Born from a completely DIY ethos, we’ve been organizing bas-asse, low-cost punk rock and metal shows around Portland since 2015. Our mission is to highlight the city's vibrant and thriving music community while ensuring that bands actually get paid for their art. Over the years, we've also recognized the importance of connecting our scene with those in other cities throughout the region. Our local cultural vitality is deeply intertwined with that of our neighbors, and fostering these connections strengthens us all.

Good question!
Without a doubt, the largest portion of any money we raise—whether through ticket sales, merch, or donations—goes directly to the bands. After that, we support the people who make these shows happen, from the staff working on the ground on show day to those behind the scenes. A significant portion of our budget also goes toward advertising, promotion, and essential resources—like this very website. Everything costs money, and we’re incredibly grateful for every donation that helps keep this machine rolling!

Volume Bomb has existed in one form or another since 2015. In the beginning, we operated as a sort of DIY, guerilla operation, making compilation records and putting on shows. In 2022 we became an actual business with a real live grown-up LLC.

But our model has always functioned similarly to a nonprofit: we put on a show, and once all expenses are covered, any remaining funds go toward paying for the next show. Volume Bomb has always existed solely to perpetuate “the mission”.

By officially becoming a nonprofit, with the ability to accept donations, grants, and other funding, we can expand our impact. This means more and larger events in Portland, as well as opportunities to bring PDX artists to shows in surrounding areas and vice vresa.

Some of our goals for The Volume Bomb Of The Future! (insert 60’ sci-fi echo here) include:

• showcasing more young bands at all-ages venues

• Expanding collaborations with artists, venues, and scenes in other nearby cities

• securing enough funding to bring in slightly larger local and regional acts to our flagship event, Volume Bomb Block Party, helping draw more attention to the many smaller bands playing the fest.

• The BIG one: securing enough funding to make these shows FREE to attend!