Shifting Harbor is an ambient soundscape project based in Portland, Oregon, fronted by Tom Asselin (Canadensis, Medicine for a Nightmare). The sounds have been described as evolving sonic landscapes rotating through time. The blending of manipulated textures creates an atmospheric ocean that can have the effect of observing memories that may or may not belong to the listener. The music can build a place for the listener to explore and/or process ideas and emotions, as it's been used by practitioners in medicine work.

Shifting Harbor’s live shows have adapted to many situations with sets spanning genres from loud guitar to minimal ambient. In the largest capacity, the music flows in waves of emotional peaks and valleys, landing somewhere between Stars of the Lid and Rites of Spring. There are often visuals of rain forests and foggy beaches for the listener to settle into. In 2024, Shifting Harbor closed out Soriah’s all night sleep concert with a 70 minute drone set.

Shifting Harbor has toured the western United States several times, including extended dates with COMPACTOR and Folian. The project has shared bills with a diverse array of artists like REZN, Jerry David Decicca, Xasthur, Soriah, Clare Rousay, and Malfet.

Shifting Harbor has scored award winning short films for directors Josh Steinbauer and Matthew Marin.The project has released a handful of EPs and collaborations, as well as 2 full-length albums. The second full-length album, Cycle of Return was released in 2022 on Anima Recordings. A new full-length is scheduled to release in fall of 2025.

photo: Ryan Beitler