I made a video for this song (Right Now) in the beginning of 2009. With my band and the help of the NYU cheerleading squad, I made an early little viral video as I was still putting the finishing touches on my upcoming album, 11:59. This song really inspired the idea behind the album. What does it mean? Simply, it means to live in the moment. Since we were young we have heard this romantic idea of carpe diem, seize the day… but do we truly ever stop and think about what that moment is to us ?
When I watch a football player running into the end zone, I see someone who is living. Their spirit and their body seem as one and we as humans are in awe and inspired by it. I know people who don’t even like or understand sports but they will still watch a big wave surfer conquer the liquid mountain and ride for all of us.
The title, 11:59, points out a time where we all stop and check ourselves- where we are at that very minute. For me, my moment of greatness is when I am on the stage performing – it is where I feel home and at peace. It begs to ask me the question, what is your 11:59?
In this spirit of living life ‘Right Now’, here are my best sports moment of the year:
James Harrison, 100 Yard Interception Return, Super Bowl 43 – This is what I am talking about. Seeing someone living out their purpose for us all to witness makes us feel so alive.
Yankees win the World Series – They were playing my song “breathe” during the playoffs and as a New Yorker it was an honor but the World Series was even better. A fine tuned machine knowing they were going to win from the start. I watched the final game in a sports bar (very unlike me) in NYC just so I can feel the collective spirit come alive.
Usain Bolt breaks the world record AGAIN, winning the 100-meter race in 9.58 seconds at the world championships, Berlin World Championships – This guy has that incredible wisdom that in life, nothing should be so serious. He has got style, confidence and I can’t help but watch in awe.
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I would be one of those people who doesn’t really watch sports on a regular basis, but these moments…wow. It’s nice that these moments are captured on film, as I think most people’s moments of greatness, their 11:59 moments..are only captured in their minds and hearts and not for the world to see. But in these videos it becomes clear, even to a sports outsider, that these people are INDEED living their purpose. Reminds me of all the lovely youtube videos of you performing. Even if one isn’t fortunate enough to be there in person, seeing your energy and talent captured on video, your absolute love and passion for your music…leaves little room to argue. You are without a doubt accomplishing the very thing you were meant to in this life. Thanks for the blog. Thanks for the music. Thanks for the reminder to find OUR 11:59. Thanks for being you
Comment by hiedi ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 04:12 am
Beautifully said, Ryan!! I have a difficult time determining a favorite from the upcoming album (they keep shifting around), but Right Now is always one I want to hear–it helps instill a feeling of determination in me.
Comment by Carol Burnett ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 05:12 am
Right Now video is great!
Yankees winning the world series is def a major moment this year ! Go Yankees! Go RYAN STAR !!
RIGHT NOW !!
Comment by THA CHIEF ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 06:12 am
Ryan, this is kind of smacks me in the face, and in a good way. I tend to want to fast-forward through awkward or unwelcome circumstances, and instead I do have to learn to just work through it and enjoy the life that happens in between. I just literally just complaining about winter and wanting to skip ahead to spring. LOL Thank you for this!! Keep writing- you have a lot to say and its touching a lot of lives.
Comment by Lori in CT ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 06:12 am
Yes! Live in the moment. Right now!
This music is amazing.
Comment by solange ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 06:12 am
totally understand where you are coming from. Love the vids and love the feeling the music gives me. This is the time for this kind of message!!!
Comment by noah ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 06:12 am
What do you do if you haven’t figured out what your 11:59 is? And feel as if you might never.
Rather than living for the moment, or the future, I feel as if I’m mearly floating through life, with nothing to look forward to, in the present or the future.
All that sounds rather more depressing than it need. For what I really mean to say is you are an inspiration.
I haven’t found my 11:59 yet, but maybe one day I will. Until then, I take pleasure in watching other people find theirs.
Comment by TheAshtrayGirl ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 06:12 am
I didn’t realize you were such a huge sports fan. You watch hockey at all? My 11:59 is when I’m behind the camera and watching what I wrote come alive. I’m stuck at jfk right now, and they are airing regis & kelly and they have the jonas brothers on, and they sound terrible live, these boys need to watch what you do and maybe learn from it.
