The Secret Handshake int October 2009

Photo by Chris Fink Shapiro - Intro by Emma Hope

If you haven’t heard of The Secret Handshake by now, you’re probably living in a cave. Or spending too much time playing World of Warcraft. Or both.

The last couple of years have seen the band’s only permanent member, Dallas native Luis Dubuc enter into perhaps an unpredictable spotlight. He started writing music in 2004 with just a laptop and a Wurlitzer piano, after drumming for a hardcore band called ‘Thirty Called Arson’. His first album, Antarctica was self-released in November that year, followed by an EP in 2005, and another album, One Full Year in 2007. It was around this time I started to hear about him, when his catchy, and perhaps most popular song to date ‘Summer of 98’ was introduced to my iPod. A mix tape, a spot on Punk Goes Crunk, and several tours later, his latest album My Name Up In Lights was released; reaching #17 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart.

Dubuc has a sound which is uniquely his. He layers his own vocals and catchy lyrics with electronica beats and sounds, creating songs that are perfect to turn up loud and dance to. Talent aside, he’s also a pretty nice guy. I met him once at a show a year or so ago, and he was down to earth and chatty, infinitely nicer than one of ‘those’ band members we’ve probably all encountered, who act like being anywhere near fans is a chore. His funny, friendly personality is clear in his YouTube video updates, one video features him showing the world all the admittedly dorky yet totally awesome memorabilia he has around his apartment, including a Star Wars pillow and a cuddly E.T doll!

positivexposure caught up with Luis, who’s currently on The Fall Ball Tour of the US, with Mayday Parade, The Academy Is…, Set Your Goals, and You Me At Six to ask him a few questions.

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What have your experiences of fans and support overseas been like?
Well we went over to the United Kingdom for the first time in 2007 and it was pretty DIY and almost didn’t happen. We have always been greeted with open arms and have always had great tours!

You toured in England with bring me the horizon last year, what was it like supporting a band with quite a different sound to yours?
It was really great and fun. I had been friends with the band for a while and we had always tossed the idea around but when it came down to it, it just made sense for both of us and seemed like a rad idea. The shows were fun and I couldn’t have asked for more lively crowds!

What has been your most memorable concert moment?
Watching a dude try to stage dive but no one catching him. It has happened a few times and I always laugh.

How do you feel you’ve evolved since One Full Year?
I feel like my sound is a little bit more streamlined and has a more direct feel with the sound being all more cohesive with a single idea.

Are there any artists you would love to collaborate with in the future?
I would love to work with someone like William from the Black Eyed Peas or someone like that, just fun and upbeat. 

Any overseas touring plans in the future?
We are very excited about touring Australia as it is coming up fairly soon!

What inspired your idea of the YouTube videos where people danced and sang to your music in public places?
I saw someone doing it at an Apple store to a Black Eyed Peas song and thought it was a clever and cool idea so I just decided to rip the idea off a bit.

What made you want to create music?
Just  the desire to perform in front of people which is something I have always been interested in even at a young age in school plays. The music was just an easy way to get up in front of people and really feel in control of an audience which is a great feeling. 

Who’s your favorite under-rated artist?
My favorite artists of the underrated category would have to be an artist by the name of Kenna. He has been around for years and really sets the bar for a lot of artists in his genre, his music is smart and moving but still has a groove to it that cant be matched. It’s very inspiring to me