Five For Fighting’s John Ondrasik is INCREDIBLY passionate about music. The man and voice behind hits such as “The Riddle” has been a part of the industry for twenty years, during which time he has seen the business – like much of the world – change considerably, and not always for the better. He believes it has changed negatively through how music education has been cut from curriculums across the United States, and how that has impacted, and continues to impact, people’s lives.
The ”Music Matters Challenge”, created by John and the Tullman Family Office, launched last month. The challenge asks and invites Americans to create their own version of the song “Let Music Fill My World”, sharing the way/ways music has impacted, affected and/or helped them. The aim of the challenge is to highlight the importance of music and the impact removing it from schools has, has had and will continue to have unless something is done to change the situation.
Two grand prizes will be announced on June 12th; one for an individual ($10,000 in cash and the chance to select a music teacher to receive a three-year salary) and one for school entries (a $25,000 school grant). Anyone interested in participating or wanting to find more information can do so here. John shares more details on the challenge and its creation as well as his plans/hopes to return to this side of the pond in our conversation below.
As someone who has been a part of the music industry for two decades, you’ve no doubt come across various campaigns and projects to spread the importance of music and music education. What made you connect to and get involved with/create this one, the “Music Matters Challenge”?
When music funding was cut at my elementary school, my mom volunteered and started putting on full musicals for our 6th grade class. (I was Tony in West Side Story!) Forty-five years later many of those kids still speak to my mom about how that experience was so important in their lives. I have also seen music make miracles through my career in saving and changing lives. The Challenge was born out of my work with ALS patients and the Ice Bucket Challenge. Think of this as an Ice Bucket Challenge to ensure every child in America has a music teacher!!
Can you share how you came to know/collaborate with The Tullman Family Office, notably Cayley Tullman?
I have known Glen Tullman for years and have always been amazed at how he merges his business acumen with incredible philanthropic work. I met his daughter Cayley who runs their family’s nonprofit portfolio more recently when they supported my trip to Ukraine to film the “Can One Man Save the World” video with a Ukrainian Orchestra. Cayley’s former service in our Federal Government and compassionate heart for so many amazing causes around the world inspired me to join forces with the Tullman Family on Let Music Fill My World. It is an honour to work with them both.
Tell me about “Let Music Fill My World” – the song that ultimately kickstarted it all. What are your memories of working with the students of the Farragut Career Academy in Chicago? When did you realize that this idea you had and the creative period you were engaging in with others could be used on a wider platform like it is now?
I think I learned more from the students than they did from me! None of them had much of a background in music but except for the chorus hook, they wrote the entire lyrics and gave a fantastic performance. Initially, the kids were a bit shy but to see them come out of their shell, find their voice, and bond together is why this effort is so critical. Once we saw the reaction to the song and the fact that Farragut Career Academy, due to the Tullman Family, was now going to have a full-time music teacher, we wanted to take the mission and song to the nation.
Ignoring the fact social media and the internet as we know it today weren’t around until about 2 decades ago, would a challenge/campaign like this be something you would have liked to see when in school and growing up?
It would! I think the beauty of this project is that everyone can tell a story and perform a slice of “Let Music Fill My World”, in their voice. Not only are we raising awareness of music in the schools and providing a music teacher for a school in need, but it is also fun for all of you to participate. You don’t need to be a singer to make a difference, in fact, that may be even more compelling and entertaining!
Music is a helpful tool to many (I have “music is therapy” tattooed across my lower back) and can provide an escape and comfort for those who play, listen to, and watch it. Why do you think now of all times the importance of music and its education is being put front and centre in this way by individuals such as yourself and organizations like the TFO?
Music is not extracurricular! All the metrics prove that kids who have music in their schools perform better academically, have stronger social skills, and have healthier overall mental wellness. You are seeing cutting-edge music therapy in hospitals growing exponentially. I believe everyone who has had a music teacher or someone who mentored them through music would agree. Cool tattoo!
What are you hoping this campaign will result in long term – both for those who participate and those who follow along/are fans of music?
“Let Music Fill My World” is a long-term effort. The Challenge is but phase one. I hope everyone enters the Challenge and joins our mission. We won’t stop until every school in America has a music teacher.
As a Brit, I can tell you musical education doesn’t get the time or focus it should here either. Is a challenge like this one you’d like to see other countries around the world take up?
Well…the song isn’t “Let Music Fill America”…We look forward to partnering with international orgs who share our passion and mission. In my opinion, music has never been more critical in addressing many of the humanitarian crises we are experiencing globally.
A lot of online communities, causes and projects can and do get a decidedly bad rap sometimes (often undeservedly) – outside of this campaign, how do you personally feel about the boom in online interaction among multiple, though notably younger, generations? As an artist, do you see that as a good or a bad thing?
Like anything, there’s the good, the bad, and the ugly. It is amazing that with a click we can reach people thousands of miles away and engage them on projects like this. I do lament the fact that young people spend so much time immersed in their devices instead of interacting personally and experiencing the world around them. The nice thing about playing music is that you have to put your phone down!
Finally, outside of and somewhat away from the campaign, with this running through May, you’re currently on tour in the US. Are you perhaps highlighting this campaign at your shows or just enjoying being out on the road, engaging on a more personal level through your music with fans? Might UK fans see you anytime soon?
At the end of every concert, we play “Let Music Fill My World” and I speak about the mission. I look forward to the day I come back to the UK and perform for America’s greatest ally. I also really need to see your tattoo!
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