indicates, Port of Est formed in the beautiful city of Portland, Maine a couple of years ago. Their sound is diverse, and you can hear that these guys are inspired by artists like Bjork, Phantogram, Apex Twin, Sigur Ros, and other electronic and spacey acts. What I like most about them, though, is their pop sensibility. I don’t feel too lost while listening to their music, which tends to happen often.

There’s drums, there’s bass, there’s hip hop and haze. Do you like that sort-of rhyme? Because that’s how I sum up what I just heard while listening to Port of Est’s debut single, “Valentine In My Headphones.” The song is a synth-layered and rhythmically complex package that allows Hannah Tarkinson’s vocals to take the lead and soar.
“Our music is electronic at its core, but our process imparts an unmistakable analog vibe,” says producer Todd Kitchens (cool name!). “This allows us to maintain a hands-on creative approach that provides room for spontaneity and fresh ideas.” I like it, Mr. Kitchens.

Check out the song and support this duo from the Northeast. I’m sure they’ll be conquering the West soon enough!

- Anthony Marks - LA Music Blog

One of the most refreshing artists I’ve had the pleasure of stumbling upon recently is the mesmerizing duo Port Of Est from Portland, Maine. The twosome comprised of producer Todd Kitchens and singer Hannah Tarkinson, have an undeniably infectious sound existing somewhere between psychedelic indie rock and edgy electronic experimentation. With Kitchens’ moody and warped production creating a perfect backdrop for Tarkinson’s ethereal voice and bewitching lyrics, Port Of Est bring a unique and majestic exuberance to life.

With their debut single “Valentine In My Headphones,” Port Of Est delivers a blindingly gorgeous track full of maddeningly intricate instrumentation and elegant vocals. The opposing elements of Tarknson’s angelic voice and Kitchen’s bold beat-making, collide to give this tune a cold intensity that leaves the listener haunted and stunned all at once. Just in time for the holiday of love, “Valentine In My Headphone” radiates with a smoldering creativity that truly speaks to the listeners soul. A brainwashing bass line embodies the tune’s heartbeat, while Tarkinson’s luminous voice adds an exquisite ephemeral quality. Scintillating percussion clatters imperiously while the song reaches it’s synth-laden climax. Tarkinson’s heartbreaking vocals are drenched in a beautiful glaze of analog-esque accents.

With the ability to capture a rare emotional vulnerability while still supplying more than enough angst within their music, Port Of Est creates a unique tension that is a joy to experience. Throughout their debut single, we catch glimpses of the duo’s considerable range and eclecticism. Breakbeat, drum and bass, and even hip-hop can be felt within Kitchen’s murky sonic concoction. While Tarkinson’s vocals ooze of folky-pop ambience, applying the perfect amount of sheen to this impressive debut endeavor.

With a full length release forthcoming, Port Of Est is certainly a duo to keep your eyes on. Their Phantogram-like tendencies make them one of the scene’s best kept secrets, and I can’t wait to see what this twosome from Maine puts out next.

- JABARI KEFELE - Sensible Reason

“Valentine in my Headphones”

With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, I want to wish everyone lots of love, and a brand new electronic pop release entitled “Valentine in my Headphone, to be shared with the world on February 14th, courtesy via the duo, “Port of Est”. The single comes as a prelude to their forthcoming full length album, set to be released later this year.

Lead singer, Hannah Tarkinson, has a crystal clear vocal ability, and a unique sound that’s more than pleasant to listen to, while producer Todd Kitchens is an inspiring multi-instrumentalist. They came together a little over 2 years ago, and invented a fusion of drums, bass, hip hop, folk and electronic pop both captivating and imaginative.

The single is accompanied by a video created by Nancy Andrews and her College Of The Atlantic video/animation students, is colorfully mastered and compelling. The track was governed by multi Grammy winner Adam Ayan, and mixed by Jonathan Wyman.

