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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