Also Ashton Kutcher just tweeted about Ryan and Breathe4Jobs.com. That will definitely bring a lot of attention to the video and the cause considering he has the most followers on twitter (or did the last time I checked). Awesome!

Due to the success of @RyanStar’s #breathe4jobs Twitter campaign, he will be interviewed on LX TV today @ 5:00 PM EST on NBC.

I’ll try to post details after it airs here.

By Tiffany M. (RyanStarFans.com)

“Boom.” Pause. “Boom.” Pause. “Boom.”

From outside the venue the bass drum pounded through the unusually warm spring air. Moments later, guitar wails followed, along with the standard microphone check. Walking up the steps to the venue, the energy of hundreds waiting in line for the concert was excited, chatty, albeit a bit subdued. Walking through the maze of cream, red, and teal backstage corridors, I made my way up three flights of stairs to a very well lit dressing room, appropriately decorated in a barrage of yellow stars. Taking a seat among the mirrors and lights, I looked around the cinderblock room. Backpacks and various personal belongings were strewn about the floor and on countertops, as a steady flow of people entered and exited the dressing room, including the bass player, and drummer, who I would officially meet later. Readying my questions and recorder, I waited for the arrival of the person for whom I had come.

Moments later, Ryan Star entered the dressing room. He greeted me with a smile, and was very gracious. He took a seat across from me after snagging a bag of potato chips from the aforementioned countertop, and the very first exclusive interview began. After a brief introduction and preface about my questions, I dove in, with a very attentive artist sitting and taking in every word. We began with small talk about current music and one of our mutual loves, Leonard Cohen.

Tiffany (RyanStarFans.com): Something the people on the website want to know is- what are your inspirations for this album?

Ryan Star: ‘11:59’ is about my kind of version of living in the moment, you know? It’s my, my number for that. I feel like it’s about what’s heavy, and what’s happening, so all of the songs are very urgent. “Wake Up,” “Brand New Day,” even “Last Train Home,” “This Could be the Year,” “Right Now,” these are all songs that are like, screaming. So, the message is breathe in every moment, and the question I ask is, ‘What’s your 11:59?’ You know, for me, I know what it is, it’s being on stage and writing, for a football player it’s scoring a touchdown.

Tiffany (RyanStarFans.com): Describe your album in one word.

Ryan Star: Urgent.

Tiffany (RyanStarFans.com): What is success to you? How would you define it?

Ryan Star:I think the bare minimum, the bare bones idea of what you’re asking…I live in New York City, I go down in the morning and my doorman who’s Jamaican…. I say, “Hey man, how’s it going?” And he goes [in a Jamaican accent,] “Eh man, everyday above ground a good day.” I think uh, I think that’s success. I think…realizing that is success…Because a lot of people walk around not thinking about that….

Tiffany (RyanStarFans.com): Define perfection.

Ryan Star: Perfection?

Tiffany (RyanStarFans.com): Because I know you have the song about the braces…

Ryan Star:“Perfection?”

Tiffany (RyanStarFans.com): Yeah, so that’s kind of an interesting take on it, so how would you define it?

Ryan Star: I think perfection is living your…doing what you are supposed to do. Finding your purpose, and being that. And that’s…I think if you have a shitty job, I’m not saying go get a better job, I’m saying if you feel like you are living your purpose, I think that’s perfection.

Tiffany (RyanStarFans.com): What are three “nevers” of your life?

Ryan Star: Sorry?

Tiffany (RyanStarFans.com): Three things you will never do, never say?

Ryan Star: Never?

Tiffany (RyanStarFans.com): Three nevers.

Ryan Star:I will never say never, that’s one, two, and three.

Tiffany (RyanStarFans.com): What’s your ‘song of the moment?’ Your defining song? Your ‘most played’ on your iPod?

Ryan Star:The National, “Green Gloves.”

Tiffany (RyanStarFans.com): That’s a good one. What has been, so far in your life, your biggest defining moment?

Ryan Star:A few months ago, I went to hypnotherapy, and I’ve found there are various moments that define me, that I never realized define me. So that hypnotherapy session brought me back, it was like kind of a regression, because it brought me back to some intense moments in my life that define me. Realizing what my purpose is, a writer and musician, that comfort of knowing I am doing what I am supposed to, defines me.

