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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

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On this Jeff Schroeder interview, Jeff discusses his new album 'Metanoia' and his decision to leave the Smashing Pumpkins. The album is a departure from his previous work and represents a new era in his musical journey. Jeff reflects on the challenges of leaving a successful band and the process of redefining his identity as a musician, and as a person. He emphasizes the importance of letting go of ego attachments and embracing new opportunities, the importance of being present and enjoying life, the role of passion in your career, the significance of finding your own sound amidst the vast array of gear options available. Jeff shares his interest in mysticism and spirituality, how it has influenced his music and life, the attraction of different cultural philosophies and theologies, the appeal of ambient music, and the process of creating Jeff's new record. Jeff shares his experience of working with friends and the joy of creating something from start to finish, his extensive guitar collection and his approach to production. LOADS of cool stuff here!

Jeff's most well-known as the guitarist for the Smashing Pumpkins. He initially took James Iha's place and was with the band from 2007 to his amicable departure in October 2023. He recorded five studio albums with the band and after bandleader Billy Corgan, and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin, Jeff was the third-longest-serving member of the group. Jeff's got a new album out, called Metanoia… and today we're going to talk about the new record, and find out why he left the Smashing Pumpkins. As a side note, Jeff's one of THE most intelligent guests I've had on the show - very bright guy who's incredibly well-read

Photo by Vice Cooler

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😳 🎶The 3 Biggest Mistakes Musicians, Composers & Songwriters Make When Trying to Get Your Music Licensed & Placed: https://MusicReboot.com

In this Charlie McCoy interview: Charlie shares his incredible journey in the music industry, from starting out as a young harmonica player to becoming a versatile utility player in Nashville… his curiosity and open-mindedness led him to countless opportunities. He talks about the importance of appreciating and connecting with the audience, his experiences working with iconic artists like Paul Simon and Bob Dylan, as well as some funny & bizarre stories from his career, including witnessing Leonard Cohen and his friend whipping each other during a recording session. Charlie also shares behind the scenes studio experiences, the reception of music here in the states vs. other countries, his experiences with producers, the importance of staying active, the support of his parents, and lessons he's learned throughout his career and life. AMAZING CONVO

Since 1961, Charlie McCoy's been a valuable member of the Nashville A-team Session players, playing guitar, bass, trumpet, sax, drums, keyboards, percussion & various other stringed instruments. He's probably the best utility player Nashville's ever had, but is most well-known in Nashville and all over the world, for his amazing harmonica playing. So please appreciate this is a very abbreviated version of highlights of Charlie's career: World's most recorded harmonica session player - in excess of 12,000 country, pop, and rock sessions… Released 42 LPs of his own Music Director and band leader of the Hee Haw band for 18 years… played the National Anthem at over 20 sporting events in a half-dozen sports… Grammy winner, multiple Country Music Assoc awards… in the Country Music HOF, West Virginia HOF, Int'l Musicians HOF, a Member of the Grand Ole Opry. Just a handful of the artists he's played with include Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, Ringo Starr, Al Cooper, Willie Nelson, Leon Russell, Johnny Cash, Chet Atkins, Barbara Mandrell, Vince Gill and thousands of others