Interviews: Second Wind

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Melodic Hardcore band Second Wind from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that? 

Dane: Brad came to me after I had moved back to Chicago from living in Denver for a spell. My last year in Denver had not been super kind and I wasn't in a great place. Coming home reconnecting with friends, family, and potentially getting back to things I love like music was a great sign. Brad saying the idea of this band was named "Second Wind" was just icing on the cake. Felt right. Felt perfect.

Jordan: “Second Wind” was established before I became acquainted with Brad and Dane but I think it suits the lyrical messages and overall feel of the sound we’re going for. It’s also very relevant to me because I was feeling discouraged after my old band broke up. To me, the name represents a new start and fresh perspective.

Brad: Great question - a mix of both! In planning this new band, I wanted the name to be simple and easy to remember, but still carry weight. “Second Wind” was the product of feeling like I had reached a stage in life where I needed to continue giving it my all. I’m not someone to quit easily, or ever, so this name is what almost instantly came to mind when thinking about all these things.

2. Why did you want to play this genre? 

Dane: Passion for me is key. I need music that is driven, emotional, makes you feel deeply. That has a message you can latch onto. That brings more into the world than nonsense and hollow meaning. Hardcore has done that for me and I have always wanted to do that for others. I believe through Hardcore we can make a difference and even if we help one person that's good enough for me.

Jordan: I think I enjoy this genre so much because of the simplicity. Not simple like slow or easy, but it’s straight forward and heavy. The beat is always driving but there is enough space between notes to throw in something cool every now and then. I also agree with Brad about passion. In my opinion, this is one of the more raw forms of modern metal and it is easier for me to connect with a song when I see how passionate the band is when performing.

Brad: I love many subgenres of both metal and hardcore, but have mostly played in metal and death metal bands the last few years. Feeling the itch of hardcore constantly, I wanted to help create a band that would be able to satisfy this craving. I love both complex and simple music, but most of all, I love passionate music, and wanted to form a band that would play passionate, melodic hardcore.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Jordan: Unfortunately no. I wish I would’ve met these guys a long time ago! 

Brad: Dane and I have known each other for about six or seven years, as we’ve played together in one band before (short-lived though it was). After Dane moved back from Colorado, he was the first to pop in my head about Second Wind, and we’ve been moving forward ever since. We met Jordan through social media recently, and he was instantaneously a great fit!

4. Each band member favorite band?

Dane: Honestly this is an answer that changes fairly regularly for me. When it comes to Metal though I find myself coming back to The Ghost Inside a lot. They have helped me through some difficult times. The music is so driven and the lyrics have such meaning that they can always help me no matter what mood I'm in.

Jordan: Avenged Sevenfold is my all time favorite since middle school, but I’ve been really into Phinehas lately. My top 3 is always changing. There are so many great bands that I’m still discovering.

Brad: My favorite band has been August Burns Red for some time now. They are everything I love about metal music, and everything I love to see in a band. Each member knows their craft so, so well, and they play effortlessly. Their lyrics are so thought- provoking and they know how to write metalcore like few other bands can. That’s just barely scratching the surface of everything I love about them!

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs? 

Dane: Connection is a big part of what inspires me. We are all human. We go through life in similar and extremely different ways. Yet, we are all in it together and can only succeed through each other.w Words that let you know you're not alone and make you feel better about this crazy world drive me.

Jordan: I would say just emotions everyone feels on a day to day basis. Translating emotions into poetry (or lyrics) is one of the hardest parts of writing a song, especially if it’s really personal; which makes it one of the most rewarding parts when it all comes together. 

Brad: Pretty much anything in life, whether it be good or bad. Being the drummer, I usually don’t have melodic ideas to bring to the table, but I love contributing to lyrics. As a thinker, I spend a lot of time thinking about obstacles and trials one faces in life, both individually and societally. I take my observations about the world and put them on paper through the lens of personal action and commitment. Dane has also brought some incredible lyrics to the table, and it’s been stellar seeing him take words he’s passionate about, and scream them into a microphone.

6. Where was your last gig? 

Brad: We have yet to play our first show! We are continuing our guitarist search, and once we finalize that, it’ll be full steam ahead for gig number one. We’re excited!

