WICKED's Schwartz Contributes Material To Five For Fighting's New Album SLICE, Release 10/13

Aware/Columbia Records recording artist Five For Fighting, aka John Ondrasik, will release the new studio album SLICE on October 13, 2009. The album is led by the first single, "Chances," which is available now on iTunes.

Prolific composer Stephen Schwartz has contributed to the new album. "We sat down at a coffee shop to talk about writing together, I told him about my idea for the song 'Slice," and 'American Pie' actually came on the radio," Schwartz said in a statement. "It was surreal. He immediately wrote the first two lines on a napkin, and we were off and running."

The Grammy® nominated Ondrasik, who recorded the new album in Los Angeles and New York, reunited with his producing partner Greg Wattenberg ("Superman," "100 Years") for three of the album's tracks including "Chances," while producing the remaining songs himself.

Written with the perspective of one man's views on his life and the experiences and surrounding world that have shaped it, SLICE harkens back to the golden age of American songwriting in the 1970's, an era that greatly influenced Ondrasik's own introspective style. Comments Ondrasik, "It's great to be back with new songs from old places."

Unflinchingly personal, the album showcases John's artistic ability to write songs that reflect the broader culture while offering inspiration with a social message. The music on the album is infused with an empathetic spirit and sung in one of the most richly distinctive voices in contemporary pop.

Ondrasik recently performed the title track from the new album, "Slice," at the 40th annual Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony, honoring Grammy and Academy Award winning composer Steven Schwartz (Godspell, Wicked). "Slice" was co-written by Ondrasik and Schwartz.

Ondrasik has dedicated himself to supporting military service members and their families. He has performed on USO tours in Cuba, Hawaii, Guam, and Japan. Ondrasik also conceived and produced the CD FOR THE TROOPS, a compilation series of superstar recording artists that is available for free to every active service member in the U.S. Armed Forces. FOR THE TROOPS III (The Comedy Edition!) will be available in the fall.

SLICE is the platinum-selling artist's fifth studio album. His songs "Superman," "100 Years," "World," and "Freedom Never Cries" continue to endure in America's musical landscape, illuminating Ondrasik's ability to stand the test of time.

For more information, visit www.fiveforfighting.com and www.columbiarecords.com.