Saltair gets Secondhand Serenade
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No Comments [ Add Comment ]By LINDA EAST BRADY
Standard-Examiner staff
Secondhand Serenade, one of the big breakthrough outfits of 2008, wasn't originally a band at all. Rather, Secondhand Serenade is the name of a musician -- John Vesley.
A singer/songwriter with a Midas touch when it comes to infectious melodies and emotional lyrics, Vesley burst onto the scene in DIY fashion with his 2005 "Awake" album, first self-released, then purchased by Glassnote Records, an imprint of Warner Bros. Records.
The album hit No. 3 on Billboard's Heatseeker charts, and solidly planted itself on the Top 200 charts as well.
But more was to come with the release of the follow-up, "A Twist of My Story," early this year. It hit No. 44 on Billboard's Top 200, and No. 3 on Billboard's independent charts.
Though he first went out with only an acoustic guitar and vocals, Vesley is not alone onstage anymore. Along with his troubadour-style guitar, he now has a basic rock backup band.
And Vesley enthusiastically notes that the Utah audience was with him from the get-go.
"We really love Utah," said Vesley, calling from St. Louis. "That was one of the first places to give us good radio support, and the audience really responded and embraced us.
"In fact, my favorite show so far, ever, was at Thanksgiving Point ... about a year ago. It sold out, we had a great show, and the audience was amazing. It was huge and just a truly memorable show. I can't wait to get back there."
He's coming back for a show at Saltair on Wednesday.
Project name
Vesley was born in the Bay Area of San Francisco. Music was in his blood -- his father was a professional jazz musician.
"I started writing full songs when I was probably 19 or 20. I was in a band and I didn't get much creative freedom there. But then, once I split off and found my own project, it felt very natural and right, and I started taking writing a little more seriously."
Like The Spill Canvas, Dashboard Confessional and other like-minded singer/songwriters of recent years, Vesley decided to record under a project name, rather than his own.
"Most of the reason I did that is I wanted it to be more about the music than the person -- than me," said Vesley. "It is a way of letting the songs speak for themselves.
"I have a pretty strong personal relationship with my fans, but it goes only so far. I think the song itself can be much more personal. For me, giving it a name besides 'John' lets that happen easier, lets it be about the song instead of me personally. That's probably why band names came about in the first place."
'Twist' with two
Vesley's newest release, "A Twist of My Story," which arrived in February, has been a success by any measure. His latest hit from the record, "Fall for You," has been certified platinum,
"I had enough time to get down what I wanted to get down and the response has been phenomenal," he said.
Vesley brought in two producers, Danny Lohner (Nine Inch Nails, Angels & Airwaves) and Butch Walker (Fall Out Boy, All-American Rejects).
"They brought very different things to the record," he said. "Danny, I worked with for a long time, even lived with him for a while. It was an enormous experience, I got to figure out where the album was going direction-wise.
"Butch was a totally different take -- gets straight to business. They are two totally different approaches, two phenomenally talented people and artists."
Showtime
Secondhand Serenade has been on the road almost constantly since the album arrived. Some songs have naturally evolved as the band has used them onstage.
" 'Like a Knife' I really love performing, and it has taken on a complete life of its own," he said. " 'Your Call' as well."
Vesley is one of those artists who connects deeply and lastingly with his audience. He said he is dedicated to give everyone a memorable night, as is his band.
"We have a great crew, and it is a real tight show. I play a lot of both acoustic and full band songs. Ultimately, we stand up and have a great time with everyone."
PREVIEW
l WHO: Secondhand Serenade
l WHEN: 5:30 p.m. Wednesday
l WHERE: Saltair, 12408 W. Saltair Drive, Magna
l TICKETS: $19, available from Smith's Tix, (800) 888-TIXX
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