SECRET HANDSHAKE

Checkout this exclusive interview we did with the up and coming group The Secret Handshake...

Where does the inspiration for your music come from?
Well, I’ve always really been into daft punk and 80s pop, so I would have to say a large part of it comes from there.

Do you plan on adding any members to your band?
Ummm, well, I have live musicians that play with me on tour, but as far as actual members, probably not. hahah i really enjoy the alone time I get when I write! Plus it makes things easier when there are decisions to be made, I don’t have to figure out what 4 other people need and want and then weigh that with my own needs and wants to come to 1 decision. I can react quickly and do what I feel works best for the project.

What is your musical background?
Well... I grew up listening to 80s metal (Iron Maiden/Judas Priest) and then 80's and 90s pop. So I would have to say... in a nutshell that my musical background is PRE TEEN CRAP. Hahaha as for bands, when I was 18 I was the drummer in a metal band and not too far after that, I started doing my own thing and here I am.

Do you write your own lyrics?
Yes, of course!! Actually, I don’t really write anything down at all… I just start singing what comes to mind at the time and go with it.

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How do you describe your music to new followers?
I usually just say that it’s a mix of cher / daft punk / and a middle school dance party.

Which famous musicians do you admire? Why?
i really admire ?uestlove. i love the roots and his drumming is unreal.

What advice would you offer to aspiring independent musicians?
I would say, if you want to get it done right, you’ve got to do it yourself. Too many bands sit around and wait for a label, manager, booking agent, or opportunity to come find them. In order for you to be successful you need to be able to do all those things yourself, you can’t just wait around HOPING to get offered a show or a record deal. Make yourself into something and then your options will be limitless... you may even find out you don’t need some of the people or things you thought you did.

What aspect of music making excites you the most?
Just sitting and writing, like.. not knowing where the song will take you. It’s just so fun. Making electronic music on my computer I have the freedom to do a hip-hop song, or a super pop track, or even a slow jam.


What are your upcoming shows, recordings, appearances?
Well I’m playing a few Christmas shows… 1 in California with Hellogoodbye and then 1 in Texas. As for songs, I just wrote a Christmas song about me being on tour a few years ago and not being able to be home and we’re gonna put it up on absolutepunk.net and my myspace. After that I’m headed to the UK in January and February to support The Rocket Summer!!!


What's the most unusual place you've ever played a show or made a recording? How did the qualities of that place affect the show/recording?
I used to play a lot of basement shows for some reason. hahah
I guess it just made me appreciate real venues even more.

In what ways does the place where you live (or places where you have lived), affect the music you create, or your taste in music?
Hugely, I mean, I grew up in Venezuela and being around the culture influenced my music in a huge way. Living in South America set the stage for me to be more open with my musical taste… I didn’t grow up just listening to rock and roll on the radio.


What makes your music unique from all others?
I just think it’s creative and different and real. A lot of music today feels fake or contrived. I started this project myself so that I could fully express what I want to without there being any input from outside voices… in doing so, what you’re hearing is PURELY what I wanted to make.


Who are your musical and non-musical influences?
I’m really into Kanye West musically and non musically. He just comes off as fully in control of his situation and he’s constantly pushing the envelope. It’s inspiring.

What’s your ultimate goal?
My ultimate goal is to be able to just make albums and never tour. Hahah you know, just hanging out at home and making music in my bedroom.

How do you promote your band and shows?
I kinda don’t. I’ve always been really bad about that, I was never one to flyer for shows or stuff like that. hahah OOPS!! BUT I do talk to my fans EVERYDAY on Myspace and via IM, so I hope that helps.


What do you think about downloading music online?
I don’t know.. That’s a weird question... I kind of sit on the fence with that issue. What I can say is that if you enjoy an artist’s music and their message, support them!


What inspires you to do what you do?
.. Probably just knowing that people are happy when they see me and that it can motivate someone to do something positive.

What is the biggest obstacle of being a one man band?
Well money can be hard at times, just b/c if you have to buy something like a van or a heap of merch, or gear… you really can’t split the cost with other people. Also when I make a decision, I’m the only one that is responsible for what may or may not happen so that can be physically and emotionally draining.


Tell us about your next shows and why we should be there?
Well, as I said we’ll be doing a holiday show with HelloGoodbye and then the UK with The Rocket Summer. When I play like to have fun and I like to make sure that the kids there are having just as much fun. There’s just a lot of dancing and awesomeness. Come hang out!!

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