With over three decades of experience in the music industry, singer Mike Pougounas has long cherished the transformative power of music. Recognizing, however, that not all wounds can be healed by a song, he sought to offer a more profound gift: the gift of hope, survival, and a second chance.
In pursuit of this vision, Pougounas collaborated with his bandmates in the Greek group New Zero God to create a charity song aimed at providing support to those in need. In the summer of 2011, they began assembling a group of friends and fellow musicians to record the song titled "Second Chance." Each artist approached by Pougounas enthusiastically agreed to participate, marking the inception of this charitable initiative.
New Zero God & Friends comprises talented musicians from around the globe, including South African singer Raymond John Ross, who had previously collaborated with Pougounas on another charity project in 2011 and was the first to join this new venture. UK artist Shaun Histed-Todd not only contributed artwork but also facilitated a connection between New Zero God and English guitarist Will Crewdson. Additionally, through a mutual acquaintance writing for an English music magazine, Pougounas reached out to bassist Chris Tuke, who responded positively. He also enlisted long-time friends in the music scene, such as Susana Egea and Alex Brujas from Spain, Martin Birke from the United States, Lord Litter from Germany, and Don Campau from the United States. Alongside New Zero God members Dimitris Steves, Michael Christou, Harry Stavrakas, and Pougounas himself, the group quickly set to work.
Despite being scattered across different continents, the musicians successfully completed "Second Chance." With the expertise of Greek/South African sound engineer Chris Manolitsis, the project took shape, culminating in a song ready to support a meaningful cause.
It is noteworthy that "Second Chance" was originally released in 2005 by Pougounas' former band, Nexus, under the title "You Always Get a Second Chance." The song was composed by drummer Dimitris Steves, with lyrics by Pougounas. After forming New Zero God in 2006, they held onto their earlier work, hoping to utilize it for a charitable purpose in the future. When the opportunity arose to rerelease the song for charity, they found the perfect organization to align with their mission.
Pougounas and his collaborators chose to donate all proceeds from "Second Chance" to HAWC (Healing Abuse, Working for Change), a Massachusetts-based organization that supports individuals who have experienced physical, mental, and sexual abuse. HAWC provides essential resources to help these individuals regain their footing and move beyond their pasts, embodying the second chance the song champions.
New Zero God & Friends take pride in their musical endeavor, hoping it will achieve its intended impact. Each download of the song, priced at $0.99, directly benefits HAWC, contributing to its mission with every purchase. Those involved in this charity project sincerely aspire for "Second Chance" to raise awareness, inspire hope, and provide financial support for a worthy cause, affirming the belief that everyone deserves a second chance.
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ABOUT HAWC: Founded in 1978, HAWC (Healing Abuse Working for Change, formerly known as Help for Abused Women and their Children) is the oldest and most comprehensive domestic violence agency on Massachusetts' North Shore, serving 23 cities and towns. HAWC offers vital services and support to victims of domestic violence, empowering them to make informed decisions about their futures. Their extensive offerings include a 24-hour hotline, shelter programs, short-term counseling, support groups, a parent/child trauma recovery program, youth outreach, legal advocacy, and educational programs. HAWC's mission is to foster social change by addressing personal and societal patterns of violence and oppression.