Comment by tim lefebvre ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 06:12 am
Great blog, Ryan. Your music is so inspiring and truly brought the best out of many. Congrats to you.
Comment by Nickey ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 06:12 am
What do you do if you haven’t figured out your 11:50 yet? Or don’t know if you ever will?
Rather than living for the moment, or the future, I feel more that I am floating through life, with nothing to look forward to in either the present or future.
Which all sounds rather more depressing than it really need. For what I mean to say is: You are an inspiration.
I haven’t found my 11:59 yet, but maybe one day I will. And until then, I enjoy watching others find theirs.
And until then, I’m off to seek The Great Perhaps.
Comment by TheAshtrayGirl ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 07:12 am
Ryan, you picked some of my fav sports moments of the year…Usain Bolt is so much fun and of course…the Yankees winning the World Series. I’m a native New Yorker and a diehard Yankees fan and seeing them win again after such a drought was probably one of the most euphoric moments of the year for me. Looking forward to reading more of your blogs!
Comment by honeychile ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 07:12 am
Ryan,
I couldn’t have said it better myself. You are an inspiration to all of us with your music, your writing and your concerts. I had the pleasure of seeing you in Richmond, VA, and even better was able to talk with you for a bit. I wish you much success in 2010 and hope to see you again in the future. Without a doubt you are living your 11:59!
Michelle
Comment by Michelle Layman ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 07:12 am
Oh Ryan you made me smile with the “Right Now” video! What fun! My 11:59 sports moment this year was when my MN Twins won the AL Central Division in a tie-breaker game in the Metrodome! I took a video of the crowd reaction which I keep on my FB profile page for inspiration.
Comment by Parrogordo ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 07:12 am
Those 11:59 moments, whether sports or just witnessing someone experiencing it, calls to the soul and it yearns to feel it too.
My red sox loyalty won’t allow me to comment on the Yankees win, but it’s amazing to see regardless. The 2004 world series when the red sox won, after 80 years of failing, was an amazing moment to witness. The bar practically shaking with the roar of the crowd, hugging strangers, seeing the old man in the corner brought to tears. Just incredible. A moment I will never forget.
I love that your music stirs the soul and inspires thought. A true work of art.
Comment by Brooke ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 07:12 am
Ryan-Right Now is another of my favorite songs! It always picks me up & reminds me to live in the moment & to give it all I’ve got! I have played it many many times this year as I have had a very difficult one. You never know what’s coming and it’s so important to live every moment to it’s fullest, which unfortunately we all often forget to do! I have definitely experienced some Right Now moments on this magical trip I have been on since Thursday. I very much lived in the moment and enjoyed every fabulous second of your Dec 18 show and getting to hang out with you afterwards! That was a Right Now moment I will never forget and my most fun & amazing birthday ever & probably the greatest night of my life! Then, I managed to still get to take the train into NYC & experience that for the first time in my life! I thought I would only have about 12 hrs there and took the “all we’ve got is this moment” mentality to the extreme and walked from my hotel to Times Square & Rockefeller Center in a BLIZZARD and got to witness a snowball fight in Times Square at midnight! I even took a cab afterwards to Rosarios pizza at 1am just so I wouldn’t miss out on your suggestion for best food in NYC- you were right! Then, our train out Sunday morning was cancelled & we missed our flight and couldn’t get another out til this morning! I’m at a layover in the airport right now.I wad blessed with 3 bonus days in NYC & totally lived in the “right now” state of mind! I didn’t worry about my job & work I was missing but seized the moment to get to experience every thing about NYC I could. I even stayed up all night and day on my last night there! This has been a magical birthday & now Christmas trip for me and I can honestly day I’ve had the time of my life! Your music has been the soundtrack of my trip!!!
Comment by Lia Mays ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 07:12 am
Love the video for Right Now. I think it perfectly exemplifies that our time is now so we need to get out and do something. I also think it’s really cool that Hallie and Michelle both make cameos
As a runner and someone who has played sports all their life I can relate to that feeling of being so alive. Your music creates that same feeling of being on top of the world where nothing and no one can stop you. Great blog Ryan, can’t wait for the next one!
