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Trying to get sleep in the middle of the day has become normal for Ryan Star.
The singer/songwriter has been busy touring in support of his debut album “11:59″ for the past year.
“I’ve been on both coasts in a matter of days,” he says during a recent interview from his Chicago hotel. “I have the curtains closed so I can rest before I open for Maroon 5. It’s been crazy the past couple of months.”
And while Star’s tour has taken him to both coasts, he says he’s loving every moment of it.
“I got a couple days off for Thanksgiving and I’ll get a few for Christmas,” he says. “Other than that, I’m loving being on stage and meeting new fans.”
Star’s current single “Start a Fire” is on heavy rotation in the Duke City and he’s thrilled to have his single doing well.
“Albuquerque has been one of the places that has supported me since the beginning,” he says. “That’s why I’m always eager to come back and say thank you.”
Star also filmed an impromptu music video for the single. He said it was filmed during a rehearsal in New York.
“This was right on the heels of all the band’s equipment getting stolen in Los Angeles,” he says. “It’s a low-budget video but I think it captures the essence of our live shows.”
Star says his rigorous touring schedule helps keep him with his best foot forward. He feels fortunate to be doing this for a living.
“When I was growing up, all I wanted to do was be a musician,” he says. “Now that I’m getting to do it, I’m humbled by the attention and praise.”
Star admits that it’s extremely difficult to sustain a career in the music business.
“There are so many elements to a career it’s crazy,” he says. “You have to be aware of so many things. There are no minor leagues in this business. You have all of the talent competing against each other. That’s why I work so hard.”
And while Star is new to many listeners, odds are you’ve heard his songs.
His first single “Breathe” was featured in commercials, as well as cracking the top 10 on the Adult Contemporary charts. His single “Brand-New Day” is also the theme song to Fox’s “Lie to Me.”
“Having an outlet like a TV show to have my song as its theme is amazing,” he says. “It opens me up to an entirely new audience. I know that people may not know my name but it’s easy to look it up.”
While Star was on break for Thanksgiving, he says he found the inspiration to write again.
“I know I’m still touring for this album,” he says. “But I found some time to write about my life and it really felt good. I’m looking forward to what the future will bring. I made the time by staying off of Facebook.”
Star says he’s looking forward to maybe collaborating more with future albums. He said he and former “American Idol” champ David Cook wrote a song together and that he’d love to work with Ingrid Michaelson and Christina Perri.
“It’s so great to see the positive impact that music has on people,” he says. “As for the David song, hopefully we’ll be able to record it and release it.”
Plain White T’s with Sara Bareilles, Christina Perri, Ryan Star
WHEN: 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12
WHERE: Sunshine Theater, 120 W. Central
HOW MUCH: $25, available at www.holdmyticket.com
