Friends,

In what has been a challenging year for many, 2009 is coming to a close. It's been a bit frantic in FFF land with the release of the Slice album, touring the country, and producing CD for the Troops III. I'm pleased that the majority of you have embraced the new songs. With every album I try to give you the best that I got, and this record was no exception. As always I've had great experiences along the way. From reconnecting with good friend Jim Rome in the Jungle, to performing on Extreme Home Makeover, to watching "Chances" find a new audience in the wonderful film The Blind Side, it's been good times. Perhaps the most rewarding of all was seeing so many of you during our acoustic tour across America. Whether it was FFF shows or radio events there's nothing better for a singer/songwriter than sharing the concert experience with ones audience.

2010 will also be busy. At some point we will launch the title track, "Slice," as our second single, and a full six-week Five For Fighting band tour will go on sale just after New Years. We will also be redesigning a new whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com site that will continue raising money for great causes and providing a venue for expression and creation. I will continue to spread the word about this year's comedy CD for the Troops which features Chris Rock, Dennis Miller, Adam Sandler, and hopefully throw in some USO shows for our military.

In a time of great uncertainty, the music industry is no exception. Nobody knows what the future holds but I am grateful for so much. For those at Columbia and EMI publishing who work so hard on my behalf, to my friends at A-squared, Sony Manufacturing, Triwest Health Care, and SoundMind Inc. who make the CD for the Troops a reality. To my amazing wife and beautiful children who understand, sometimes better than I do, why Daddy can't be home. To our military and their families who are the heart and steel of our nation. And finally to all of you who continue to support my music –

I wish you a holiday season filled with love and peace, and hope for all things to come.

John Ondrasik
Five For Fighting

Mitch Albom Interview on Borders.com

Check out Five For Fighting's interview with best-selling author, Mitch Albom, on Borders.com. Mitch joined John and his guitarist Greg in the studio to discuss their new album, early inspirations and their mutual friend, Augie.