The Secret Handshake
Encyclopedia
The Secret Handshake is the electronica
/soul
musical project of self-taught musician Luis Dubuc. Dubuc sings and plays all instruments on the band's studio albums, including guitar
, synthesizer
, piano
, percussion, and sound effects which he creates on his computer.
He has a new musical project, a Metal
band called Of Legends: http://www.oflegends.net.
fluently, but chose The Secret Handshake as his stage name, saying, "I didn't want people to think I was a Latin singer like Enrique Iglesias
. Not because those people are bad, because they make great music. But I didn't want anyone to get the wrong idea. I wanted a nondescriptive band's name so that the music can speak for itself."
Dubuc first got his start playing drums in a couple of bands with his friends, most notably in the hardcore unit Thirty Called Arson. Inspired by artists like Michael Jackson
and Daft Punk
, he eventually began writing and recording some songs as a side project in his Dallas-based bedroom with a laptop and Wurlitzer
to assist him. By November 2004, Dubuc had self-released his first full-length album, entitled Antarctica. Less than a year later, he followed up with the EP This Is Bigger Than You and I, which was issued through Doll House Recordings and also featured his now-wife, Bethany Brown. Momentum began building around his distinctive electronica laptop pop/rock, and The Secret Handshake developed a devoted fanbase. Another EP, Summer of '98 (referring to the summer before he started high school), was released in early 2007 through New York's Triple Crown Records
, anchored by the vocoder-heavy title track. The full length One Full Year
followed, becoming his full length Triple Crown Records
debut.
In 2008 The Secret Handshake was featured on the Punk Goes Crunk
compilation/covers album. His cover of the Skee-Lo
rap classic "I Wish
" got the project massive exposure and introduced his music to an almost mainstream audience.
2009
On April 29, 2009, The Secret Handshake released his third studio album, My Name Up in Lights
. The album was recorded entirely in Dubuc's apartment in Dallas. In 2009, the album reached #17 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart and #45 on the Independent Albums chart.
The Secret Handshake opened for the Alternative Press Tour 2009, entitled The Fall Ball, which also featured You Me At Six
, Set Your Goals
, The Academy Is...
, and Mayday Parade
. Luis Dubuc was featured on the subscriber-only cover of Alternative Press November 2009 issue, along with the lead singers of the other bands featured on The Fall Ball tour with a feature article.
The Secret Handshake toured in Australia from November 26 to December 6.
2010
The Secret Handshake finished a two month tour in the summer of 2010 with Every Avenue
, Sing it Loud
, and There for Tomorrow
on the Motel 6
"Rock Yourself to Sleep" tour.
The Secret Handshake's new album Night and Day was released on August 17, 2010.
Night & Day was released with a bonus album. The "Day" album has a more motown, soul
-influenced sound with 11 tracks, while the "Night" bonus album contains Electro remixes of 9 of the "Day" tracks. Each copy of Night & Day will include a download card for the "Night" album, or the two albums can be purchased separately on iTunes.
Sound In The Signals complimented the new style found on the album, but criticized Dubuc's vocal ability.
Alternative Press noted the new Motown sound was a risky move but stated that Dubuc "obviously had the skills to pull it off".
Luis Dubuc was interviewed in the Alternative Press October 2010 issue, in the feature article titled You Can Hurry Love.
The Secret Handshake hosted the Luis & The Handshakes Tour - a full U.S. headline tour featuring A Cursive Memory
.
The End Of The Secret Handshake
On September 21, 2011, Luis Dubuc posted on his twitter "so by this point its obvious but TSH is pretty much over. done with the past. proud of what i accomplished but ready to move on." He later posted about a new project he has started called 'Mystery Skulls'.
Electronica
Electronica includes a wide range of contemporary electronic music designed for a wide range of uses, including foreground listening, some forms of dancing, and background music for other activities; however, unlike electronic dance music, it is not specifically made for dancing...
