Meet Valentine, singer of Portland art-rock band Get Hustle.

Dazed Digital: How and why did you end up in Portland?

Valentine: We originally came up here to play with Mark Burden, who played organ in the band for a few years.

DD: What's the best thing about Portland?

V: After travelling in Europe I realized Portland is great for its acceptance of all kinds of people. (Keep in mind that's one perspective - I'm not sure homeless people, or sick, or low income, or other races feel this way.) It is also very beautiful here, and one of the most liberal/political cities in this country.

DD: What's the worst thing about Portland?

V: The "cleaning" up of Oregon. There is a condo lust that exists in most cool places I have lived; they want

to put mass housing for the upper classes right in the neighborhoods with "personality", thus reducing the ability for people with the personality to exist, and running out the element everyone wanted to live with and be a part of... I can't stand the refurbishing of old buildings. If it was up to me, they would update most things to period fixtures and historical accuracy.

DD: What was your most memorable Portland gig?

V: On February 6th last year we played with ZZZ's, and everyone harmonized by singing a note together for a third eye chakra opening.

DD: What's your favourite Portland spot?

V: The Albina Rose Garden - a last vestal of eternal beauty, fountains and roses in every direction, a grassy maze like path through the splendor, right in the middle of the Northeast portland. Oaks Park as well - a small amusement park on the river - last time Mac and I were there a cover band was playing "Cocaine" by Eric Clapton, and Mac and I snuck into the storage shed for antique bumper cars.

DD: What are the best Portland bands that we haven't heard of?

V: So many: Magick Daggers, Garland Ray Project, Silentist, Brave Preist, Danava, Grouper...