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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

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

Ludovic Naud Interview: Growing up in a rural town in France, interesting story on the origins of the Shoegazing genre, hilarious touring stories including a man with legit horns on his head, dealing with a major accident that put him out of commission for 3 months, the music scene (and Coronavirus) in France, Iceland, dark music, being a parent, and more. LOVELY guy:

Ludovic is the bass player and lead singer of Dead Horse One, one of the top French shoegazing bands. Over the last 8 years, they’ve self-released and self-promoted 3 LPs and 2 EP’s - all amazing records. They’ve toured extensively throughout Europe

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

Tiffany Pollack Interview: One of THE coolest guests we’ve had on the show, Tiffany shares some intimate stories: How she reunited with her biological family at age 25 after being adopted as a child… rising up and out of a 5-year abusive relationship, becoming a mortuary and being visited by the spirit of one of her clients… her role in the real life version of “The Pharmacist”... playing with Russell Batiste (from The Funky Meters)... singing tips for non-singers, confidence, resilience and more. Awesome energy!

Tiffany began singing and writing songs at a young age, in her native New Orleans. Today, she fronts Tiffany Pollack and Co. her own band, touring regionally and performing her own music. An incredibly talented and passionate singer, Tiffany has recorded one LP with Eric Johanson, “Blues In My Blood.” The record earned several awards including one for best Blues/Rock LP, as well as Best Female Vocalist. Expect big things from Tiffany - she’s incredibly talented, full of passion, and resilient

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

On this Patrick Sweany Interview: Patrick shares his journey into music and the challenges he faced in breaking through… the importance of being true to yourself and the impact of meeting and learning from blues legends like Robert Junior Lockwood. The value of live performances and the experience gained from playing gigs and open mic nights… his move to Nashville, and the inspiration behind his song 'Them Shoes' from the album 'Every Hour Is A Dollar Gone'. The challenges of trying to make a name for himself in a competitive Nashville music scene and the difficulties he faced in finding work and being accepted by the local musicians. He also opens up about low points and dark periods in his life and how he navigated through them. The conversation ends with a discussion about personal growth and the importance of letting go of anger, and the toughest decision Patrick has had to make, which he struggles to answer. The significance of admitting mistakes and the importance of being open-minded. Patrick reflects on the changes in his personality over the last 10 years, particularly in becoming less confrontational and more open-minded. 

Patrick’s an awesome blues guitarist, singer, songwriter & artist originally from Ohio and currently living in Nashville. If you’re a blues fan, especially of the old school guitar approach where the guitar exists to create harmony, soulful fills and solos, with great tube breakup, then you’ll love Patrick. He also uses his voice as an instrument to help create the overall vibe and feeling in the songs, as opposed to just “singing.” He’s kind of like Muddy Waters or Howlin’ Wolf in his approach. I first got turned on to Patrick when I heard his song “Them Shoes” - I think… in either a movie or television show. I immediately downloaded the song and listened to it about 50 times over the next week - it’s awesome. Since 1999, Pat’s released 12 LPs and an EP

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

Ryan Cook Interview: Benefits of working in the music industry before he was a musician, great story about Desmond Child moving him to LA, visualization, first guitar, why it’s easy to be nice, hard work, meeting his heroes, why achieving his dreams has made him so grateful, more. High energy!

Ryan signed his first record deal with his band Hair of the Dog, toured worldwide and released 3 LPs. He also plays with Thee Rock N’ Roll Residency, Big Rock Show, Skid Row (sub), and has been playing with Gene Simmons since 2016, and now Ace Frehley

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

On this Tyler Armstrong Interview: His upbringing in Springfield, Illinois and his transitioning from baseball to music… early experiences in sessions and the challenges the band has faced in the music industry, recent success & opening for Blackberry Smoke. Reaching out to bands for opportunities, the importance of authenticity in music, the dynamics of rock music, the meaning behind specific songs, value of authenticity and being true to oneself, the impact of personal experiences on songwriting. Spirituality and how it has influenced his life, including his unique perspective on how he views God and the role of sacrifice in his life. A review of his main guitars, his hobbies outside of music, including fishing and being a fan of Illinois Fighting Illini basketball. He expresses gratitude for the supportive community in his life and offers words of wisdom to live life to the fullest