Tiffany (RyanStarFans.com): Kim wants to know, who also runs RSF.com, what’s it like working with Atlantic [Records] compared to Maverick [Records] years ago?

Ryan Star: It’s like…it’s like being married to a serial killer, and sleeping with one eye open, but at the end of the day they actually kill you. And now you’re with your childhood sweetheart, who was always right for you.

Tiffany (RyanStarFans.com): Kim (also from RyanStarFans.com) also wants to know, is there a live or acoustic album in the works following this one?

Ryan Star: Funny you ask that, after ’11:59’ comes out, I’ve always said, after I fully produced, my fully realized, first produced album, I will right away make a DVD, as quickly as I can without a forethought, with stripped down collection of songs.

Tiffany (RyanStarFans.com): What is your favorite song on the upcoming album?

Ryan Star: “Somebody’s Son.”

Tiffany (RyanStarFans.com): What can you tell us about the album we don’t already know?

Ryan Star: We know it took two years to make, recorded in California, in Malibu, I made it. And I wanted to, as a songwriter and as a singer; I wanted to make an album that didn’t get described as a singer-songwriter album. So I listened to a lot of Springsteen and a lot of Peter Gabriel, and stuff like that, and incorporated modern elements, world elements, into my music. I didn’t want to make a singer, acoustic record. I wanted to a bigger album and be able to go out with a rock band, which is what I’m doing now.

Tiffany (RyanStarFans.com): What do you like about touring?
Ryan Star: I feel, you know, when I’m in New York I’m hustling, it’s a constant hustle. On tour, you really get to be who you…I get to be who I want to be twenty-four hours a day.

With that, we took a few pictures, and it was almost time for the show to begin. We said our goodbyes, and I expressed many thanks as I went to take my seat, reflecting on how well-spoken and down-to-earth Ryan had been. As I sat down in the venue, I thought of three words when I thought of Ryan: Candid, honest, and gracious. I sat among the crowd anticipating the beginning of the show, and with that, the lights dimmed, and the crowded roared, a mix of screams, claps, and sheer excitement, as Ryan Star and his band took the stage. As I watched, I realized, right then, at that moment, Ryan was living his purpose, fulfilling his own definitions of perfection and success which he had just candidly shared, and I could not help but smile.

- Tiffany (RyanStarFans.com)

* Huge thanks go out to Ryan, M, T, and Z, and the band who were amazing, welcoming, and without whom this wasn’t possible. Thank you all so much.

Question: I’ve been a fan of yours since Stage and haven’t stopped since then. You said a while ago when you started making this album that once it was finished you would come out on the road. Any sign of a release date for the album or chance that you will be on the road some time soon? If so, will the fans be able to rock out on tambourine again? – Doug

Ryan: Ha – the old tambourine days! I am currently starting to look around at musicians to see what kind of band I will be putting together. This new stuff is like nothing else I have ever done so I am thinking it through before I get out there but in the new year I will probably have a better idea of what’s going on.

Question: Any idea what the first single will be? – Jackie

Ryan: Most of you now have heard “Last Train Home.” It definitely is a single but not sure if it will be the first just yet. The good news is there are a lot of songs on this album that will be considered singles. It will be fun choosing the order of things.

Question: Can we have copies of any songs that didn’t make the CD? – Leigh

Ryan: I recorded a lot of tracks. They all will not make the album but I assure you you will get to hear them all. I plan on being on soundtracks or tv and hopefully you find them there. If not b-sides always find their way out.

Question: Are there any tour plans you can share with us? Are there any cities or areas in particular that you are looking forward to stopping in? Will you be going over to Europe and Australia?

Ryan: I truly hope I get overseas but in the beginning I am sure that I will be starting here in the States. My favorite experience lastyear was traveling to Singapore and Maylasia so I am always up for the adventure.

Question: What’s your favorite song to play from your solo work and stage? – Leigh

Ryan: I always love playing “Flag” It means more than ever and I like to get it out there in the world when I can. “Here Son” and “Lullaby Suicide” amd “Waiting for Love” are favorite ‘SFTEOAE’ songs but its rare I play that one.

