Trentem퀌�ller and his funky characters

The sensational Danish producer Trentemøller is live with a full backing band for his first Oregon performance during the Soul’d Out festival this coming weekend. The fun is maxed out with a handful of electronic superstars including Dorit Chrysler, Bryan Zentz, Rena Jones, Pipedream and Android. Rest assured this is going to be an extreme festival with many must-not-miss shows, but this will definitely be the highlight.

Trentemøller got his start recording music as early as the late ’90s. He would release many singles in the early 2000s, but would not end up releasing a full-length until his debut album “The Last Resort” in 2006. His music can be described as an onslaught of cleverly chosen layered sounds down to the simplest, most basic elements of bleeps and bloops.

A veteran of many scenes, Trentemøller is hard to categorize into just one genre. His tracks span everything from easy minimal techno to progressive house that knocks socks. If it proves to be anything like his previous tours, all aspects will be aroused with incense visuals, hot lights and a myriad of beautiful sounds. A greenhorn in terms of U.S. touring, this is one of his first tours in the states. He follows up this weekend performance with a stop at Coachella music festival in California a few days later.

Dorit Chrysler is the cream of the crop when it comes to theremin players. Little more than a small box with a metal loop and metal rod vsticking out from it, the theremin can be described as the eeriest instrument known to man. Dorit jumpstarted her own career with her debut vocal performance at Austria’s Open House Graz at age seven. After completing her master’s degree in Music Science at age 18, Chrysler headed to New York. She was the front woman for a couple of notable New York bands, including the rock quartet Halcion. She’s toured with everyone from Dinosaur Jr. to Oingo Boingo. Check out her debut “Best of Dorit Chrysler” (2004) on Plag Dich Nicht recordings for a spooky theremin parfait of haunting delight.

Bryan Zentz is on the bill to drop a DJ set that will for sure put you in the mood to groove and swing. Playing everything from techno to atmospheric dub jams Bryan knows his way around records, CDs and pre-release MP3s courtesy of the many labels he’s recorded for. The Vanguard previously reported on Bryan’s multi-faceted talents [“Our Big Little DJ Town,” April 5, 2011].

Pipedream has been on Portland’s electronic music scene as far back as anyone can remember. Pipedream plays everything from hard acid breaks to drippy 303 acid-driven techno. From California to Florida to Oregon, Pipedream has sampled the rave and electronic music scenes from coast to coast. Expect a ripping set from another one of Portland’s top DJs.

Android is a native Oregonian, with his roots in Eugene’s classic rave scene circa 1998. One half of the DJ duo Merchants Of, Android spins everything from classic rave tunes to swinging progressive house. A long time supporter of Portland’s music scene, Android most certainly has a tune in his crate for everyone to boogie to.

It all goes down Friday, April 15 at Refuge as part of the 2011 Soul’d Out Music Festival. The festival was started in November 2009 as a way for positively vibed music to be presented in a live atmosphere. The second installation of the festival is a ten-day barrage of unique musicians, talented performers and spectrally decorated venues. This year’s acts include Ms. Lauryn Hill, Mos Def, the Afro-Cuban All Stars and a slew of soul, hip-hop, jazz and funk greats. Passes may still be available through TicketsWest for access to every show.

Tickets are $15, available at the door of Refuge on day of show and online through refugepdx.eventbrite.com. Grab your tightest pants, your loosest shirt, stroll in early and dance the way the big kids did when we were little. ?