Hi! My name is Michaelryan, but all my friends call me Texas. During the day I work in construction, but every other minute is spent writing, recording and performing music! I've been guitar slinging and singer-songwriting for over 13 years. In that time, I've been a solo artist, been in church bands, pop rock bands, metal bands and everything in between. Music has always been my way of meeting people and seeing the world around me. It's amazing!

I'm currently in a country rock duo called Shelby, Texas (www.shelbytexas.com). My bandmate Shelby Lanterman (photo left) and I have been working and touring together for over two and a half years. In that short time, we've performed over 200 shows covering 25 U.S. states and have become inseparable partners in crime. We play well together and work together even better. She's family in my eyes and we always have each others' backs. I couldn't see taking on the music world with anyone else.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

My bandmate and I love to tour! We love the road and the people it brings into our lives. The only thing that comes close to making me as happy as music is meeting new people. I love getting to know people's stories. Who they are, what they're into, what they're passionate about. Let's make new friends!

A Night with Shelby, Texas:

Since tour life has a certain rhythm to it, I felt we should give you an idea of what hosting a tour night with us would be like.

After a long day of driving, we usually pull into town around late afternoon/early evening. After sitting with our host and getting to know each other, we would regroup and get ready to the gig. Off to the show!If our host is interested, we would welcome you to come out with us as a guest. Enjoy a night out and get a glimpse of what its like touring with an indie band. We play everywhere from intimate listening rooms to bustling breweries and always do everything to make the night a great time.

Our music is very country/rock inspired and we cover all the greats. Everything from Johnny Cash to Led Zeppelin and everything in between. Feel free to check out our website to get a better idea of who we are as artists. www.shelbytexas.com

After the show, we would come and crash on the respective couch/floor/air mattress for the night. In the morning we would sing all the praises to our generous host, leave you with some sweet Shelby, Texas swag and depart as new found friends.

If helping some aspiring artists reach their dreams appeals to you, wonderful! Let's start making connections!

Interests

• cars
• music
• live music
• country music
• rock music
• karaoke
• ice cream
• singing in the shower

Music, Movies, and Books

Texas:

Do audiobooks count?

I'm going with a Top 3 system for the others.

Movies: Almost Famous, Back to the Future and Jaws.

Music - Artists: Johnny Cash, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
- Songwriters: Jason Isbell, Ryan Adams, and Kacey Musgraves

Shelby:

Book- Harry Potter duh. But also Night by Eli Wisel and Looking for Alaska by John Green.

Movie- Almost Famous, Pretty in Pink, Star Wars: Empire Strike Back, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, School of Rock, Zombieland and just about anything else Bill Murray is in.

Music- FOO FIGHTERS. But also Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, Ryan Adams, Jason Isbell, Everclear and Sheryl Crow.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Texas:

I built my very first guitar in wood shop when I was 14. Wasn't until I turned 16 that I learned how to tune it. Still my best sounding guitar to this day.

Shelby:

I started out singing when I was five years old in choirs. I eventually moved into doing local theatre productions and ended up playing the roles of Annie and the wicked with of the west among others. I continued to do theatre up until I graduated high school.

Teach, Learn, Share

Always open to give a quick guitar/bass/vocal lesson. One of my favorite things to learn is magic/party tricks. I LOVE to share music! Tell me what you're listening to and I'll do the same. Let's learn something about each other!

What I Can Share with Hosts

Good conversation and hilarious road anecdotes. Let's swap stories!

And don't forget the amazing "Shelby, Texas slept on my couch" fan pack including STX guitar pick, STX beer coozie and coasters that play music, AKA CD's.

Countries I’ve Visited

United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States