The Hourly Radio's guitarist Ryan Short shocked fans earlier this week when he announced in a MySpace bulletin that he's left the band he helped create.

Kirtland Records

The Hourly Radio: (from left) Ryan Short, Tim Jansen, Aaron Closson and Adam Vanderkolk

In a phone interview yesterday, the 27-year-old Dallas resident said that the breakneck pace of touring and recording started to wear on him.

"We toured so much over the last two years that I kind of realized that it isn't my ideal lifestyle," he said.

Short insists that the split is amicable and that the three other members weren't surprised by his decision.

"Nobody was too shocked," he said. "They were understanding. We are still really close friends."

Since forming the Hourly Radio with singer Aaron Closson in late 2004, Short has helped drive the band's Britpop-inspired sound with his ringing guitar solos and effect-pedal skills.

The guys earned acclaim from national media outlets including Spin and MTV after releasing their debut EP Lure of the Underground, and the full-length History Will Never Hold Me. Tours abroad have helped them build an international fan base.

Short says Closson, drummer Adam Vanderkolk and bassist Tim Jansen are writing songs for a new album, but have no plans to replace him right away.

"They are in a writing phase right now, and will probably just do the next record as a three-piece, and then decide where to go from there," he said.

And what about Short's own musical future?

"I'm not really planning anything. I'm looking forward to just being a fan of music again. I was 100 percent consumed by it for so long that I just want to step back and start really enjoying going out to shows again.

"I probably won't ever do music seriously again. I still believe the Hourly Radio will be huge someday. So, if I were interested in that, I would have stayed with them."

Hunter Hauk

TONIGHT: Double Wide has put together a night of singer-songwriter magic, featuring Glen Farris, Emil Rapstine and Pleasant Grove's Marcus Striplin. Don't miss it. Visit thedoublewidebar.com.

TOMORROW: Bring your old clothes, shoes and hats to Space Studios for local rapper Pikahsso's big birthday bash/charity event, benefiting the homeless. Pik's group PPT will perform, as well as Money Waters, the Boondox and more. Visit pikahsso.com.

SATURDAY: Don't miss the chance to see Fort Worth country crooner Collin Herring (left) in the Big D – he'll be at Opening Bell. Visit openingbellcoffee.com. If country's not your thang, see locals Black Tie Dynasty, Red Monroe, the Demigs and the Orange at the Loft. Visit myspace.com/theloftdallas.

Hunter blogs about local music at nightlife.beloblog.com.