7. Where would you like to perform? 

Dane: I have played a lot in Chicago and love the venues here but at some point I'd love to play the Bluebird Theatre in Denver. It's not a big fancy venue. It's smaller and more intimate. I loved the shows I got to see there and think the more intimate venues give a more personal experience.

Jordan: Anywhere and everywhere! The House of Blues in Chicago is my favorite venue so that has always been a goal of mine.

Brad: Such an awesome question… everywhere! :) In all honesty, we’d love to build Second Wind into a global brand, little by little. Naturally we have to start locally, so first we plan to play some of the “usual” venues near our hometowns. Then, as we get in touch with more people who love melodic hardcore, we’d love to play venues like Bottom Lounge, Reggie’s, Beat Kitchen, and House of Blues (all Chicago venues).

8. Whom would you like to perform with?

Dane: I'll keep this one simple. THE GHOST INSIDE. I agree with my cohorts but again simple this time.

Jordan: Honestly, as many bands as possible. I try to learn from everyone that I come in contact with.

Brad: We’d love to initially play some shows in the burbs, and have a few buddy bands (if you will) that have been wanting to set up shows with us, as well. After that, as Jordan and Dane said, it will be great to branch out further into shows in Chicago, and see which bands are out there who we can partner up with. Chicagoland definitely has some underutilized areas of the scene, both venue-wise and bands-wise, and we look forward to being a part of the country that has a dedicated listenership for heavy genres.

9. Whom not? 

Dane: No one in particular but anyone with negative messages and energy I'd want to avoid.

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

Dane: I believe everyone does. It's how you choose to use that energy that gets you through it. I have never been a vocalist before. I am sure I will have fright before our first show but I will do my best to channel that into a show where you can feel my emotions. Where you can connect with us on stage and yourself.

Jordan: I still do. It’s just one of those things that you have to force yourself to push through until you become comfortable. If you don’t, you’ll end up missing so many great opportunities.

Brad: Jordan and Dane said it well; it does appear naturally, but you have to take it one show at a time, and get through it! That being said, I remember my first few shows ever, I was definitely nervous. I worried everyone would spot every flaw in my drumming, and would criticize me for it. The way I got through it was by reminding myself I was on stage playing music I had helped create, with some of my closest friends at the time. Before I knew it, the songs were flowing and we were having a great time. It becomes electric if you simply allow yourself to enjoy the moment!

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Dane: Right now I have drawn inspiration from The Ghost Inside, Hundredth, Gideon, and Periphery. That changes often though.

Jordan: Lately, I’ve been in inspired a lot by Phinehas, Polaris, Gideon, and Ice Nine Kills.

Brad: That’s so hard to answer because so many different bands have inspired me over my years of being a musician. Overall, bands like August Burns Red; Killswitch Engage; Unearth; Cloudkicker; Crystal Lake; and Parkway Drive have really made me think differently about music, years at a time. I selected these bands not only for their instrumental and lyrical capacities, but their live shows, and how much they generate crowd participation.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Dane: To buy my equipment off me after a show.

Brad: I had one fan who enjoyed jokingly touching butts. That was a strange experience for sure haha. Needless to say, we asked him to cut back on that quickly.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Dane: They are amazing and supportive and drive me to be better everyday.

Brad: Right now, we are blessed to have a small group of dedicated supporters and fans. As is the case with bands who launch, initially your main supporters are your family, loved ones, and friends. We love them very much and are thankful for their support! We also have a growing email list of superfans, and we are extremely thankful for them. So far we have received largely positive feedback on our tunes, and we’re so appreciative of that!

14. What do you think of our site? 

Dane: Really like what you are doing with the site. The detail, the clear passion. It's a privilege to be on it and that you have taken the time to interview with us.

Jordan: I’m new to the site but I’m really digging it so far!

Brad: This interview was my first exposure to your site; it looks cool! I love how much detail you guys have put into categorizing subgenres. Definitely makes it easier to find music you’re interested in. Also, thanks for interviewing us! We appreciate it.

15. Something to add?

Dane: Check out our music and Social Media pages! Hopefully we can connect with you and grow an amazing community!

Brad: If you’re into The Ghost Inside; Gideon; Chunk! No, Captain Chunk!; Stick to Your Guns; or Wage War, check us out on Spotify! We’d love your feedback on our tunes, and hope you dig.