[Photo Credit: Jay Scroggins]

Watercolor, the long-awaited and eagerly anticipated Sub Pop debut from Seattle’s own Porter Ray, will be available worldwide on March 10th, 2017. Porter is a Seattle based MC who caught the attention of Shabazz Palaces’ Ishmael Butler, who signed him to the label in 2014.

“Sacred Geometry [Constellation Mix]”- Watercolor’s lead single - is an extended album version featuring The Palaceer, Ishmael Butler of Shabazz Palaces, and Ray’s childhood friend and cohort, Cashtro. This alternative album mix is available on the digital & LP versions of the record.

The FADER premiered the track today (see/hear exclusively at The FADER) and had this to say: “On the first track from the Seattle native’s forthcoming Watercolor, Porter leads the song with melodic cadences and descriptive verses. Here, he and his collaborators all highlight the narratives that make up this holy equation.”

Porter Ray is a natural… he sounds like East Seattle feels. From the same wet blocks that spawned Quincy, Jimi and Ishmael, comes Porter Ray.  Having previously penned six projects showcasing dexterous wordplay, unflinching honesty and vulnerability, tempered with equal degrees of braggadocio and charm; Porter is an old soul, a storyteller par excellence, a griot possessing insight beyond his years.

A bit of Context…

Porter Ray has had no choice but to feel deeply.  Loss and violence seemed to plague Porter’s adolescence and early adulthood.  His father fell gravely ill and his subsequent passing signaled the beginning of a dark time. Leaving high school devoid of any certification was next. Losing his younger brother to a much-publicized case of gun violence four years later only added to the young de facto patriarch’s heavy heart and perceived curse. The year following found some of his closest friends [including his son’s mother] locked up in the penitentiary with lengthy sentences.  

Watercolor features original production from B-Roc, Dez Anthony, and Kmtk, and was mixed by Erik Blood.  It is vocally flavored by guest appearances from THEE Satisfaction’s Stas THEE Boss,Cashtro, Nate Jack, and Jus Moni. Iconic Central District MC, Infinite, of Narkotik and Tribal Productions, as well as Black Constellation elders Palaceer Lazaro and Fly Guy Dai of Shabazz Palaces also make key contributions.

Watercolor is now available for preorder on CD / 2xLP / DL / CASS from Sub Pop [order here].  LP pre-orders through the Sub Pop Mega Mart and independent retailers will receive the limited Loser Edition on translucent vinyl with magenta swirl in North America & Translucent vinyl in Europe, while supplies last.

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Tour Dates
Feb. 17 - Seattle, WA - Sole Repair*
Feb. 26 - Seattle, WA - Crocodile**
Mar. 08 - Seattle, WA - Barboza (album release party)
Mar. 15-19 - Austin, TX - SXSW
* w/ Sisters
** w/ Pickwick