Secrets (post-hardcore band)

Secrets (stylized as SECRETS) is an American metalcore/post-hardcore band formed in San Diego, California in 2010.[1] After being signed to Rise Records in 2011, Secrets released their debut full-length album The Ascent in January 2012. The record debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart and became the first Velocity Records release to appear on the Billboard Top 200, debuting at No. 185.

Secrets
Background information
OriginSan Diego, California, U.S.
Genres
Years active2010–present
Labels
MembersRichard Rogers
Wade Walters
Connor Branigan
Connor Allen
Past membersMarc Koch
Xander Bourgeois
Michael Owens
Aaron Melzer
Joe English
Mike Sherman
Websitewww.secretsofficialband.com

After going through line-up changes in 2013, the band released their second album Fragile Figures in July. The album was a success, selling over 10,000 copies in the first month and charting at No. 59 on the Billboard 200 chart.[2]

History edit

Formation and The Ascent (2010–2012) edit

Secrets was formed from the breakup of A City Serene after they were involved in a serious highway accident, which left two band members in comas.[3] Band members Xander Bourgeois, Marc Koch, Joe English and Michael Sherman reformed as Secrets in 2010 and added Richard Rogers as their clean vocalist and rhythm guitarist. The band was quickly signed to Rise Records imprint, Velocity Records. Though they initially planned to release an EP,[4] the band went ahead with a full-length album, The Ascent (2012). This album was produced by Tom Denney, formerly of A Day to Remember.[5]

Secrets then toured heavily to promote the release of The Ascent. They toured with bands such as Sleeping With Sirens, Attack Attack!, and Escape The Fate.[6] They were also part of the Scream It Like You Mean It tour in 2012. During the middle of the tour, bassist Marc Koch left the band to focus on his schoolwork full-time.[7]

Fragile Figures (2013–2014) edit

On April 20, 2013, lead vocalist Xander Bourgeois announced that he would be leaving the band to focus on staying clean and sober. He also announced that he would be working on a new band that he feels will only succeed in his sobriety. He and Koch later formed a new band in late 2013, The Haven. On April 30, 2013, the band announced that their new vocalist would be Aaron Melzer, formerly of the local band Author and Finisher. Along with the vocalist announcement, the band shared a small clip of a new song off of their second album, which they recorded and released while on the Vans Warped Tour 2013.

On June 8, 2013, Secrets announced that Fragile Figures (2013) would be released on July 23, 2013.[8] A new single, "Ready For Repair," was released alongside a music video on June 10.[9] "Live Together, Die Alone," was released on June 25, 2013, as a promotional single.[10] iTunes preorders for the new album went up on June 30, 2013.[11] A new promotional single, "Maybe Next May," was released on July 5, 2013. On July 17, 2013, the album was released as an album stream on YouTube.[12]

It was announced in late January 2014 that they would return on the Vans Warped Tour 2014 for a second time. A music video for "Maybe Next May" was released on April 7, 2014, featuring fan videos along with a band video.[13]

Michael Owens announced via a Tumblr blog post that he has left the band on May 12, 2014.[14]

On May 15, the band posted a previously unreleased demo, titled "Unreleased Song 2014," to YouTube[15] This track was later revealed to be an upcoming track on the deluxe edition of Fragile Figures, containing three new songs and a remix of the song "Ready for Repair". It was released on May 27, 2014.[16]

Secrets has toured with Asking Alexandria, The Ghost Inside, and Crown the Empire on the Europe and UK From Death To Destiny Tour in October and November 2014. They toured with Dance Gavin Dance, Alive Like Me and Defeat the Low on The Rise Records Tour from November to December 2014.

Renditions EP and Everything That Got Us Here (2015–2016) edit

In mid-December, the band was announced as a supporting act for The Devil Wears Prada's upcoming Zombie 5 Tour, along with Born of Osiris and The Word Alive for the first leg of the tour. The second leg they will be joined by Sleepwave.

