Port O’Brien was the folk-tinged project of Van Pierszalowski and Cambria Goodwin, who began collaborating on songs in 2005. Over time, they expanded into a full band with Caleb Nichols, Zebedee Zaitz, and Joshua Barnhart rounding out the rhythm section.

Their breakout moment came when they earned Pitchfork’s seal of approval, leading to a whirlwind of touring. They shared stages with Bright Eyes, Modest Mouse, and indie darlings like Fleet Foxes, MGMT, and Bon Iver. Even Johnny Marr gave them his stamp of approval, calling them a “current crush,” while the music press showered them with glowing reviews.

Musically, they blended ethereal melodies with folk-pop storytelling, creating atmospheric soundscapes that invited listeners to form their own interpretations. Whatever label you gave it, Port O’Brien left an impression.

The band eventually disbanded in 2011, with Pierszalowski going on to form Waters and later his current project, Van Pierszalowski & the Modern Painters.

Cambria Goodwin on the Poll 13

1. The album she lived her life by… On the Beach – Neil Young

2. The song she wished she had written… Pink Moon – Nick Drake

3. The song she was glad she didn’t write… So What – P!nk

4. If she could have stalked one celebrity rock star… Justin Timberlake

5. If she could have resurrected one rock star, it would have been… Jimi Hendrix

6. Celebrity Death Match opponent… Katy Perry

7. Her best gig ever… The band’s show in Germany on December 9th, 2008

8. If she could have got one band to cover one song… Nirvana – Strawberry Fields Forever

9. If she could have wiped a music genre off the face of the earth… Ska

10. The first record she ever bought… Pet Sounds – Beach Boys

11. On her iPod/mp3/walkman device at the time… Paleo

12. Superhero she aspired to be… Wonder Woman

13. Did her musical style influence her underwear? “I don’t wear any underwear 😉

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For more information, visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_O’Brien
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This after concert interview was done in Berlin circa: 2010.