/soul
Soul music
Soul music is a music genre originating in the United States combining elements of gospel music and rhythm and blues. According to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, soul is "music that arose out of the black experience in America through the transmutation of gospel and rhythm & blues into a form of...
musical project of self-taught musician Luis Dubuc. Dubuc sings and plays all instruments on the band's studio albums, including guitar
Guitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
, synthesizer
Synthesizer
A synthesizer is an electronic instrument capable of producing sounds by generating electrical signals of different frequencies. These electrical signals are played through a loudspeaker or set of headphones...
, piano
Piano
The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
, percussion, and sound effects which he creates on his computer.
He has a new musical project, a Metal
Metal
A metal , is an element, compound, or alloy that is a good conductor of both electricity and heat. Metals are usually malleable and shiny, that is they reflect most of incident light...
band called Of Legends: http://www.oflegends.net.
Background
Luis Dubuc was born in New Orleans, LA. He speaks SpanishFinnish language
Finnish is the language spoken by the majority of the population in Finland Primarily for use by restaurant menus and by ethnic Finns outside Finland. It is one of the two official languages of Finland and an official minority language in Sweden. In Sweden, both standard Finnish and Meänkieli, a...
fluently, but chose The Secret Handshake as his stage name, saying, "I didn't want people to think I was a Latin singer like Enrique Iglesias
Enrique Iglesias
Enrique Iglesias is a Spanish pop music singer, a son of singer Julio Iglesias.Enrique started his musical career on Mexican label Fonovisa...
. Not because those people are bad, because they make great music. But I didn't want anyone to get the wrong idea. I wanted a nondescriptive band's name so that the music can speak for itself."
Dubuc first got his start playing drums in a couple of bands with his friends, most notably in the hardcore unit Thirty Called Arson. Inspired by artists like Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
and Daft Punk
Daft Punk
Daft Punk are an electronic music duo consisting of French musicians Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter . Daft Punk reached significant popularity in the late 1990s house movement in France and met with continued success in the years following, combining elements of house with synthpop...
, he eventually began writing and recording some songs as a side project in his Dallas-based bedroom with a laptop and Wurlitzer
Wurlitzer electric piano
Wurlitzer 200A|250px|thumbThe Wurlitzer electric piano was one of a series of electromechanical stringless pianos manufactured and marketed by the Rudolph Wurlitzer Company, Corinth, Mississippi, U.S. and Tonawanda, New York...
to assist him. By November 2004, Dubuc had self-released his first full-length album, entitled Antarctica. Less than a year later, he followed up with the EP This Is Bigger Than You and I, which was issued through Doll House Recordings and also featured his now-wife, Bethany Brown. Momentum began building around his distinctive electronica laptop pop/rock, and The Secret Handshake developed a devoted fanbase. Another EP, Summer of '98 (referring to the summer before he started high school), was released in early 2007 through New York's Triple Crown Records
Triple Crown Records
Triple Crown Records is a New York-based record label. It is home to Hit the Lights, The Receiving End of Sirens, The Dear Hunter, Moving Mountains, and As Tall as Lions, among others...
, anchored by the vocoder-heavy title track. The full length One Full Year
One Full Year
One Full Year is The Secret Handshake's second full length studio album. It was released on September 25, 2007 on Triple Crown Records.Produced by Cory Kilduff from The Rise...
followed, becoming his full length Triple Crown Records
Triple Crown Records
Triple Crown Records is a New York-based record label. It is home to Hit the Lights, The Receiving End of Sirens, The Dear Hunter, Moving Mountains, and As Tall as Lions, among others...
debut.
