The Leader

Issue date: 10/8/09 Section: The Spotlight

California artists always seem to bring something different to the table when they arrive in Milwaukee. And, last Thursday (October 1) at the Rave Eagles Club on Wisconsin Ave., Secondhand Serenade definitely brought their West Coast flare and unique emo/ rock presence to the crowds gathered.

Lead singer John Vesely (listed as the only official band member) is definitely not accustomed to Wisconsin. Stepping on the scene last week on a cold, rainy night with his gelled surfer hair and plain white t-shirt, he immediately remarked how cold it was outside…and it's not even November.

Formed just years ago in 2004 in Menlo Park, California by Vesely, Secondhand Serenade has quickly captured rock, indie and emo enthusiasts. Because Vesely had originally wanted to merely play music for his wife, but "serenading her with a bass guitar was out of the question," he quickly learned to play acoustic guitar and soon had an addicting set of chill, acoustic tracks that were put together in his freshman album, Awake.

To Vesely, his recently found followers were simply hearing his music "secondhand", because he enjoyed serenading his wife first and foremost-thus patenting the name "Secondhand Serenade." His early single was "Vulnerable," with "It's Not Over" also gaining immense popularity.

After a tragic breakup with his wife in 2008, Vesely turned again to music, creating his sophomore album project, A Twist in My Story, the name of which is a reaction to his untimely divorce. "Fall for You," Secondhand Serenade's second single, hit #21 on the America's Hot 100, and #8 on the US Pop 100.

As announced in concert at the Rave, Secondhand Serenade's third album should be released in January or February of 2010. Several tracks were played in concert from this new album, and continued to portray the strong emotion and passionate verses found in earlier Secondhand Serenade music. During the concert, Vesely remarked that he has pondered a cover to play for his new CD, and even gave the audience a few lines of The Killers' "Human" song.

Secondhand Serenade opened the night up last week with their upcoming single "Your call," and then went on to play several songs from their current CD, like "Maybe" and "Stranger," while waiting to play "Fall for You" till nearly the end of the night. Proclaiming that he only played a certain song for audiences he liked, Vesely proceeded to play the band's cover of Coldplay's "Fix You," which was a stunningly solid remake. Overall, the concert was a good mix of strong rock themes and quieter acoustic and keyboard solos.

The vocal ranges of Vesely have been compared to Elvis, while his songwriting remains quite unique in the emo universe. Secondhand Serenade offers listeners such unique, original music that few bands that have played together for decades can offer.

Acting as the main opening band, the freshly acclaimed act of Parachute from Virginia rocked out with their catchy choruses and smooth intros. Their first single, "She Is Love" hit number 66 on the American Hot 100 list, and they recently announced their next single, "Under Control." Lead vocalist Will Anderson is quickly becoming a national pop/ rock favorite with his addicting melodies and charismatic personality.

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