Just a short traffic-filled drive south of Los Angeles in Orange County, Ca resides the members of The Appearance. In 2004, singer-songwriter Alan Oakes, began writing songs for a new project that had no name, no members and no recording contract. As the songs were accumulating, Alan begin searching for members and financial backing for what would become The Appearance's debut album "Lost in Aurora". "I chose to work in a different order than other projects in the past. Normally you start a band, find members, write songs and record a demo then play local venues waiting for a label to come along and put out your first record. I believed in the music so much that I just wanted to get them on tape. I knew everything else would fall into place after the record was done."

With the members in place, Alan found a financial partner to fund the record. He approached producer, Chris Fudurich (Jimmy Eat World, AFI, Armor for Sleep) about producing the record for the still un-named project. After hearing the demos, Chris agreed and signed on to do the project. "Chris (Fudurich) and I worked on demos together at his studio in Venice, Ca a few years back", Alan explained in a SPIN magazine interview, "We kept in touch and when time came to record the album, he was the first person I called." Eric Kretz's (drummer for Stone Temple Pilots) new studio in downtown Los Angeles was where the recording would take place and so the work began.4 months later The Appearance emerged with 16 polished tracks. The only thing that was now missing was a home at a label.

Months of shopping around went by until a copy of the album finally reached the offices of Adrenaline Music Group (WARNER BROS/ ADA Distrobution) in late 2006. Adrenaline was the new project label of Kevin Day (MCA/ Geffen) and Fred Croshal (Maverick). The Appearance became part of the roster and the date was set for the release. Later that same year, Japan recording label In n Out Records, signed on to release "Lost in Aurora" in Japan. "The records didn't take long to hit the shelves cause they were already finished. It's takes a lot of artists years after signing to a label to release a record due to the time it takes to get all your ducks in a row and get in the studio. Marketing strategies take months to draft and even then there is a chance that your record gets shelved while the label waits for the 'perfect time' to put the record out. I was just stoked that the record was gonna be on the shelves."

In May of 2007, "Lost in Aurora" hit the stores and the internet and though it wasn't an instant smash, the growing popularity has been slow and steady. "Records released in this manner take time to build a fan base. The recording hitting stores was a success in itself. I have friends that recording major label records that didn't see the light of day and others that waited years and are still waiting for the records to be released", Alan explains. Alan also goes by adding, "There was really no marketing strategy when the record hit. When that happens all you have to rely on is its word-of-mouth potential. It takes some time before momentum builds enough for labels to justify putting money into their projects. A Catch-22 of sorts."

In late 2007, The Appearance had a line-up change. "Honestly, it's a long and frustrating journey. Musicians hate feeling stagnate and when labels get involved it can quickly turn into a 'Hurry up and wait' game. We all feel the need to keep the forward motion going and when another offer comes along that satisfies that feeling, it's really hard to say no. The birth of The Appearance was very unconventional. A lot of working backwards and sideways. It's hard to feel like things are moving along when that happens."

A few months after the parting of ways, Alan met a talented musician, collaborator and friend to continue the journey. Chris Fox who spent 3 years as Ashlee Simpson's drummer, was looking for a project. "Chris and I are in the same point of our lives musically. We have the same goals and views and you couldn't ask for anything more." Together, Chris and Alan are keeping the story and the music of The Appearance alive.

So after years of what has been a wild and crazy run, what's to come from The Appearance in the future? Alan was quick to respond, "We're in a good place in our lives musically. We continuing promoting the record and have starting writing the new album which we will began recording early 2009. Playing shows, writing tunes and putting out records is what love doing. As long as we can do that, I'm a happy camper."

By Richard Lassley