Musician John Ondrasik’s passion is undeniable. With hits including “Superman” and “100 Years,” Ondrasik continues to surpass the bar of music quality and vulnerability. Five albums later under the Five For fighting title, his most recent album Slice gives audience an intimate snapshot into his life. Its songs varying from classic r&b rhythms to sentimental lyrics dedicated to his wife.
In 2007, he led his first USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tour (every active service person in the US Armed Forces received a free copy of his For the Troops CD). Ondrasik also launched Whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com, a website that raises money for various charities when users view video clips provided by visitors to the site.
Whether he’s working for the Los Angeles Kings as a contributing writer, scoring music for feature films or collaborating with other musicians on projects, Ondrasik lives music. MauiTime found a moment to get Ondrasik to muse on his recent trip to Maui, music and being a dad…
The name “Five for Fighting was inspired by… the five minute penalty for fighting in the National Hockey league. We are huge L.A. Kings fans! The band name never felt better with last year’s Kings’ Stanley Cup Championship.
My favorite part of this journey has been… to affect peoples lives in a positive way through my music. I’ve also been able to meet some incredible people who’ve overcome challenges I could not imagine. That experience has given me and my family a unique perspective on life.
I just can’t believe that… I have performed for audiences from all American football games to 9/11 memorials. Sometimes I run out of places to pinch myself. It’s a childhood dream realized.
I take more pride in… my songwriting than singing. It’s where craft, work ethic and talent collide. As a writer I get to express my worldview and control my career.
I won the National Fatherhood Initiative’s 2009 Military Fatherhood Award because of… my perfect wife!
I stepped out of the box… when I wrote music for the movie August Rush and I was asked to provide rock tracks. My singles have been mostly piano ballads.
My favorite tour snack is… In-N-Out Burger
I take pride in the fact… that families can enjoy (or not) my songs together. As a dad I know the effect music can have on your kids. Time is the best barometer to judge music. Hopefully a few tunes will stand.
I’m listening to… The Who, The Beatles, The Cars, Tom Waits, Rush, Vince Guarldi. Also FFF rough mixes for next album.
I need to have… NHL GameCenter, running shoes, ear plugs.
I would love to collaborate with… Paul McCartney–for the stories.
My favorite moment on tour is… having my 11-year-old daughter come on stage and sing Jolene. It always makes me proud.
On Maui I like to… go on morning runs, surf, eat, watch the sunset, drink wine.
$45 General Admission/ $65 Preferred Seating. 5:30pm. Royal Lahaina Resort (2780 Keka’a Dr., Ka’anapali); 808-661-3611, Flavorus.com; Fiveforfighting.com
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