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Interview with
SECONDHAND SERENADE

(14th October 2025)

Interview by Dave Bruce

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It’s Dave Bruce here from Amnplify, and this time I had the pleasure of sitting down with John Vesely, better known as Secondhand Serenade — the voice behind one of the 2000s’ most defining emotional anthems, “Fall For You.” With his long-awaited return to Australia just around the corner, John opened up about his incredible 20-year journey, his MySpace-era breakthrough, fatherhood, and what’s next for his loyal global fanbase.

Watch the full interview below

From Garage Bands to Global Success

Music runs in Vesely’s blood. “My dad was a jazz musician in Europe for 20 years,” he shared. “My brother played bass and guitar. I was the garage band kid while they were classically trained. I started playing and just never stopped.”

In the early 2000s, Vesely made the leap from band member to solo artist, recording his debut album Awake independently. He uploaded it to MySpace — a move that would change everything.

“MySpace was the first real social network,” he reflected. “It gave independent artists a chance to connect with fans across the world without a label. It was such a profound idea — people could put your song on their page and say, ‘I found him first.’”

The timing was perfect. Awake blew up, leading to a record deal with Daniel Glass at Glassnote Records and the release of his breakout album A Twist in My Story in 2008. The single “Fall For You” became an international hit and an emo-era classic that continues to resonate today — now finding a new life through TikTok and streaming platforms.

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 The MySpace Era and Beyond

After heavy touring from 2008 to 2012, Vesely relocated to Nashville, diving into songwriting and studio work. But as musical trends shifted toward EDM and streaming upended the industry, it became harder for independent rock artists to sustain careers the same way.

“It was a tough time,” he admitted. “Streaming had taken over, but people weren’t streaming enough yet for artists to make a living. The MySpace magic couldn’t happen again — it was a perfect storm that launched my career.”

A New Chapter Begins

Now, for the first time since 2017’s Awake: Remixed & Remastered, Vesely is ready to share new music with fans.

“I’m dropping a new song in early December,” he revealed. “It’s the first single from a new album I’m working on — about halfway finished now. I’m making this one for the fans who’ve been there from the beginning. No radio expectations, just authentic Secondhand Serenade.”

The album is expected in 2026, with the new material making its live debut on his upcoming Australian tour.

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The Return to Australia

Fans on the East Coast are in for an emotional ride.

“It’s a very emotional journey,” he said of the show. “From start to finish, it’s built like a story — orchestral intros, deep cuts, and a full performance flow. It’s probably my most immersive show yet.”

And for Perth and Adelaide fans wondering why they missed out? “It just came down to timing and venue availability this close to Christmas,” he explained. “But I’ll be back next summer with the full band for the album tour. Promise.”

Life, Family, and Nashville

Now based in Nashville, Vesely balances music with family life — his oldest son recently graduated from UC Santa Barbara, and his youngest is just three years old. “I love California and the beaches,” he laughed, “but the writing community in Nashville is unmatched. It’s the ultimate place for creativity.”

Words of Wisdom

When asked what advice he’d give to aspiring artists, Vesely didn’t hesitate:
“Know yourself. Play what means the most to you. If it’s real, people will connect with it. Don’t chase trends — authenticity always stands out.”

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Quickfire Highlights

Craziest thing you’ve done: “I refereed a bikini boxing match in the Philippines at 5 a.m. while slightly intoxicated.”
Favorite album: Pinkerton – Weezer.
Favorite artist: “The Beach Boys, Blink-182, and The Get Up Kids.”
Favorite movie: Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
Favorite food: “Japanese food — especially in Tokyo.”
Favorite drink: “Bulleit Bourbon neat.”
Favorite tattoo: A portrait of his 13-year-old Yorkie, Cash.
Bucket list collaboration: “The Beach Boys. To sing harmonies with them would be a dream come true.”

Full Circle

Through musical highs, personal growth, and shifting eras, Secondhand Serenade’s story is one of perseverance and authenticity. “I’d be playing music no matter what,” Vesely said with a smile. “It’s who I am.”

Catch Secondhand Serenade on tour this December — and stay tuned for his new single arriving early December, with a full album to follow in 2026.

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Follow SECONDHAND SERENADE
Website – Instagram – Facebook – Spotify

Watch the full interview below

Press Release 25th August 2025 (below) HERE

SECONDHAND SERENADE
– Awake –
20th Anniversary Tour
December 2025

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AMNPLIFY – DB