Comment by Meg ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 07:12 am
I love this.. I am a music and sports lover.. but not talented in either.. I am amazed at athletic ability and the ability for people to put what they feel into music. I love listening to lyrics and trying to figure out their meaning to the songwriter.. but the beauty in song lyrics is the listener can get what they want or need from the lyrics. I listen to music when I am happy or sad.. or angry. It can change my mood in an instant. I wonder how that feels as a musician to know you have that kind of affect and power on people? It might sound corny but you do have a real impact on peoples lives.
Sports can do the same… Sundays are my favorite day.. it’s football day.. there is nothing like it.. and I guarantee you can’t watch any sport without hearing a soundtrack playing at some point in the background.
Thank you Ryan for sharing your thoughts on this subject with us, but more important thank you for sharing your soul through your music with us, you are an incredible talent, I know I look forward to many years of Ryan Star music.
Comment by Erin ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 08:12 am
Behind all these huge successes are usually numerous failures and I think it’s important to also remember to keep going, no matter how many obstacles you face. Wasn’t it Babe Ruth who had the most home runs but also the most strike-outs? (I’m not a sports nut so I could be wrong). Those are the people I’m in awe of the most: the ones who persevere no matter what. They don’t give up or quit, they keep trying.
Have a fantastic vacation!
Comment by deb ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 08:12 am
By coincidence, before reading this blog, I put your “Right Now” on a mix I made for my sports loving nephew. He’s an earnest kid, so I didn’t want the whole thing to be “Get Ready for This!” Somehow your song really conveys the sense of putting your head in order to shoot for something that matters to you. Thanks for some great tunes.
Comment by kaydeecee ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 08:12 am
I like how you relate sports to pushing yourself physically to the limit. Maybe that’s why so many of us (including the most non-athletic of us, myself *definitely* included) enjoy watching sports. It’s that microcosm of the possible, seeing what can be achieved in a split second or over years of hard work and training. There’s something exhilarating for sure about seeing that achievement, and isn’t it wonderful when we can all celebrate together?
Comment by Nicole ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 08:12 am
Ryan,
The way you write is beautiful. I can’t wait for 11:59!
<3 Rachael
Comment by Rachael ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 08:12 am
I think one of the reasons why I like Right Now so much is because it is a good reminder to all of us about living in the moment. As for 11:59, it’s one of my favorite live songs so I’m looking forward to hearing it when your album is released soon. I’m not quite sure what my 11:59 is yet, but I’ll keep searching.
Comment by Stephanie ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 08:12 am
Right Now is one of my faves….always pumps me me up! As a BoSox fan, I’ll let the Yanks thing slide.
Comment by aheadofstraight ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 08:12 am
“Right Now” is a song that does make you step back and think about the moment. When I first heard the song, the words “We are strong, We are young”, were very empowering for me. All Ryans songs seem to hold a meaning for me for some moment in my life, and I will forever be a devoted fan to this amazing rising star!
Comment by Karrol Pippin ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 08:12 am
Ryan , In this Blog you talked about 2 of my vary favorite things ever. The first being your music, and the 2nd being sports. sports are something that my dad and I shared when I was little, and after he died when I was 9, I just kept watching. To me it was kinda like we were still watching them together. I love being able to read this blog everyday. I really hope you keep doing it.
Thanks Ryan
Comment by Emily ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 08:12 am
I’m a huge sports fan, too – I love following the Olympics, Commonweath Games and the likes. I watch just about everything, but one of the sports I love most is soccer, and I’m so stoked for the FIFA World Cup come July 11th.
Usain Bolt’s race is probably one of the things I’ll remember for a very long time, he did splendidly well during the Beijing Olympics, too. Michael Phelps was one of those who had the most amazing, victorious moments.
Judging from the way your album sounds, it’d probably be great to listen to while working out. That should be reason enough for me to start running again!