In 2008 The Secret Handshake was featured on the Punk Goes Crunk
Punk Goes Crunk
Punk Goes Crunk is the seventh compilation album in the Punk Goes... series released by Fearless Records. The album is composed of popular hip hop songs performed by various emo, pop punk and metalcore bands.-Track listing:...
compilation/covers album. His cover of the Skee-Lo
Skee-Lo
Antoine Roundtree , better known as Skee-Lo, is an American rapper. He is best known for his 1995 song, "I Wish", which became a top-40 hit in several countries....
rap classic "I Wish
I Wish (Skee-Lo song)
"I Wish" is a hip-hop song by rapper Skee-Lo released in 1995 as the first single from his debut album of the same name. The track peaked at #13 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart and at #15 in the United Kingdom...
" got the project massive exposure and introduced his music to an almost mainstream audience.
2009
On April 29, 2009, The Secret Handshake released his third studio album, My Name Up in Lights
My Name Up in Lights
My Name Up in Lights is The Secret Handshake's third full length studio album. It was released on April 29, 2009 on Triple Crown Records. Luis Dubuc began writing songs for My Name Up in Lights immediately after he finished One Full Year and eventually ended with 60 songs to choose from for his...
. The album was recorded entirely in Dubuc's apartment in Dallas. In 2009, the album reached #17 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart and #45 on the Independent Albums chart.
The Secret Handshake opened for the Alternative Press Tour 2009, entitled The Fall Ball, which also featured You Me At Six
You Me At Six
You Me at Six is a British rock band from Weybridge, Surrey. Formed in 2004, the group rose to fame in 2008 with the success of their debut album, Take Off Your Colours, which included the singles "Save It for the Bedroom", "Finders Keepers" and "Kiss and Tell", with the latter two peaking at #33...
, Set Your Goals
Set Your Goals
Set Your Goals is the debut album of the punk rock band CIV. It was released in October 1995 on Lava Records. The album is best known for the hit single "Can't Wait One Minute More"...
, The Academy Is...
The Academy Is...
The Academy Is... was an American rock band from Chicago, Illinois, formed in 2003. Before dispersing, they were signed by the Decaydance imprint of the Fueled by Ramen label. They were originally known as "The Academy", but added the "Is..." in 2004 to avoid legal complications with other...
, and Mayday Parade
Mayday Parade
Mayday Parade is an American rock band from Tallahassee, Florida. The band formed in 2005 when members of popular local Tallahassee bands Kid Named Chicago and Defining Moment converged in 2006. Their debut EP Tales Told by Dead Friends was released in 2006, and sold over 20,000 copies without any...
. Luis Dubuc was featured on the subscriber-only cover of Alternative Press November 2009 issue, along with the lead singers of the other bands featured on The Fall Ball tour with a feature article.
The Secret Handshake toured in Australia from November 26 to December 6.
2010
The Secret Handshake finished a two month tour in the summer of 2010 with Every Avenue
Every Avenue
-History:Every Avenue formed in Marysville, Michigan in 2003. Early on, they changed lead singers, and the former lead singer James Beesley later became the group's tour manager, and is currently working with former drummer Mike Govaere. They self-released two EPs in 2004 and 2006 before signing to...
, Sing it Loud
Sing it Loud
-History:Sing it Loud grew out of a friendship between cousins vocalist Pat Brown and guitarist Kieren Smith, who founded the group together and added members whom they met locally in the Minneapolis music scene. Brown officially brought the group together after his previous band called it quits....
, and There for Tomorrow
There For Tomorrow
There for Tomorrow is a band formed in Orlando, Florida in 2003. The group is influenced by bands such as Jimmy Eat World, Blink-182, Third Eye Blind, and The Hives.-Early years :...
on the Motel 6
Motel 6
Motel 6 is a major chain of budget motels with more than 1,000 locations in the United States and Canada, and is the largest owned and operated hotel chain in North America. It is owned and operated by Accor Hotels.-History:...
"Rock Yourself to Sleep" tour.
The Secret Handshake's new album Night and Day was released on August 17, 2010.
Night & Day was released with a bonus album. The "Day" album has a more motown, soul
Soul music
Soul music is a music genre originating in the United States combining elements of gospel music and rhythm and blues. According to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, soul is "music that arose out of the black experience in America through the transmutation of gospel and rhythm & blues into a form of...
