With the heat of summer in full swing, the next
stage of Secondhand Serenade’s saga is gearing up
for release. Those familiar with the words of John
Vesely, the man behind Secondhand Serenade, have
lived through his picturesque stories of life’s ups
and downs - from the act’s acoustic debut, Awake,
to the fuller, and more emotionally complex sounds
of 2008’s sophomore A Twist In My Story.
Fans have gravitated to John’s heart-on-his sleeve
approach and are consistently moved by his tales of
life, love and loss that foster universal
understanding. Along this journey, A Twist In My
Story spawned the platinum-certified top 10 CHR
Top 40 hit “Fall For You.” The song also reached No.
21 on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100. With the
August 3rd release of Hear Me Now,
Secondhand Serenade’s third studio release for
Glassnote Records, he gives a more in-depth look
inside a man coming to terms with his shortcomings
and moving forward with that understanding.
“I pushed myself harder than I ever have and made a
record I am really proud of. The rest belongs to
faith and the fans,” Vesely offers. Those fans
won’t be disappointed with this 11 track opus.
Packed with tales of enlightenment, he carries us
through the realization that he has made mistakes
along life’s journey and though not perfect, he
refuses to beat himself up over those missteps.
Vesely instead chooses to take pleasure in the joys,
hopes and dreams that he has fulfilled and move
forward while embracing all the riches life has to
offer.
Stepping up his game, John’s growth as a writer and
musician shines throughout his third release.
Growth spurts are evident on such tracks as the
haunting first single “Something More,” which he
co-produced with drummer Tom Breyfogle and is mixed
by Mark Endert (Train, Maroon 5). A fuller, richer
sound has emerged via bits of electronic pop meshed
with the rock sounds and signature powerful and
emotive vocals that are this prolific storyteller’s
distinctive mark. Working with producer Aaron
Johnson (The Fray) on all but the three tracks he
self-produced, Vesely has crafted a much
more mature record.
