Bands in Madison can have an ephemeral existence, particularly when it comes to those formed by students at the University of Wisconsin. One such group that blossomed over the last few years was Jake Shimon, the group's singer, songwriter, and manager who is currently based in Milwaukee. Very quickly, Secondhand developed a following amongst students and kept busy with on stage with numerous shows at the Memorial Union Terrace, Luther's Blues, the High Noon Saloon, The Annex, and elsewhere. In late 2005, the group released its debut album In the Wake, from which from the album were featured on the Nickelodeon programs Zoey 101 and Drake and Josh.
Secondhand also made a music video for their song "Anymore," collaborating with Nate Matteson behind the camera. "We filmed it in my apartment on Webster on the Capitol Square, and my guitar player's apartment on Frances next to The Red Shed," explains Shimon. This video follows.
Secondhand closed up shop in the fall of 2006, with its members having graduated from the UW and now immersed in full-time jobs, explains Shimon. He currently performs in Milwaukee, is getting ready for a move to Austin to pursue a career in music, and is planning to release a new album this year.
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