Secondhand Serenade at The Guest Apartment

Though the music that inhabits Secondhand Serenade's new collection of songs Hear Me Now is some of the most polished and full-bodied of John Veseley's career, there's something about the Californian songwriter alone with his guitar that resonates like little emotional earthquakes under the surface of the skin. Veseley's tunes hit in intimate ways when enjoyed in solitude. Cross country road trips, headphones on the train, and safe and sound bedrooms immediately come to mind.

Which helps explain why his appearance in our latest segment of The Guest Apartment works in the powerful ways that it does. Veseley's personal gaze, the lyrics he's penned, even the answers to his questions...our latest video feels like a personal get together. Sharing three songs from his new album, Veseley pits bright, acoustic backdrops against the kind of melodies and lyrics that come with the subjects and listeners in mind. If it brings the musician himself a bit of joy and excitement along the way? Well, that's the welcome byproduct of his serenades...the secondhand effect. But it's all penned for you, just like this edition of The Guest Apartment. - David Pitz

With the heat of summer in full swing, the next stage of Secondhand Serenades saga is gearing up for release. Those familiar with the words of John Vesely, the man behind SWith the heat of summer in full swing, the next stage of Secondhand Serenades 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 lifes ups and downs - from the acts acoustic debut, Awake, to the fuller, and more emotionally complex sounds of 2008s sophomore A Twist In My Story. Fans have gravitated to Johns 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 upcoming August 3rd release of Hear Me Now, Secondhand Serenades 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 wont be disappointed with this 11 track opus. Packed with tales of enlightenment, he carries us through the realization that he has made mistakes along lifes 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, Johns 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 storytellers 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.

"Reflecting and changing, re-examining everything" as he puts it, are common themes that resonate through on such tracks as "Distance," "Stay Away" and "You & I" or in the heartfelt "Nightmares" and "World Turns," about confronting ones demons and asking for forgiveness, while finding and embracing happiness on "So Long."

Over the past five years, Secondhand Serenade has grown and evolved from the acts grassroots approach that earned it the coveted No. 1 spot on MySpaces unsigned artist ranking for months on end. John admits that all artists "hope for people to understand [their art] and appreciate it, and continually be affected by it. I want this to be my career for the rest of my life. I want to be a career artist." As with all great singer/songwriters, he leaves you yearning for more and waiting for his next step. Secondhand Serenades Hear Me Now is calling to be heard.econdhand Serenade, have lived through his picturesque stories of lifes ups and downs - from the acts acoustic debut, Awake, to the fuller, and more emotionally complex sounds of 2008s sophomore A Twist In My Story. Fans have gravitated to Johns 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 upcoming August 3rd release of Hear Me Now, Secondhand Serenades 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 wont be disappointed with this 11 track opus. Packed with tales of enlightenment, he carries us through the realization that he has made mistakes along lifes 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, Johns 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 storytellers 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.

Reflecting and changing, re-examining everything as he puts it, are common themes that resonate through on such tracks as Distance, Stay Away and You & I or in the heartfelt Nightmares and World Turns, about confronting ones demons and asking for forgiveness, while finding and embracing happiness on So Long.

Over the past five years, Secondhand Serenade has grown and evolved from the acts grassroots approach that earned it the coveted No. 1 spot on MySpaces unsigned artist ranking for months on end. John admits that all artists hope for people to understand [their art] and appreciate it, and continually be affected by it. I want this to be my career for the rest of my life. I want to be a career artist. As with all great singer/songwriters, he leaves you yearning for more and waiting for his next step. Secondhand Serenades Hear Me Now is calling to be heard.