If you a fan of heavy metal and are in search of a new band, then I may I suggest Second Wind as a new favorite band. Dane Pope and Brad Johnson of Chicago are ready to bring melodic hardcore metal to living rooms around the world.

Check out the following interview to learn more about Second Wind.

What was the best thing to happen in 2019? 

Dane: Recording our first EP is definitely up there. It has been a labor of love and we are so excited to show the world. 

Brad: Getting our band off the ground! Second Wind has been brewing in the background since March 2018, so it’s been a long wait to get our first tunes out there. So far the reception has been positive, and we are so grateful for that.

What are you looking forward to in 2020? 

Dane: Releasing the EP for sure. Getting our momentum up and building an amazing fan base! (Which has already begun) 

Brad: The release of our debut EP. At five songs total, we are simply pumped to get anything out there. At the same time, a lot of personal energy and focus has been put into these songs, and we’ll be excited to begin playing shows as soon as possible. 

Where was your first concert as a fan? As a performer? 

Dane: First concert ever was Lincoln Park, P.O.D., and Hoobastank at the Allstate Arena when I was like 11. It was amazing. As a performer it was with my first serious band Imminent Downfall at a bar in Addison, IL at like 16 years old. 

Brad: Amazing question! As a fan, my first concert ever I think was As I Lay Dying at Taste of Chaos. I saw a few other bands but they were the main act I was interested in. As a performer, my first show was with my old high school band in a tiny coffeeshop in Aurora, IL. How far things have come since then! 

Do you think that there’s an alternate reality? If so, what is the alternate you doing? 

Dane: If there is one the alternate me is probably doing something more sensible than following dreams but what’s the fun in that? 

Brad: Personally I don’t think so. Without getting too much into detail, I think there are already enough crazy things happening on this planet alone that I can hardly imagine it happening elsewhere. I think there’s definitely truth to be uncovered here on this Earth, but I don’t think it extends beyond our terrestrial microcosm. So my one life here is the only one I’m living. 🙂

New Year’s Resolutions. Yay or Nay? 

Dane: Not really. Been keeping my goals on a steady timeline the last couple years and not focusing on a big once a year resolution. I personally like to hit a bunch of smaller goals throughout the year.

Brad: I used to be super into them! Along the way, especially as I got older, I realized you don’t need to wait ‘til the new year drops to start setting and achieving goals. So I’m more of a year-round resolutions kind of guy. 

What have been the best musical holiday moments in your life?

Dane: When August Burns Red put their holiday songs on a full album is a great one. 

Brad: Hmm, interesting question. My wife just discovered Manowar has a Silent Night cover that is sick, so that has been great jamming to! 

Favorite holiday song? 

Dane: Flurries by August Burns Red. It very much captures the holidays for me without being a traditional song that I’ve heard a million times, a million different ways.

Brad: Ahh, that’s so hard to pick. August Burns Red’s Christmas album, Sleddin’ Hill, is phenomenal. They capture any song so well! 

Least favorite holiday song? 

Dane: All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey. I feel like every year it gets played more and more and it’s a bit much for me.

Brad: “Last Christmas” by Wham! would be my least favorite. It’s a decent song in its own right I guess, but I’ve heard it God knows how many times. It gets so annoying haha. 

What do you want people to know about your music? 

Dane: That we are about connection. Hard hitting music that makes you feel. Feel you’re not alone, feel you can take on the world. 

Brad: We love making passionate, melodic, heavy music that will get people psyched for life and eager to hear more. Every day is a gift, and we hope fans of our music resonate with these ideas. 

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