Hi John!

I am very happy you decided to take the time from your busy schedule to answer a few questions in regard to lyrics for the members here on Writing.com. You are an incredible singer/songwriter and it is exciting to to have you as an guest for the Noticing Newbie Newsletter.

L:       It is a well know fact, writers never stop learning the craft, especially if you want to be unique and proficient. At this point in your career, having made it in the music business, what bit of advice can you offer aspiring writers to encourage their journey?

JOHN: Always be on the look out for inspiration. You never know where a song may come from...

L:       You have a great imagination, which is an essential tool for writers. I read that the name you gave the band “Five for Fighting” was thought of when a hockey player receives a penalty break for fighting. Is there a theme behind the name that relates to your music? Writers who have a difficult time taping into that imagination, what are a few suggestions you can offer?

JOHN: Well, the music biz can certainly feel like a hockey fight.....as for imagination, solitude, a change in environment, a good book or film, can get the juices going...

L:       You obviously have found what makes you tick, what drives you to write...do you have a specific routine/process that helps you get motivated and do you write every day or do you allow yourself to take breaks when you need to recharge?

JOHN: After i finish a record it takes about a year before I have the desire to write another song. It's such a long and grueling process as I spend two years writing over one hundred songs for an album. So much of songwriting is work ethic...I may go for months getting nothing and then write 3 songs in a week that survive the cut...but if you're not writing, you're guaranteed nothing.

L:       When you write lyrics, what do you start off with, title, hook or verse? How do you know when you have something to go with? Do you ever give up on a song and ditch it?

JOHN: Of course, most songs end up in the abyss...Concept to me is everything...If you have a good concept, the rest is writing it down (which can take months or minutes)...Usually I have a gut sense of the songs to keep working on...

L:       There are many writers who are not competent musicians, but good writers...is it possible to still pull off a song by learning a few basic chords on a guitar and ultimately sell lyrics/songs to publishers or other avenues? Do you suggest they learn an instrument or find a musician to collaborate?

JOHN: It's rock n roll...many great songwriters can barely play...sometimes it helps collaborating with a musician if you're just a lyricist, but it's all about words and melody...

L:       I applaud your desire to contribute to charities and for your continued success. Have fun on your tour.

JOHN: Every songwriter has my admiration and respects...It is a hard road though a most honorable of professions...Enjoy the craft...

Take care,
John Ondrasik

http://www.fiveforfighting.com/



Until next time...

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