5Q :: Five for Fighting makes third free disc for troops

It takes a lot to give a lot. On the strength of singles like “100 Years,” “World” and “Superman (It’s Not Easy),” piano man John Ondrasik’s group Five for Fighting has become a household name.

But Ondrasik doesn’t just rest on his laurels; he’s constantly giving back. Long a supporter of the men and women who keep us safe — he even performed for local firefighters during the taping of the Huber family’s episode of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” — the Five for Fighting frontman has compiled a set of exclusive releases for U.S. military personnel.

The first “For the Troops” album came out in 2007 and featured contributions from such mainstream acts as Billy Joel, the Goo Goo Dolls and Maroon 5; the second followed a year later, where Ondrasik’s song “Freedom Never Cries” bumped shoulders with tracks like Roy Orbison’s “In Dreams” and Daughtry’s “Home.”

A few months ago came a third, which was almost entirely composed of comedy tracks from such big-name entertainers as Chris Rock, Dennis Miller and Adam Sandler.

Ondrasik was gracious enough to speak to the Budgeteer for this exclusive interview:

Budgeteer: It’s really amazing what you’ve been doing (and continue to do) for the troops — where does this immense respect for the armed forces come from? Are you from a military family?

Ondrasik: I have no military in my family or immediate friends. I have always had a great love for freedom and for those who risk their lives for such a higher cause. I’ve had the pleasure of spending time over the last few years with many of our troops and their families and it’s only reinforced my belief in their courage and basic decency.

What kinds of reactions do you get from troops when you perform for them on bases, when they’re so far from home? Are they able to “forget” where they are for an hour or two and enjoy the performances?

Music can be many things for our troops: an escape, a reminder — a connection to home, for sure. Most of all, I think it’s our obligation as Americans to do what we can to reinforce morale and stand with the troops.

As an entertainer, I can entertain. As a songwriter, I can write songs that put the spotlight where it belongs.

You’ve worked with a lot of big names on these “For the Troops” compilations. Although your group is well known, do you ever get starstruck when dealing with, say, Billy Joel or the number of high-profile comedians on the third CD?

It’s always my goal to be the lowest artist on the “CD for the Troops” celebrity totem pole. Thankfully I’m three for three….

On a more serious note, it’s been fantastic to see the most popular of musicians, bands and comedians donate their content for free to this project. Every year I’m blown away.

I wanted to personally thank you, as you recently performed for firefighters in neighboring Superior, Wis., for a taping of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” On that, I was wondering: In addition to the military and our nation’s uniformed protectors, what other causes are you passionate about?

In addition to the www.cdforthetroops.com project, we have a charity Web site, www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com, which supports causes I care about.

Augie’s Quest is an ALS charity that does amazing work with the MDA — see the song “Augie Nieto” on the new slice “Slice” record.

The site also supports Operation Homefront, Fisher House, Save the Children and Autism Speaks.

Finally, I know you have a new album out and are probably touring in support of that, but do you have any other big projects coming down the pipeline?

I hope to keep the “CD for the Troops” project going, and we are revamping www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com.

NEWS TO USE
Have a military ID? The “Stand Up for the Troops” compilation, featuring contributions from Ray Romano, Dana Carvey and other funnymen, is available as a free download from www.cdforthetroops.com.

Tags: budge a and e, arts and entertainment, five for fighting, cd for the troops, john ondrasik, piano man, duluth, budgeteer, 5q, interview, military, music