Tyler is the primary songwriter and guitar player for the band FEEL. FEEL is an up and coming band and I can assure you, this band will be making waves very soon, and I wanted to turn all my listeners on to them. If you like old school rock and roll, with a unique style that includes blues, rock, some jazz, great long jams, and lots of break up on tube amps, you will LOVE these guys. FEEL has an EP out called Live in St Petersburg, made right down the road from me at Jannus Live St. Pete, Florida. I was also lucky enough to get a sneak preview of some of the band’s new tracks and all I can say is we’re all in store for great music as they continue releasing new music moving forward.

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

Doyle Dykes Interview: Doyle’s relationship with God and the church and how it impacted him throughout his life… loads of true stories about what some might call serendipity, but what others call divine intervention… A major medical hurdle he had to overcome which nearly destroyed his music career, top 3 musical experiences, playing with Chet Atkins, Duane Eddy and Eric Johnson… his 47 year marriage, Glen Campbell, a lesson learned at the drive in, Guitar Poor & more. LOVELY guy, great convo, incredibly sincere in his beliefs:

World-renowned finger picker Doyle Dykes is equally adept on acoustic or electric. He’s played w Tommy Emmanuel, Chet Atkins, Duane Eddy, Merle Travis, Les Paul, John Fogerty, Vince Gill & Others. Doyle grew up in gospel music and has since toured all over the world playing gospel, country, blues, jazz and other genres. He’s also a member of the International Country Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame, and a 2-time ICGMA Instrumentalist of the Year winner. He’s the author of Lights of Marfa

☕️ Buy me a coffee: https://www.everyonelovesguitar.com/s... 🎧 Discover How to Get Your Music Licensed & Placed in TV, Movies, Video Games & Streaming Services: https://MusicReboot.com On this Audley Freed Interview: Audley Freed on the 4 year effort it took to get Cry of Love up and running, playing with Warren Haynes / Gov’t Mule, Greg Allman, Black Crowes, Jimmy Page, Sheryl Crow, Dave Grohl, John Paul Jones, Johnny Hallyday, Leslie West, Don Was… dealing with the loss of his parents, work ethic, unconditional love, gardening, being a better listener and why we’re all a work in progress. Incredibly honest, kind guy - amazing player Audley’s written 2 #1 Billboard hits with his first band, Cry of Love, and has also been a successful side man over the last 30 years, recording and touring with The Black Crowes, Jimmy Page, Joe Perry, Gov’t Mule, Johnny Hallyday, Brian May & others… and has co-written songs recorded by Gov’t Mule, Train, Chris Robinson & others… and has been a touring & recording member of Sheryl Crow’s band for several years now. He’s been named as one of the top 100 guitarists in several different magazines

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

On this Andy McKee Interview: His early years as a musician, his experiences playing with Prince, and his approach to songwriting and alternate tunings…. the emotional expression he finds in acoustic guitar music, his approach to playing guitar in altered tunings and the challenges and rewards it brings. He also talks about the inspiration behind his song 'For My Father' and the emotional connection it has with his audience. Andy shares his experiences touring with Eric Johnson and Dream Theater, as well as his involvement in the Michael Hedges documentary… balancing his music career and family life, and his struggle with social media. McKee also mentions his signature guitar models and his love for video game music… the importance of staying true to yourself as a musician, biggest change in his personality over the years, and more. Lovely, sincere guy, great convo!

Originally from Topeka, Kansas… Andy’s an awesome finger style guitar player - he’s released 7 LPs and 2EPs, and he’s also played on records by Josh Groban, Lee Ritenour, and he hosts a lot of guitar workshops. He initially became well-known when a few of his videos blew up on YouTube back in the early 2000’s, including his song Drifting - which has over 60 Million views. And at one time, the top 3 videos on YT were all Andy McKee’s. This opened doors for Andy to play literally thousands of concerts all over the world, sharing the stage with artists like Prince, Eric Johnson & Dream Theater. Andy has a new finger style “supergroup” LP out featuring himself, Calum Graham and Trevor Gordon Hall. The band, and the LP are called Tripliciti