Shurp Town Records is both a local music label and a new-and-used record-seller, thanks to the Shurp Town Record Swaps at various events throughout the Coachella Valley. The founder of Shurp Town Records, Ryan “Red” Everling, was recently named the music director of the Desert Hot Springs radio station KDHS. For more information on Shurp Town Records, visit www.facebook.com/ShurpTownRecords. Ryan was kind enough to answer The Lucky 13; here are his answers.
What was the first concert you attended?
Coheed and Cambria, Underoath and 3 at Soma San Diego. I was 14 years old.
What was the first album you owned?
My mom bought me Blink-182’s live album The Mark, Tom and Travis Show. My dad heard it and threw it in the Dumpster.
What bands are you listening to right now?
Slipping Into Darkness, Facelift, Terror Cult, Not Normal, Nein Lives, Ritual Rastrero, Vivo Muerto, Pathos, The Kathys, Venus and the Traps, Blue Diamond’s Grand Mercury, The CMFs, Fever Dog, Killjoi, Nicolas Lara, Black Dineros, Humor Me, Cakes and Brains, DieSineGration, Indecent Exposure, Sleeze Fix, Calico Wonderstone, Drop Mob, Del Pueblo, and Brain Vat.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
I don’t understand trap music. I love hip-hop, but I don’t find lyrical creativity with these artists.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Rudimentary Peni circa ’81.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
I don’t really feel guilty about it, but I’d have to say old-school country music like Townes Van Zandt, Blaze Foley and Woody Guthrie.
What’s your favorite music venue?
The Glass House in Pomona, without question. So many good memories. I saw Black Lips there once, lost both shoes in the mosh pit and found a brand-new pair, my size, right outside.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
“I’m never gonna dance again, guilty feet have got no rhythm,” George Michael, “Careless Whisper.”
What band or artist changed your life? How?
I’d have to say Bright Eyes. I discovered them when I was 13, and they opened my eyes to independent music and record labels. Saddle Creek made me want to start my own record label.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
I would ask Roky Erickson about the wildest time he ever had on tour.
What song would you like played at your funeral?
Velvet Underground, “Pale Blue Eyes.”
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Velvet Underground, Loaded.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
Facelift, “Welcome to America.” (Scroll down to hear it.)