Question: Out of all the people (producers, musicians, techs… etc.) you have worked with on this new album has there been anyone who you feel has helped you grow as a Musician? – Anneliese

Ryan: Great question – I have definitely learned from everyone. It’s funny though when I think about it all. I have worked with people that have been a part of very big and influential records but I usually find the purity most inspiring. Jun from “Cortez the Killer” is a musician who does it all for the purity of it. I truly feel that he needs to make music. Not for a career or success but for the actual of idea of producing something and getting it out into the world. Just last week I saw a friend play and to most peoples standards might not be “great” but the passion he has for what he is doing is so strong the music came second. I was watching a performance of someone living out what their soul was telling him to.

Question: What’s going on with that DVD Randy said he was making? – Leigh

Ryan: It depends how you look at it. Randy Scott Slavin has enough footage of me since high school that would make the “Truman Show” seem content light. We are forever and continually working on “the dvd” but in the meantime I am sure when the timing is right and we want to close out another chapter we will.

Question: Is there any particular theme, in terms of lyrics or sound, with your upcoming album? – Tiffany

Ryan: When I look at each song it truly is a concept album. The story really unfolds itself in each song and if I wanted to I could sequence it in a way that you would completely understand. I might instead scramble it up like a puzzle and then you will tell me what it is about instead. Like my music in the past the themes are wide. From love to fantasy, from film to political struggle its all there.

Question: Where have you not yet been in the world that you hope to someday go? – Tiffany

Ryan: New Zealand – like most, “The Lord of the Rings” sold us all.

Question: What do you want for Christmas? – Tiffany

Ryan: This is a time in all of our lives for us to make a decision. Who are we and what are we really supposed to be doing to make our time count? What is it that we can all do to make the difference we learned about in grade school. There are so many people, so many beautiful people and ideas out there but we find ourselves comatosed in a world of distractions and temptations. I want everyone including myself to find that common center once a day where we are at least in peace with ourselves. From that we would find peace with each other.

But I’ll settle for Guitar Hero 3.

We’d like to send a very special shout-out and thanks to Ryan for taking his time to do this interview. We here at RSF wish you an amazing holiday season. There are lots of great things to come in ’08.

I know some of yo might have follow up questions after our last interview with Ryan, or perhaps you weren’t able to submit yours last time.  Well Tiff will be sending him about ten more questions, so if you have anything else on your mind send it to kimberwyn AT gmail DOT com.  Let’s make the deadline Oct. 31st (yup, Halloween!).

Question: If you hadn’t pursued music, what profession do you think you’d have today (that isn’t music-related)? (From Miel)

Ryan: I used to believe that it was the only thing to live for and in some respects I still do but every time I pass a school or see one of those inspiring movies where a teacher makes a difference I feel like I could do that. I just worry about teaching high school girls. Especially these days. I saw that nude photo online of the girl from ‘High School Musical’ and remembered why I sing and don’t teach.

Question: Which of your life-changing moments stands out the most? (From Miel)

Ryan: There are a few like in everyone’s vault. The first day I heard Pearl Jam, the night I finished the book “Many Lives, Many Masters,” but in recent history I would say when I decided to swallow my indie cred pride and go on an international television show of cover songs to get my voice and name out there. I was so confused I almost went to a psychic the night before because I truly had no idea what was the right thing to do. I closed my eyes and dove in as you know and since then life has been different.

Question: What are your thoughts about your fans checking out and being fans of your older music, from the Stage album and earlier? (From Jackie)

Ryan: Hi Jackie! I was just out with Justin from Stage last night in my quick visit home in NYC. I told him I just watched the Stage DVD a few days ago and it fired me up to not only get out there in huge ways for r. star but for Stage as well. We were kids and had the dream and it faded with time. Nothing would make me happier than for all of that music to be heard by millions so that when I go touring I can play those songs of my childhood. The guys deserve it too so that we can say it all was for something.

