Port Cities

The spellbinding chemistry of Port Cities is built on masterful songwriting, skillfully crafted arrangements, and the powerful electricity between the three voices at its helm. The band surfaced as a result of genuine connection and a profound shared belief in the music they make together; it’s soulful and vibrant — commanding, organic pop melodies buoyed by stunning three-part harmonies. Coupled with their engaging camaraderie onstage and off, Port Cities have become a not-to-be-missed live experience.

The trio—Carleton Stone, Breagh Mackinnon, and Dylan Guthro—began writing together in 2011 amidst the breathtaking edge-of-the-world landscapes of Cape Breton Island. They formed a strong musical connection as each of them were releasing award-winning albums and touring solo careers, but soon their creative success started to demand more ongoing collaboration.

Each of the three songwriters brings distinct strengths to Port Cities, creating heart-wrenching songs reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac and Crosby Still & Nash. The quality of their music should come as no shock: between them, they’ve recorded six solo albums and have collaborated with the likes of JUNO award-winning duo Classified and David Myles, Hawksley Workman (Tegan and Sara, Serena Ryder), Howie Beck (Feist, Hayden), and acclaimed singer-songwriter/Broken Social Scene alum Jason Collett.

The band worked with mentor and friend Gordie Sampson (Carrie Underwood, LeAnn Rhymes, Rascal Flatts), writing and recording their staggering debut—a multi-layered pop opus dense with biting guitar, swells of synth, and irresistible beats. While the production is spirited and contemporary, it’s easy to hear the long-standing tradition of songcraft and folk music behind each radiant chorus, dazzling hook, and driving instrumentation.

Throughout the entire record and at every show —whether it be in a raw crash of rock n’ roll or a devastating, gentle acoustic number—the strength of Port Cities lies clearly in the riveting force of Stone, Mackinnon, and Guthro’s passionate voices.