James Tritten is the mastermind behind a new 7"-only record label, Fort Lowell Records. The first release is Young Mothers' "Come on, the Cross"; to celebrate, Young Mothers, ... music video? and Tracy Shedd (Tritten's wife; he also plays guitar with her) will perform at Zia Records, 3370 E. Speedway Blvd., from 4 to 6 p.m., Saturday, April 17 (aka Record Store Day).
What was the first concert you ever saw?
fIREHOSE ... in 1990. I was 15 years old, and my mom was cool enough to let me go with my friends.
What are you listening to these days?
Fin Fang Foom, Monomyth; Mercury Program, Chez Viking; Japandroids, Post-Nothing; The Resonars, That Evil Drone; Washed Out, Life of Leisure; El Paso Hot Button, Keep Your Eyes Quiet.
What was the first album you owned?
Agent Orange, This Is the Voice. I was 11 when it came out, and I still remember going to the store to buy it on vinyl.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone seem to love, but you just don't get?
I am having a hard time with Afro-indie rock, like Vampire Weekend. Surfer Blood has a track on their album that is helping me understand it.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
The Walkmen. They are one of my favorite bands of the past decade, and very influential on my own guitar-playing.
Musically speaking, what is your favorite guilty pleasure?
I don't feel Justin Timberlake is a guilty pleasure; I think he is simply amazing.
What song would you like to have played at your funeral?
The Cure, "Carnage Visors"—one of my favorite pieces of music ever written.
What band or artist changed your life, and how?
I was 11 years old when I was first introduced to Echo and the Bunnymen, and my life changed in every way. I joined my first band because of Echo. I wanted to be Ian McCulloch, and I wanted to play guitar like Will Sergeant. ... They are simply why I am so passionate about music.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Swans, The Great Annihilator.
