Some Background Infos
Band:
2nd Priority (pronounced second priority, short form 2ndP) moves somewhere between synth-pop, electro, wave, and gothic — strongly influenced by the darker musical shades of the 80s and 90s.
We combine atmospheric, cinematic elements with pulsating grooves, creating a sound that blends nostalgia with a contemporary edge.
Since 2023, we have been going through an intense musical transformation, refining both our vision and our sound. Originally founded by Roger Schnegg, Roman Röthlisberger, and Mark Lehmann, we entered a new chapter at the end of 2025 when Mark left the band and Franziska Widmer joined us as our new lead singer. Together, we build on our artistic roots while exploring fresh ideas and new creative directions.
Formed in Switzerland, we continue to push our creative boundaries and shape immersive sonic landscapes that connect different genres and eras.
Reflecting our renewed artistic direction, our live shows feature exclusively songs released from 2023 onward — inviting audiences to experience this new phase of 2nd Priority with us.
And by the way, something that can no longer be taken for granted these days and seems to be worth mentioning: All our songs are composed, arranged, played, sung, and mixed WITHOUT AI.
Current band members (since December 2025):
- Franziska Widmer: Vocals
- Roger Schnegg: Synthesizer, guitar, vocals, composing
- Roman Röthlisberger: Synthesizer, guitar, vocals, composing
History:
2nd Priority began around 2001 as a studio project founded by three school friends — Roger Schnegg, Roman Röthlisberger, and Mark Lehmann. Long before that, however, Roger and Roman were already experimenting with sounds together in a basement studio in the early 1990s, laying the foundation for what would later become the band.
Between 2003 and 2012, Isabelle Berthoud joined as lead vocalist alongside Mark. During this creative period, the albums Until the End of Infinity and Paper Planes were released, shaping the band’s early identity.
From 2014 to 2015, Mara Frischherz became the new lead vocalist, marking another chapter in the project’s evolution. During that time, the singles Drop and Coincidence were released.
After a longer hiatus, 2nd Priority was revived in 2022 by its three original founding members, Roman, Roger, and Mark. Returning to the stylistic roots that had first brought them together — synthpop, electro, gothic and wave — the band began redefining its sound while reconnecting with its core influences.
At the end of 2025, Mark left the band, and Franziska Widmer joined as the new lead singer, opening yet another chapter in the band’s story.
Today, the focus lies strongly on live performance. With clearly recognizable influences from the darker musical side of the 80s and 90s, combined with cinematic textures and captivating grooves, 2nd Priority continues to evolve while staying true to its origins.
