Rev Shines
Portland, OR | Established. Jan 01, 1996 | SELF
Music
Press
"Easily one of my favorite soul and funk mixes." - Like a Scientist
"Easily one of my favorite soul and funk mixes." - Like a Scientist
Rhapsody talks to Jumbo, one half Lifesavas, the dynamic hip-hop duo from Portland, that Rolling Stone named as one of the Top 10 Artists to Watch in 2007. - Rhapsody
Ryan “Rev Shines” Shortell is best known as one-third of Quannum hip-hop act Lifesavas, but he’s also one of this country’s legendary crate-diggers. A beat fanatic who can name the source of nearly every sample he hears, Shortell was indoctrinated into hip-hop’s inner circle during a long stint at Portland record store Jump Jump, where he sold inspiration (in the form of obscure vinyl) to the likes of J Dilla and Pete Rock. Shines continues to push beats, as well as run his fledgling label, Shine Language, and DJ frequently about town. We caught up with him for a tour of PDX’s essential hip-hop stops. - XLR8R Magazine
Ryan “Rev Shines” Shortell is best known as one-third of Quannum hip-hop act Lifesavas, but he’s also one of this country’s legendary crate-diggers. A beat fanatic who can name the source of nearly every sample he hears, Shortell was indoctrinated into hip-hop’s inner circle during a long stint at Portland record store Jump Jump, where he sold inspiration (in the form of obscure vinyl) to the likes of J Dilla and Pete Rock. Shines continues to push beats, as well as run his fledgling label, Shine Language, and DJ frequently about town. We caught up with him for a tour of PDX’s essential hip-hop stops. - XLR8R Magazine
Discography
Libretto f. Guilty Simpson, "Ride to Dat" - 12" (Liquid Beat)
Rev Shines, "Mass Education for Your Ears" - Mixtape
Rev Shines, "Today's Good News Vol. 2" - Mixtape
Lifesavas, "Gutterfly" - LP (Quannum Projects)
Lifesavas, "Gutterfly" b/w "Serpeants Love" - 12" (Quannum Projects)
Feist, "Mushaboom" Knock Knock Remix - CD single (Interscope Records)
Rev Shines, "Today's Good News Vol. 1" - Mixtape
Libretto, "Illoet" - EP (Dim Mak)
Vursatyl, "Mister Gusto" - 7" single (Quannum Projects)
Lifesavas, "Spirit in Stone" - LP (Quannum Projects)
Photos
Bio
Questlove once announced to the crowd at a show in Portland, “Rev Shines built my record collection.” Shines has performed in over 15 countries, released mixtapes on his own label Shine Language, is 1/3 of the hip hop group Lifesavas whom Rolling Stone Magazine touted as a Top Band to Watch in '07, and DJs the most popular hip-hop dance party in PDX "Live and Direct". His mixtape series, “Today’s Good News” has a cult following and sells out immediately online and at record stores like Turntable Lab.
While working at the Portland landmark record store, Jump Jump, Shines met and sold records to music legends like Questlove, J.Dilla, and Easy Mo Bee. Most importantly, he met the proverbial King of House music production Kenny Dope, whom invited him on a world tour, DJing and digging in countries like Japan and Australia.
What does Rev Shines sound like? A decade crossing beat visionary, inspired by golden era hip hop, Southern gospel singers, and funky Brasilians from the 1970’s. His dynamic live sets simultaneously put smiles on faces, get heads nodding, and suggest feelings of an ever-present coolness.
There are a variety of times throughout the week to get a Shines fix. Each Tuesday evening at The Liquor Store, Shines hosts the “Supper Set”, featuring an all-vinyl set of the rarest Soul, Funk, and Jazz that Portland could offer. Thursday nights he plays rare grooves at Produce Row, and coming soon in November, he'll be live on 89.1 KMHD with "Today's Good News" with an all-vinyl radio set. Music lovers flock to his nights for a chance to hear songs and records that can’t be heard anywhere else on the West Coast.
Band Members
Links