Latest Band Updates http://www.fivestariris.com/
Going into the studio towards the end of the year really made me realize just how much I love making music. However, I have been struggling with what to do with it. A big part of me wants to release the new material as Alan Schaefer instead of Five Star Iris. Not sure how much that matters? I just know that my desire to sing is far greater than my desire to market and hustle to spread the music.

I do know that I can ponder all day long, but at the end of the day it will all be different than anything I expect. I guess that's what makes life so interesting. I hope that 2011 is a fantastic year for you and your family.

Namaste,

Alan]]> Sun, 02 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.fivestariris.com/blog_enter.php?id=395
On one hand, it's liberating to not care about dealing with the traditional music business. I've spent years trying to convince the gatekeepers that there is a market for the music I make. Perhaps my perspective is a bit skewed because of the connection I feel with so many of you. That connection means the world to me. There are so many amazing people in my life that I would have never met if it hadn't been for the music I make. For that I am thankful.

Perhaps my recent trip to the studio has made me ponder so much. I believe it's the best music I've ever been associated with. Trying to figure out if I put it out as Five Star Iris or as Alan Schaefer. Not sure how much it matters? I am eager to share it and should have it available soon. Thanks for your continued support and patience!

Namaste,

Alan]]> Sun, 05 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.fivestariris.com/blog_enter.php?id=390
I should have final mixes for the three songs I recorded in the next week and am incredibly excited to share them with you and hopefully the rest of the world!

Namaste,

Alan]]> Sun, 31 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.fivestariris.com/blog_enter.php?id=387
I'm really going in with the goal of recording songs that other artists might have an interest in recording. It's a very different mindset and approach. It's also very different going in without a true band dynamic. I am really looking forward to the creative freedom that affords. I am really thankful to be as excited as I am about recording new music. I haven't felt that way in quite some time and I sure have missed that feeling!

Looking forward to sharing the new music with you as soon as it's done!

Namaste,

Alan]]> Mon, 18 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.fivestariris.com/blog_enter.php?id=383 Mon, 18 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.fivestariris.com/blog_enter.php?id=385
I'm thinking either people just don't know about it or maybe they are tightening up their belts in what is obviously a terrible economy. I made the release available so people could pay whatever amount they want in the hopes that people would still be able to get the music if they are on a tight budget. I'm wondering if some people feel funny about donating so little. If you are one of those people reading this, please know I want you to have the music, regardless of any donations.

This has also made me rethink my musical future. I'm struggling with whether or not it really makes sense to keep recording/putting out music as it seems to be getting tougher and tougher to cut through and get people's attention. The expense is so great and the prospect of even breaking even is getting harder and harder. What a weird thought for someone like myself to have?

Oh well. Who knows? In the meantime, I hope you will check the new release and help us help Pick Of The Litter.

Namaste,

Alan]]> Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.fivestariris.com/blog_enter.php?id=371
Last year while attending a college entertainment conference I saw a comedian perform. I left the ballroom in the hotel and just happened to see her right after her set. I told her that I thought she was really funny and that I enjoyed her set. That was it. Didn't see or talk to her again. A year later at the same conference I saw her again. It was one of those, Hey! I remember you type moments. We wound up hanging out and grabbing some drinks and got to know each other a bit more. She then explained that she was going to be back in Atlanta in two weeks performing.

When she came back my wife and I took her and her friend to different places and showed her parts of Atlanta she would have never seen. We became even better friends quickly and she graciously invited us to come to Boston to visit sometime. My wife and I made the decision to take her up on her offer, hence the aforementioned trip.

What blows my mind is that we are now looking forward to what will be a great trip that we would have never ever taken had I not said a simple hello. I believe this is what life is all about. People can be so guarded. I believe the guarded people really miss out on the rich experiences life has to offer. I'm sure I will have some great pics and some even better stories to share upon my return.

Namaste,

Alan]]> Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.fivestariris.com/blog_enter.php?id=368
The excitement around the World Cup in the states was really cool to see. I guess Americans don't really get excited about a sport unless we are really good at it. Sorry to see the US eliminated but I guess that will ease up my schedule atleast a little bit. I'll still watch the other matches. Just not the same amount of energy that goes into it.

Hope you are enjoying the World Cup as well.

Namaste,

Alan]]> Sun, 27 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.fivestariris.com/blog_enter.php?id=361
Touring the world entertaining the military absolutely changed my perspective. I suppose there is no way it couldn't. I've met a lot of young men and women who have lost friends, brothers and sisters. I'm not sure I ever understood the true level of sacrifice that servicemen and women make until I got to see for myself.

Sadly, for many this day is about getting to take the day off from school or work. Most people wouldn't admit that but it's the truth. For those of us who observe, today is about honoring those brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for the rest of us. For me it is also about honoring the families of the fallen. This surely must be a painful day for them. I hope each one of you reading this will take atleast a few minutes to really think about what today is about and send warm thoughts to those families.

Namaste,

Alan]]> Mon, 31 May 2010 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.fivestariris.com/blog_enter.php?id=358
He definitely made the right decision to leave the band but I know there are times he really misses it. I'm sure he doesn't miss all the other stuff involved in being in a band like the van and trailer parked in his driveway all the time. Or, me beating him up about the website stuff. But the playing he misses. I feel really fortunate that we are able to play together again.

I'm sure it will be a great experience for everyone involved. Gotta jump. Have songs to go over!

Namaste,

Alan]]> Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.fivestariris.com/blog_enter.php?id=353
I am very lucky to have an amazing mother. Jokingly, my brothers and I call her our good mother. Our good mother did an amazing job when we were growing up. As a busy executive she always prepared amazing meals, made it to our soccer games and helped us with homework and other challenges. For that I am truly thankful.

What I am most thankful for is how much she has always supported and encouraged my musical endeavors. Not once did she ever tell me to stop dreaming when I told her one day I would play Madison Square Garden. She didn't just offer emotional support. Many times her and my father helped financially. Without my parent's and mother's support I would have missed a million miles I should have seen. For that I am truly greatful. I hope all of you moms reading this will offer your unconditional love and support when your child tells you about the crazy thing they want to be. Let them dream. If my mom and dad hadn't let me dream, you wouldn't be reading this blog.

Namaste,

Alan]]> Sun, 09 May 2010 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.fivestariris.com/blog_enter.php?id=352
When I got to the audition place at 8am there was already a long line. Some guy came through and gave out numbers. Mine was 200. As you can imagine there were all kinds of characters in line. I actually met several people who had tried out for American Idol. It was sobering to say the least.

We were then taken inside in groups of 10 where we got to watch each other's 30 second auditions. There were three judges but i'm not quite certain they were songwriters. Each person had to say their age, how long they had been writing, where they were from and then the title of the song.

Not to be harsh, but most in our group were actually terrible with the exception of one or two. When my turn came I did a verse and chorus of Is There Something I Can Do. I felt really good about my peformance and thought for sure I would get a call back. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. No confessional for me lol! I was pretty shocked but not upset by any means. I was glad that I went through the experience. It was pretty interesting. Besides, you have to be willing to take chances and show up. As they say, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Maybe next time.

Namaste,

Alan]]> Mon, 03 May 2010 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.fivestariris.com/blog_enter.php?id=349