Question: Of the songs going to be on the new album, which songs were the easiest to write, which were the most difficult? How did you decide which songs would be on the album? (From Jackie)

Ryan: This process was hardly easy this time around. I think between searching for my new statement and being my first proper solo album it was always a challenge. Writing a song called “11:59″ (for now) was memorable because it was the first new song to be written which ultimately opened the flood gates for the rest to follow. As far as what will be on the album I still don’t even know. I wrote a new song called ‘Orphans’ which I just recorded last week. The book isn’t closed yet.

More, under the jump!

Question: What would your advice be for aspiring musicians? And do you have any tips on writing lyrics? (From Leigh)

Ryan: Out of all people, I heard some amazing advice for none other than J Lo. She said in acting you have to enjoy the process of rejection, auditions, etc. because most of the time that is what it is. I think it is great advice but I guess I didn’t follow it myself cause I never enjoyed the process although I probably should have. Its not in my personality. I have done the whole drive 22 hours sick in a van and play in front of the bartender and the next band and it sucks. So never mind what J Lo said. That is not what its all about. I guess you gotta just hang in there if you believe. As far as writing lyrics I am still learning. For me lately, I like creating images and stories with my words. When I was younger I thought more abstract in songs like “Live Happy, Live With Anorexia,” and “Jesus Was a Test Tube Baby” but now I find more satisfaction in painting a brighter picture. Also, a great fan of mine named Crispen wrote an email to me right before I wrote a song called “Somebody’s Son” a few months ago. His letter said it must be hard to write something relevant these days. I instantly thought of it as a challenge and now that song will have a great place on the new album. My favorite actually.

Question: Just because you know I HAVE to ask….can you give us any new details on the upcoming album and/or the soundtrack that ‘Last Train Home’ is supposed to be on? (From Liza)

Ryan: It’s good you say “supposed to be on” ’cause obviously in this business you never know. A movie called “P.S. I Love You” starring Hillary Swank due out in December picked up last train home for a scene. It will go down as my first placement in a film. When I read the synopsis I fell in love with it and the director really loved the song so it was a simple match. If I write music for anything, it’s films not radio. For me it is where I belong.

Question: Was the song “Perfect” based on your life? Were you, at any point pressured to be “perfect?” (From Miel)

Ryan: “Perfect” was very much autobiographical at the time but it soon became my valentine to ones I cared about.

Question: Which of your life-changing moments stands out the most? (From Miel)

Ryan: Right now.

Question: What album(s) should everyone be given on their eighteenth birthday? (From Julia)

Ryan: Anything by Leonard Cohen for your soul
Stina nordenstam for your intimacy
Nine Inch Nails for your f******
Pearl Jam for your working out
The Pixies for your not giving a s***

Question: Who are your past musical influences and what’s on your iPod right now? (From Kim)

Ryan: Depending on what time of day, see above and add Panic! to the workout mix. Oh, and add Lost for the plane rides.

Question: If I remember correctly, the song “O” was written about an executive at Maverick records who you worked with when you were a part of Stage. How has your experience at Atlantic been different? And were you hesitant to sign with another major label? (From Kim)

Ryan: I don’t really feel too original because I bet a lot of artists wrote about the guy but yes it was my big “f*** you” to that whole experience. I was hesitant. I loved my indie thing but the kind of album I wanted to make and the way I want to reach the world required me to go to a bigger house sort of speak. The good news is the person who signed me there was with me from the early days of rockwood when it was 20 people in the crowd. It still feels indie as far as the creativity goes. As soon as I finish my album I do plan on doing some more raw sketches too. Always changin it up. Like diddy.

Question: Most of the songs on ‘SFEOTE’ were a lot darker sounding than most of the new songs we’ve heard so far (‘Breathe,’ ‘Last Train Home,’ and ’11:59′). What sparked the change? (From Kim)

Ryan: Again, Like diddy. Ha, I don’t know. It’s just like when I wear the same shirt for 30 performances in a row and then I simply change it. I want a new smell, a new color. Still the same skin under it all.
That’s the last of the questions. We really appreciate you all taking your time to send in the questions, and we appreciate Ryan taking his time to answer. Thanks so much. I know we’re looking forward to everything to come.

We’ll be doing this again, so keep your eyes peeled for your chance to submit questions.
- Tiffany, RyanStarFans.com