The duo is quoted as saying, “we want people to feel like they stumbled upon a sonic landscape that is both subtle and blindingly intense”. And intense it is. It allows the listener to exam their subconscious in the most melodic fashion. Kitchen goes on to say, “it took us about a year to figure out how to work together in a way that respected each other’s tastes, and most importantly respected the. music and where it wanted to go”

In essence their music was well thought out, intriguing and powerful. It combines thoughtful lyrics, artistic music, and today’s relevance.

- Eileen Shapiro - Get Out Mag

American based duo, Port Of Est. are set to release their debut single on their own Delphinium Music label on 14th of February 2016.

‘Valentine In My Headphones’ was self-recorded, mixed by Jonathan Wyman at The Halo and mastered by multi Grammy award winner Adam Ayan in the band’s hometown of Portland, Maine. Infectious Electronic Pop at it’s finest, the track is accompanied by a stunning video by Nancy Andrews and her College Of The Atlantic video / animation students and is the first taste of what to expect from the forthcoming album which is set for release later this year.

Listen: https://soundcloud.com/portofest/02-valentine-in-my-headphones/s-sYvuI

Formed just over two years ago in Portland, Maine, Port Of Est. feature the sublime vocals of Hannah Tarkinson and multi-instrumental talents of producer Todd Kitchens. Inspired by artists such as Bjork, Phantogram, Lana Del Rey, Massive Attack, Cocteau Twins, Nina Simone, Aphex Twin and Sigur Rós, they’ve been crafting their own sounds to great effect. Effortlessly combing a mix of drum and bass, shoegaze, hip hop, electronic pop and folk, the duo deliver a sonic landscape that is both subtle and blindingly intense.

Moody and luminous, the almost cinematic feel to their music sounds like nothing else around right now and the debut single and forthcoming album will more than confirm that Port Of Est. are truly ones to watch this year.

- Flavourmag Team - Flavourmag

Today’s song is “Valentine in my Headphones” by Port Of Est. This Portland, Maine duo is comprised of Hannah Tarkinson (vocals) and Todd Kitchens (production/music). The pair came together two years ago after collaborating on other musical projects.

Their sound is crafted around influences of IDM, drum and bass, shoegaze, hip hop, electronic pop, ambient, folk, and indie rock. The combination of Tarkinson’s fairytale-esque vocals with Kitchens’ own brand of electronica has created a new dimension of intensity and sonic distinction. Dark and ominous, this experimental/electronic pop duo has created music that will awaken your soul.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day this song is set to release on February 14th 2016 via their label Delphinium Music. - Eat Sleep Breath Music

Vocalist Hannah Tarkinson and producer Todd Kitchens joined creative forces in 2013 to form the deeply moody, electronic pop duo Port of Est. The Portlandians (of the Maine variety) spent a good part of their first year together trying to find the perfect balance in their musical tastes to compliment their unique styles. “Valentine In My Headphones” gives us a taste of the lovely chord that was struck when everything clicked: a complex blend of shoegaze and drum and bass – a true soundscape of IDM-pop grandeur. Check out “Valentine In My Headphones” on Soundcloud, and keep an ear out for the official release on February 14th (naturally) on Port of Est.’s own Delphinium Music.

- QUENTIN - Newdust

Self-recorded and out on their own Delphinium Music label, ‘Valentine In My Headphones’ was mixed at The Halo by Jonathan Wyman (who’s worked with the likes of Tony Visconti) and mastered by Grammy Award, 3x Latin Grammy Award, and TEC Award winning mastering engineer Adam Ayan, of Gateway Mastering.

Formed in 2013, and taking their inspiration from the likes of Bjork, Massive Attack, Lana Del Rey and Sigur Rós, Port of Est. comprises vocalist Hannah Tarkinson and multi-instrumentalist and producer, Todd Kitchens. ‘Valentine In My Headphones’ is a shoegaze dance number that reflects the influence of many different genres; as well as the aforementioned shoegaze, the listener can hear EDM, pop, and hip hop, which when fused together essentially transcend all genres. Added to this Tarkinson’s pure and rich vocals, which remind us of artists like Suzanne Vega and Katie Melua, with perhaps a touch of Sinead O’Connor. Combined with Kitchens’ electro beats, ‘Valentine In My Headphones’ is an extremely listenable song, and is accompanied by a beautiful video put together by Nancy Andrews and her College Of The Atlantic video/animation students.

