John Ondrasik (Five For Fighting) Interview: The Day I Died (LAST ELG Interview!)

Everyone Loves Guitar

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In this John Ondrasik interview: John’s early songwriting was driven by a chip on his shoulder and a desire to be heard. We talked about the autobiographical nature of John's songs, the power of music to impact people's lives, the challenges of the music industry, the importance of speaking out against atrocities, how his ego has helped… and hindered him… and the low points and dark periods in his life. Specifically, being dropped by his record label and had to get a job, and the challenging time he faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. John emphasizes the importance of gratitude, taking care of yourself, and making decisions that align with your values

John Ondrasik, better known as Five For Fighting, is a platinum selling multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter. To me, his songwriting is along the lines of the classic songwriters of the 60s & 70s like Elton John and Neil Diamond. John’s released 6 studio LPs… has several hundred music licensing placements, many in well-known TV shows and movies… he co-manages his family’s business, Precision Wire Products… and he’s also an in-demand keynote speaker (watch his TedX presentation)

Photo by Mike Donahue

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to John Ondrasik

02:02 Early Musical Influences and Songwriting

04:36 The Chip on John Androsik's Shoulder

06:04 Breakthrough Moments in his Career

12:19 Living in the Moment and Appreciating the Little Things

18:04 The Power of Will and Taking Risks

21:46 Positive Affirmations and Mindset

24:21 Reflecting on Mortality and the Meaning of Life

26:53 The Story Behind 'The Day I Died'

29:40 The Autobiographical Nature of John's Songs

30:11 The Power of Music to Impact Lives

36:14 Challenges in the Music Industry

43:25 Speaking Out Against Atrocities

49:10 The Role of Ego in the Music Business

53:52 Dealing with Low Points and Dark Periods in Life

58:41 The Challenges of the Music Industry

01:00:35 Navigating the Pandemic

01:04:23 The Traits that Contribute to Success

01:08:35 Gratitude and Making Decisions

01:11:39 The Power of Music

01:13:13 Speaking Your Mind

Five For Fighting Upcoming Tour

FIVE FOR FIGHTING FULL BAND TOUR DATES:

Thursday, July 11 Hot Summer Nights Concert Series @ Municipal Lawn in Sherman, TX (Free Show)

Saturday, July 27 @ Mystic Lake Casino, Mystic Amphitheater in Prior Lake, MN (Free Show)

Tuesday, August 6 @ Ardmore Music Hall in Ardmore.PA

Thursday, August 8 @ Electric City in Buffalo, NY

Friday, August 9, 2024 @ House of Blues, Cambridge Room in Cleveland, OH

Saturday, August 10, 2024 @ St. Andrew's Hall in Detroit, MI

Sunday, August 11, 2024 @ Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, MI

Tuesday, August 13, 2024 @ Lincoln Theatre in Washington, DC

Wednesday, August 14, 2024 @ Oceanfront Concerts Series, 24th Street Park in Virginia Beach, VA

Friday, August 16, 2024 @ Cabot Theater in Beverly, MA

Saturday, August 17, 2024 @ The Wolf Den At Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT (Free Show)

Sunday, August 18, 2024 @ Tarrytown Music Hall in Tarrytown, NY

Five For Fighting Quartet Shows

Thurs, September 26 in Homer, NY at Center for the Arts of Homer

Fri, September 27 in Saratoga Springs, NY at Universal Preservation Hall

Sat, September 28 in Corning, NY at Corning Museum Of Glass

Sun, September 29 in Bethel, NY at The Event Gallery at Bethel Woods

October 1 in Oneonta, NY at Foothills Performing Arts Center

October 3 in Nashua, NH at Nashua Center for the Arts

October 4 in Laconia, NH at The Colonial Theatre Laconia

October 5 in Bethlehem, NY at The Colonial Theatre

October 6 in Waterville, ME at Waterville Opera House

October 8 in Newport, RI at The JPT Film & Event Center

October 9 in Red Bank, NJ at Count Basie Center for the Arts - The Vogel

October 10 in Port Washington, NY at Landmark on Main Street