Chipped Nail Polish, Jakki and the Pink Smudge, Katy and the Null Sets
Chipped Nail Polish
Chipped Nail Polish started with an electric ukulele and a bad manicure. Jill Sullivan, the mastermind behind it all, began the project several years ago while in college at the University of Oregon. She immersed herself fully into the DIY music scene there and emerged with an EP, titled “B,” as well as a community of like minded musicians.
Now, based in Portland, Chipped Nail Polish consists of a full band – an evolving amalgamation of friends Sullivan met in the Oregon music scene. The ethos of the band is built on community and friendship, with live shows involving audience participation amid silly jokes and tender moments.
The sound of Chipped Nail Polish is a unique blend of surf punk influence from Sullivan’s teen years combined with the bedroom indie pop band influences of her adult years. The songs’ coming-of-age lyrics navigate relationships, personal growth and impulse haircuts.
Chipped Nail Polish released their second EP, “Bottom Feeder,” on January 27th 2023.
Jakki & the Pink Smudge
Jakki and the Pink Smudge, lovingly referred to as "Smudge," gets its charming name from the inevitable smudging of Jakki’s lipstick while performing. The band’s multifacetedness has cultivated a strong presence in the Portland, Los Angeles, and Houston music scenes, playing alongside artists such as Mavi, The Aquadolls, and Never Ending Fall. With every smear, Jakki and The Pink Smudge continues to complement a wide range of musicians while bringing their own distinctive, moving, and peachy sound.
Smudge has always been known for its ever-evolving backup band for live performances. These ensembles have been comprised of musicians hand-picked from various bands within the local music scene of each show's location. The practice of adapting their set with each unique combination of artists has allowed their music to evolve constantly, fostering a spirit of creativity and playfulness. However, for the first time in Smudge history, we now have a permanent backing band containing Calleb Ballard (guitar), Oliver Lester (bass), and Charlie Oakes (drums). The band is profoundly grateful for the years of exploration and excited to embark on this next season of Smudge.
Katy & the Null Sets
Katy & the Null Sets is the long-time "solo project" of Katy Ohsiek, vocalist and songwriter of Portland disco group Foamboy. The project has taken many forms since its inception in 2015. Katy & the Null Sets has been a solo singer-songwriter act, a collection of iPhone voice memos, elaborate synth pop albums, a ukulele-drummer 2 piece, and now a new-wave-inspired 4-piece band of jazz musicians. The unifying element over the years has been Katy's melodies, lyricism, and unique song forms, which borrow from bossa nova, neo-soul, mid-2000's indie rock, and modern americana. Currently, Katy & the Null Sets is a full band with regular shows in the Portland area and a new album in the works.