When asked about the collaboration, Kitchens said,

“It took us about a year to figure out how to work together in a way that respected each other’s tastes, and most importantly respected the music and where it wanted to go.”

“Our music is electronic at its core, but our process imparts an unmistakable analog vibe,”

“This allows us to maintain a hands-on creative approach that provides room for spontaneity and fresh ideas.”
The duo added about the song,

“We want people to feel like they stumbled upon a sonic landscape that is both subtle and blindingly intense.”
‘Valentine In My Headphones’ is a taster of what is yet to come – Port Of Est. have a full length release in the works. It’s available to preorder now on iTunes. Find Port Of Est. online on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, and their website. Be sure to also check out Hannah’s website Ponomo, where she sells her one of a kind jewellery, belts, and leather accessories. - Essentially Pop

BY NEIL MACH © ON FEBRUARY 3, 2016

The Portland, Maine based duo PORT OF EST are about to release their debut single on their own Delphinium Music label on 14th of February 2016.

Featuring the sublime vocals of Hannah Tarkinson and the multi-instrumental talents of the inventive producer Todd Kitchens, their sounds are inspired by artists such as Bjork, Phantogram, Lana Del Rey, Aphex Twin and Sigur Rós.

Valentine In My Headphones - Single - Port of Est
Valentine In My Headphones – Single – Port of Est
We had a listen to ‘Valentine In My Headphones’ —

Against a ribald and fruity beat Hannah’s voice utters its sentiments in a calm yet washed-out manner…

Then the song clicks itself into a higher gear and we arrive at the marvellously fetching and oh-so delicately moving chorus.

Stuffed with inner-dialogue and carefully embellished with those synth accompaniments, this is certainly pretty …

The new single “Valentine In My Headphones by Port of Est” is out 14TH FEB

Words: @neilmach - Rawramp

This is the time of year when most music blogs receive a bunch of Valentine’s Day-themed submissions, many of which are hastily thrown together. I’m not one to hate on Valentine’s, but I’m not a fan of most Valentines Day songs I’ve heard over the years either, as they either seem to be complaining about something or overly saccharine. So props to Portland, Maine-based electro-pop duo Pop Of Est for making a song involving Valentine’s Day that’s quite good, injecting the theme into something not too sweet or overly contrived.

Beginning rather minimally with a gargling synth-bass and halted percussion, Hannah Tarkinson’s melodically precise vocals float in ethereal form over Todd Kitchens’ darkly infectious synth-pop movements, which expand significantly around 01:20 as Tarkinson’s vocals relay a more solemn Valentine’s Day with one’s headphones obscuring the catcalls or other distractions. Yet the feeling is more embracing than anything, as Kitchens’ hypnotic synth arpeggios dance around Tarkinson melodically repeating the track title. “Valentine in My Headphones” is a consuming dark electro-pop track with hints of The Knife and Massive Attack, with just enough of a Valentine’s Day relevance to remind of the day.

- Mike Mineo - Obscuresound

Straight from Portland, Maine, Port of Est from label Delphinium Music gives us a reason to fall in love this Valentine’s Day. With Hannah Tarkinson on vocals and production by Todd Kitchens, this duo's musical diversity shines through both Tarkinson and Kitchens' own, personal touches to combine and create the magic that is Port of Est.

The team behind this duo are just as impressive. On the mixing boards is Jonathan Wyman and mastering by multi Grammy Award-winner, Adam Ayan.

Port of Est combine elements of hip hop, electro-pop and indie-rock in their single, “Valentine Day In My Headphones” (iTunes).

“It took us about a year to figure out how to work together in a way that respected each other’s tastes, and most importantly respected the music and where it wanted to go. Our music is electronic at its core, but our process imparts an unmistakable analog vibe,” says producer Todd Kitchens (cool name!). “This allows us to maintain a hands-on creative approach that provides room for spontaneity and fresh ideas.”

- ATLANTIS AUBRY - Next2Shine