P: You’ve sold over 2.5 million records and your iconic
song “Superman (It’s Not Easy)” became a global hit.
How did you manage to stay grounded despite the
sudden fame?
O: I was fortunate that fame for me came at a relatively late
age of 28. Due to struggling for 15 years, I was grateful for the
ability to make a living at my passion. I believe I had a
perspective that most young artists do not. I realized it was
not about me, but a team of people, working hard for a
common goal. I also had a wonderful support system within
my family.
“Music can be a powerful healer.
drag. Why we adults obsess over sports may seem shallow,
but it is a medium that brings all of us together, and in a
society that seems to becoming more and more divisive, is a
welcome release. Go, Kings, go!
P: What’s keeping you busy now and what do you see
in the future for Five for Fighting?
O: Between touring, writing for film and TV, three musical
projects, creating and selling my second serial drama, the
family business, and keynote speaking—it’s a busy time!
But it is awesome, and with two teenagers at home, I’m
treasuring every moment before the wife and I become empty
nesters. Life is good! n
If one is fortunate enough to have
songs that can help raise money or
awareness, what better use of that
PERSONAL SIDE NOTES
blessing than to help others?”
If I can share a cup of coffee with a great
innovator, I hope to share it with: Albert
Einstein.
P: You have been recognized for your humanitarian
initiatives. Why do you feel the need to give back?
O: Giving back can be a selfish enterprise as you get so much
from it. In my efforts to support various causes, I have met
incredibly inspiring mentors and life examples. Music can be a
powerful healer. If one is fortunate enough to have songs that
can help raise money or awareness, what better use of that
blessing than to help others?
My music player is full of songs by: 70’s
songwriters and classic rock.
P: You are an ardent fan of sports. How would you
use sports as a metaphor to describe your own drive
to excel at what you do?
O: Like music, sports for many, is an escape from the daily
The book I find most fascinating is:
Anything by Haruki Murakami.
The app I’m addicted to is:
FoxSportsGo—Copa Cup!
If I can be “Superman” for a
day, I would: Write a song
called “John Ondrasik.”
The hotel amenity I always look for
is: Quiet rooms.
I live the spa lifestyle by: Yoga,
trying to get massages once a week
and treating the wife and myself to long spa days
after a tour.
ISPA Conference Keynote Speaker
General Session • Wednesday, Sept. 14
9:30 – 11 am
A FAN OF Ondrasik’s “Superman”? Click
here and get inspired by his music video.
September 2016
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