Comment by Nurul. ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 08:12 am
“Right Now” is the kind of song we need more of in the world today. Thanks, Ryan.
Comment by Jen ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 08:12 am
Ryan, another amazing blog. I love your music and can’t wait for the new record! Still searching for my 11:59, but won’t give up till I’ve found it!
Comment by Beth ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 08:12 am
Ryan, “Right Now” does a perfect job of capturing that moment, when everything you’ve dreamed, planned, and worked for mesh to become reality. I love how sports gives us all a chance to share in those moments. College sports are my favorite because I feel so much a part of the school I attended. It becomes much more than a sport, but representation of how we feel about ourselves. Thanks for sharing your vision.
Comment by Jaye ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 09:12 am
Ryan,
The thing I love about you is that you say things that I’ve always wanted to say, but never could. In that short blog, you expressed your love of sports, and how it ties us into living in the moment or “Right Now”. I can’t describe to you how long I’ve wanted to say that to people that ask me “Why are sports such a big deal to you”. Now I think I’ll just whip out your blog =) Anyway, your song Right Now is one of the most inspirational songs I know and it’s helped me to realize that life is here and now and that we have to live it. Thank you so much.
-Stephanie
(SkibletAtHeart on twitter)
Comment by Stephanie ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 09:12 am
Awesome Ryan!
I love “Right Now.” One of my favorite songs by you. Like I said before, I love all of them. “Breathe” and “Right Now” are my favorites at the moment. Can’t wait for the album to come out! You have so much talent and deserve ever talent God has given you!
Comment by Alexis ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 09:12 am
Right now does make you think about the moment. When I first heard the song the words “We are strong, We are young” were very empowering to me. Always a true fan to this amazing rising star!!
Comment by Karrol Pippin ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 09:12 am
what is your 11:59? because of your music i have discovered my 11:59. from starting over fresh in a different state, to help stat a non profit organifation (mibf). as a Reminder i hgot a tattoo on my wrist stating 11:59. it reminds me that the time is now. Thank you for the inspiration you have given me.
Comment by mandy ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 09:12 am
“Right Now” is so powerful. One of my favorites, especially to watch you perform live. I love it. My son loves it. I find him blasting it in his room quite often. If you can win over a 9 year old boy, Ryan Star, you can conquer the world. Great blog.
Comment by Terri-Ann ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 09:12 am
“Right Now” is my favorite song from you. I love the way it makes me feel: I feel strong and unstoppable! “there’s nothing anyone, could do or say to bring me down. Right Now” I absolutely love that song!
Can’t wait for your new album!
Comment by SBL ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 09:12 am
Ryan, My husband and I are huge fans. I originally saw you in York in March and bought your cd. My husband became hooked instantly as well. We got to see you at Guilifty’s in Harrisburg. One of the best shows ever for us. Please tell me you are going to be posting some headliners this upcoming year.
Comment by Kristen ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 09:12 am
Ryan,
my life has been very stressful for the last year. I was always thinking about the future, and never stoping to just live the moment. But then I got to know your songs, and I was touched. Every time I listen to your songs, it reminds me to stop, BREATHE, and live the moment. I still got work to do, but thank you for reminding me.
Comment by shaniah3 ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 09:12 am
I love Right Now. I feel like I want to sing that chorus from the top of a mountain. You rock, sir.
As far as my 11:59, I feel like it’s when I’m on the edge of something great, something amazing and challenging, and it scares me to death but I do it anyway.
Comment by Sarah ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 10:12 am
Ryan, right now is easily one of the best songs ever and i love that you can tie all of your songs together. Like tying 11:59 in with it and getting you in the moment and once again asking you what is your 11:59 and honestly mine changes so much, i dont really know right now. Its just so hard to get in that moment and live right now, in high school. I cant wait to get out and do something.
love your blogs Ryan, keep the goodness coming. 
Comment by Hannah ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 10:12 am
awesome. I am glad someone is writing substance and not just trash talking.
Comment by noah ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 10:12 am
Very well put Ryan. My motto has always been “Carpe Diem”;I truly believe in that. You are one heck of a musician and gentelman. Much continued success to you, kind sir!
