Portland Folk Quartet Essie and The Hum Gain Momentum

The band's rapid rise in the local music scene is the result of years of preparation and hard work.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:50am by

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring jagged, overlapping shapes in earthy tones, capturing the folk-inspired sound and collaborative spirit of the band Essie and The Hum.Essie and The Hum's earnest, collaborative approach has fueled their rapid rise in the Portland music scene.Portland Today

Essie and The Hum, a Portland folk quartet, have quickly gained popularity in the local music scene despite only forming in May 2025. The band, consisting of singer-guitarist Essie Humbertson, guitarist Paul Danowski, bassist Jaxx Ward, and drummer Steven Douglas, have already recorded an EP and booked several high-profile gigs, including a performance at the EasyFolk Festival in September. However, the band's success is not an overnight phenomenon, as the members have been working towards this moment for years, with Humbertson overcoming self-doubt to start writing songs and the group building a strong bond and trust that shines through in their mature, reflective sound.

Why it matters

Essie and The Hum's rapid rise in the Portland music scene highlights the importance of perseverance and the value of a supportive, collaborative band dynamic. Their story challenges the notion of "overnight success" and demonstrates how years of preparation and hard work can lead to meaningful artistic achievements, even for a relatively new group.

The details

Essie Humbertson and Paul Danowski, who knew each other from high school, reconnected after college and started playing music together in 2023. Humbertson had struggled with self-doubt about her songwriting abilities but began posting her work on TikTok, which caught Danowski's attention. The two then formed Essie and The Hum, rounding out the lineup with bassist Jaxx Ward and drummer Steven Douglas. Despite some early nerves and insecurities, the band quickly found their footing and started playing live shows, recording an EP, and booking high-profile gigs like the EasyFolk Festival. The band's mature, reflective sound, which blends folk, rock, and indie influences, is the result of their strong creative partnership and shared belief in the music they're creating.

  • Essie and The Hum formed in May 2025.
  • The band recorded their first EP, 'Live at Clay St. Studios', in December 2025.
  • Essie and The Hum will perform at Kelly's Olympian this Friday.
  • The band is scheduled to play at the EasyFolk Festival in September 2026.

The players

Essie Humbertson

The singer-guitarist and primary songwriter of Essie and The Hum, who overcame self-doubt to start writing songs that have resonated with the band's growing fanbase.

Paul Danowski

The guitarist for Essie and The Hum, who reconnected with Humbertson after college and helped form the band.

Jaxx Ward

The bassist for Essie and The Hum, who met the other band members through an informal a cappella group called Hum Cafe.

Steven Douglas

The drummer for Essie and The Hum, who, like the other members, has helped the band develop a strong, supportive dynamic.

Mitch Whitaker

The organizer of the EasyFolk Festival, where Essie and The Hum are scheduled to perform in September 2026.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I was watching TikToks that you were posting while you were songwriting, just putting them out. And I was like, oh my God, these are gorgeous songs. I'm serious. And when I moved back to Portland, I don't know how—I think I must have just texted you. I was like, hey, if you ever need a guitarist, let me know.”

— Paul Danowski, Guitarist

“There were things that made us insecure individually, and we were kind of all there for each other in that way—to feel the support of one another in that moment, to make us not feel like we had done something wrong.”

— Jaxx Ward, Bassist

“I just feel so secure in what we're doing because I know whenever we are onstage, we can just have fun, and it's so much fun to relax into that feeling and really trust you guys.”

— Steven Douglas, Drummer

What’s next

Essie and The Hum are planning to tour at some point in the future, though they haven't announced any specific tour dates yet. The band is focused on continuing to build their local fanbase and reputation through live performances and the release of new music.

The takeaway

Essie and The Hum's story demonstrates that true artistic success is not about overnight fame, but rather the result of years of hard work, perseverance, and the cultivation of a strong, supportive creative partnership. Their rapid rise in the Portland music scene is a testament to the power of passion, collaboration, and the willingness to overcome self-doubt in pursuit of one's creative vision.