THE SECOND HANDS

Matittuck native Geoffrey Schroeder and southern transplant Laura Hoch are more than partners in love, they're partners in music. They're called The Second Hands, but to many they're first rate, and both Mr. Schroeder and Ms. Hoch are ready to entertain audiences with the release of their self-titled debut album. They've lived together for about three years in Greenport and also work together at Peconic Bay Winery, where their CD release party will be held between 6 and 9 p.m. Friday. "We've been playing together since the day we met four years ago at an open mic night at Martha Clara Vineyards," Ms. Hoch said. The two started out playing cover songs at Greenport Market, "for sandwiches and tips," Mr. Schroeder said with a laugh, but that was before they learned they could write their own stuff, Ms. Hoch added. The band's name comes from their cover-song origins, a name fans suggested they keep after they began writing their own music. "We write love songs, but I don't think they're clichéd love songs," Mr. Schroeder said of their music. "I think we have a really original lyrical attack." An example of such, he said, can be seen in a song he wrote about Ms. Hoch growing up in Florida with the line, "There's a woman whose blood is thinner than water and she won't shed a drop, not even for her daughter." Ms. Hoch said she enjoyed writing songs about growing up in the south, which she said made her truly appreciate it for the first time. "We spent a lot of time exploring the differences between southern and northern upbringing," she said. "I grew up in a rodeo town and embracing that whole aspect of my upbringing was really cool." Ms. Hoch, who used to tour Europe with bands after graduating from SUNY Purchase, said everything changed when she had her children, Annica, 7, and Noah, 4. "It's hard because I have two kids and a job," she said. "I used to be a touring musician, but with kids its hard to get far from home." The two recently recorded their debut album at Caroline Doctorow's studio in Bridgehampton. Pete Kennedy, American folk-rocker of, "The Kennedys," engineered the recordings. "He actually works with [popular singer-songwriter Nanci Griffith, so we were honored," Ms. Hoch said. The two are country and folk music lovers with influences like Graham Parsons, Gillian Welch, The Band and The Byrds. The Second Hands were scheduled to appear on Bonnie Gryce's show on 88.3 WPPB Wednesday.

The Second Hands featuring Alexandra Stefans on cello in a basement session last January.

Artists see a Video you want me to remove? Just ask and I'll delete it! No problem! Phil HGMC The Second Hands April 13th, 2013 The Second Hands are a rustic indie folk duo comprised of singer/songwriters Geoff Schroeder and Laura Hoch. Their 2012 self-titled debut album is a collection of songs personal, and poetic. These songs are a reflection of the intimate experiences of relationships understood by all. The Second Hands' voices are full of rich and warm vocal blends and melodies that sit well over laid-back and thought-out guitar arrangements. Mandolin, electric guitar, and rigged percussion serve as accompaniment throughout much of their performance. Ms. Hoch's vocal presence is strong, pure and authentic. Mr. Schroeder displays a rich style of finger picking and a unique, gritty style of singing. While many of the songs are about love and relationships, they do not borrow any of the clichés from the standard love songs. The lyrics are both original and colorful, painting personal experiences that reflect basic human emotion through their sparse but dynamic songs. Website http://www.thesecondhands.com/

Submission for NPR Tiny Desk Series

Geoff Schroeder of Folk duo The Second Hands performing "The Wind Blew" live at the Plaza Songwriter Series in Patchogue, N.Y. 3-13-13 www.thesecondhands.com www.plazamac.org