Comment by Patrizia ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 10:12 am
Every song you do, Ryan, is so inspirational… For life, for sports, for everything. I hope we will be hearing your music during the Olympics. It would be perfect!! Love these blogs!!!!
Comment by Dave ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 11:12 am
I gotta admit ryan i could get used to these blogs every day
i really enjoy reading them. I think usain bolt’s world records were awesome definately one of the moments of the year..and i also like his style, very laid back and relaxed and all about having fun and enjoying the moment.
Comment by NAFISA14 ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 12:12 pm
I’ve followed you for quite some time now. Still can’t wait for a Tokyo gig. I am medic in the military. For the sick and infirmed when I walk the halls late at night, I catch my breath @ 11:59 then exhale as the moment is gargantuan because a patient has made it into the next day to live thier life, maybe to see their loved one when visiting hours start up again, or be enveloped in a hug, or a kiss from their lover. A smile breaks when I walk into their room and it uplifts me…us because we both understand what has just passed.
Yesterday is history,
Tomorrow may not come.
I’m gonna run to the horizon,
Comment by Michelle ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 01:12 pm
really love the song Right Now.
cant wait to see u on tour in 2010 !!
Comment by THA CHIEF ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 02:12 pm
Great blog!! Made me really think. I’m so grateful David Cook took you out on tour with him. I really enjoy your music and I really enjoyed meeting you!
Comment by Karen ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 03:12 pm
Love these blogs, love your music. Keep it comin’ Ryan!
Comment by shine45 ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 03:12 pm
I’ve realized my 11:59 is that moment where the music hits you before the singer starts singing. I am at home and at peace when I am at a live concert. It’s an outer body experience that you can share with others. You can not hear the music but feel the music run deep inside you’re body. You forget everything that is negative. Thank you again, Ryan because you have been apart of my 11:59. You have opened my eyes to a new experience. Honestly, where would I be without you?! I have told you in person what your music means to me and I know you understand the impact on my life. Thank you again for this incredible year and can’t wait to have the album!
Comment by Amanda ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 04:12 pm
hellz yeah!
Comment by james ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 04:12 pm
Terrific blog, I think one of my moments was actually going to your concert last week, I told you about how I never went to concerts before the past year, but after listening to you and David Cook online, I wanted to start. Going to this concert was so different than what I usually do and felt so good to do it. I think I found one of the things missing in my life. And as you told me, I’m going to keep on going to more concerts. I may wait until the weather gets better though
Comment by Karen C ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 04:12 pm
So this may be shallow, but I love the literal words to 11:59. It reminds me of good times in the past. Have to think more about my metaphorical 11:59. Thanks for all the great music!
Comment by KarenLA1 ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 04:12 pm
Great job, Ryan! Your time is now! I’m super happy for you! You are an inspiration. Great blog. And Merry Christmas!
Comment by Bonnie Davis ///// Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 @ 06:12 pm
Just got turned on to your music through a friend. Really amazing I hope you do more of these blogs
Comment by noah ///// Thursday, December 24th, 2009 @ 05:12 pm
You are SO right! Great blog – love reading your thoughts. Right Now is my favorite of all your songs and I LOVE the video. Anytime I need a pick me up or a pump up I either turn on that song or video. It just makes me happy! I’m so glad more of the world is being introduced to you and your music. I was fortunate enough to see you in concert 3 times this past year. You are amazing and so fun to watch. Everyone can tell you put your heart and soul into every minute you are on stage. I can’t wait for 11:59 to be released and for you to headline your own show. I will be online buying a ticket as soon as they are available! Congrats for an amazing year and an even bigger one to come!
Comment by Melissa ///// Thursday, December 24th, 2009 @ 08:12 pm
Ryan -
I gotta say I every time I read your blogs I become more and more inspired. This blog was particularly awesome to me because I am a huge sports person, and I always love the idea of music and sports being one. I loved the moments that you picked for 09 and they definitely were on my list as well. Thank you again for taking the time to write these awesome blogs!
Comment by Andrea ///// Sunday, December 27th, 2009 @ 07:12 pm