-influenced sound with 11 tracks, while the "Night" bonus album contains Electro remixes of 9 of the "Day" tracks. Each copy of Night & Day will include a download card for the "Night" album, or the two albums can be purchased separately on iTunes.
Sound In The Signals complimented the new style found on the album, but criticized Dubuc's vocal ability.
Alternative Press noted the new Motown sound was a risky move but stated that Dubuc "obviously had the skills to pull it off".
Luis Dubuc was interviewed in the Alternative Press October 2010 issue, in the feature article titled You Can Hurry Love.
The Secret Handshake hosted the Luis & The Handshakes Tour - a full U.S. headline tour featuring A Cursive Memory
A Cursive Memory
A Cursive Memory is an American rock band, from Rancho Palos Verdes, California.- Sincerely Me :A Cursive Memory is a Pop Rock band from Rancho Palos Verdes, California. The band originally formed as Sincerely Me in 2003 after members Colin Baylen and Shaun Profeta had met at a birthday party....
.
The End Of The Secret Handshake
On September 21, 2011, Luis Dubuc posted on his twitter "so by this point its obvious but TSH is pretty much over. done with the past. proud of what i accomplished but ready to move on." He later posted about a new project he has started called 'Mystery Skulls'.
Touring members
- Eric Sauber - keyboard
- Jarrod Salton - bass
- Aaron Longoria - bass
- Jason No - guitar
- Ross Edman - drums
- Kira Merritt - back up vocals
Albums
- Antarctica (2004)
- One Full YearOne Full YearOne Full Year is The Secret Handshake's second full length studio album. It was released on September 25, 2007 on Triple Crown Records.Produced by Cory Kilduff from The Rise...
(2007) - My Name Up in LightsMy Name Up in LightsMy Name Up in Lights is The Secret Handshake's third full length studio album. It was released on April 29, 2009 on Triple Crown Records. Luis Dubuc began writing songs for My Name Up in Lights immediately after he finished One Full Year and eventually ended with 60 songs to choose from for his...
(2009) - Night & Day (2010)
Singles
- Too Young (2007)
- Summer of '98 (2007)
- Gamegirl (2008)
- Midnight Movie (2008)
- Saturday (2009)
- All for You (2009)
- Domino (2010)
Compilations
- Punk Goes CrunkPunk Goes CrunkPunk Goes Crunk is the seventh compilation album in the Punk Goes... series released by Fearless Records. The album is composed of popular hip hop songs performed by various emo, pop punk and metalcore bands.-Track listing:...
contributed the cover of I Wish by Skee-Lo (2008) - Family Force 5 Album, Dance Or Die With A Vengeance, song titled Dance or Die (Secret Handshake Han Valen Remix)
- Contributed to the Suicide Season - Cut Up remix album by remixing the track Suicide Season by Bring Me The HorizonBring Me the HorizonBring Me the Horizon are a British metalcore band from Sheffield, Yorkshire, who formed in 2004. Bring Me the Horizon constits of Oliver Sykes as the lead vocalist, lead guitarist Lee Malia, rhythm guitarist Jona Weinhofen, bassist Matt Kean and drummer Matt Nicholls...
(2009) - Remixed All Time LowAll Time LowAll Time Low is an American pop punk band from Baltimore, Maryland, formed in 2003.The band consists of vocalist and rhythm guitarist Alexander Gaskarth, lead guitarist and backing vocalist Jack Barakat, bassist and backing vocalist Zachary Merrick, and drummer Rian Dawson...
's song WeightlessWeightlessWeightless is the debut album by rap group, The Skinny Boys. It was released in 1986 for Warlock Records and was produced by Mark Bush and Chuck Chillout.- Track listing :# "Jockbox"- 4:30# "Unity"- 4:50# "Get Funky"- 3:32# "Weightless"- 4:51...