The band played several single, headlining shows during early 2015. At the same time, they announced they had begun working on their third album. The band played Self-Help Fest on March 7, 2015.[17]

On March 19, 2015, the band announced they would release an acoustic EP, Renditions (2015), on April 7. The EP includes three stripped down songs from Fragile Figures as well as a new track, "What's Left of Us."[18]

On October 3, 2015, the band announced via Facebook that Aaron Melzer would be leaving the band and that their new album was recorded with Wade Walters, who will also be touring with the band on their upcoming tour.[19]

The band released a new single, Left Behind, on October 14, 2015, from their upcoming album Everything That Got Us Here (2015). The album was released on December 11, 2015, with two release shows scheduled for December 11 and 12, 2015 in Southern California.[20] The music video for the album's second single, "Rise Up", was premiered on Billboard.com on November 10.[21]

On May 30, 2016, the band released a surprise new track, "Waste Away".[22]

Secrets (2017–2019) edit

In May 2017, the band signed to Made in the Shade records.[23] On September 1, 2017, the band released a new single, "Incredible." The release was accompanied by a music video for the song.

On November 10, 2017, the band released an additional single, "Five Years," with an accompanying music video being released on December 8, 2017.

In addition, on December 8, 2017, the band announced that they will be releasing their self-titled album, Secrets on February 23, 2018. Prior to the release of the album Secrets released the music video for the song "Strangers" on February 16, 2018.

On March 8, 2018, Secrets released a statement that Michael Sherman would depart the band for personal reasons after being with the band for 8 years, leaving Richard Rogers as the last member from the original lineup.[24]

On March 27, 2018, the music video for "Fourteen" was released followed by "Sixteen" on May 4, 2018. The band then released a music video for "The End" on April 26, 2019, making it the sixth music video from the album, and the first to feature drummer Connor Allen as a permanent member of the band.

Independent band (2019–2021) edit

Several singles were released between 2019 and 2021, including "My Mind, Myself & I,"[25] "Comedown," "Iron Hearted," and "Hold On." According to Richard Rogers, "My Mind, Myself & I" revolves around the topic of anxiety, fear, and panic.[26] The official video for "Hold On" pays tribute to former unclean vocalist Aaron Melzer after passing away in 2020.[27][28] Originally, Secrets planned to release a full-length album in 2020 with these singles; however, after Melzer's passing, they decided to record a new full-length album containing 10 songs with former producer Tom Denney.

Secrets announced their signing with San Diego label Velocity Records on February 4, 2021, after being an independent band since 2019.[29]

Through February and March in 2022, Secrets played on the Velocity Records Tour headlined by Scary Kids Scaring Kids and D.R.U.G.S.[30] On tour, they played two new songs from the upcoming album The Collapse, "Parasite" and "The Collapse."

The Collapse (2022–present) edit

Secrets released their fifth full-length album The Collapse on June 10, 2022, through Velocity Records.[31] It consists of 12 songs that go in a heavier metalcore direction compared to their previous releases. The album "covers topics of anxiety, depression, addiction, loss and hope" and was written both pre-pandemic and during the pandemic. "Parasite," "The Collapse," "Falling Out," and "Get Outta My Head" were released as singles. The closing track "Fade Away" focuses on the loss of a loved one and pays tribute to Aaron Melzer.

Band members edit

Current members

  • Richard Rogers – clean vocals, rhythm guitar (2010–present)
  • Wade Walters – unclean vocals (2015–present), rhythm guitar (2019–present),[32][33] bass (2015–2019)[34]
  • Connor Branigan – lead guitar (2018–present),[35] bass (2016–2018, 2019–present,[36] as touring musician: 2014–2016), rhythm guitar (2016–2018, as touring musician: 2015–2016)
  • Connor Allen – drums (2019–present)

Former members

  • Marc Koch – bass (2010–2012), clean vocals (2010)
  • Xander Bourgeois – unclean vocals (2010–2013)
  • Michael Owens – bass (2012–2014)
  • Aaron Melzer – unclean vocals (2013–2015; died 2020[37])
  • Joe English – drums, percussion (2010–2016)
  • Michael Sherman – lead guitar (2010–2018), rhythm guitar (2010)

Former touring musicians

  • Tim Trad – bass (2014)
  • Tyre Outerbridge – drums, percussion (2016–2018)

Timeline

Discography edit

Studio albums edit

Year Album Labels Chart positions
US US Indie US Heat
2012 The Ascent Rise Records 185 3
2013 Fragile Figures 59 13
2015 Everything That Got Us Here 20
2018 Secrets Made in the Shade (MITS) 44
2022 The Collapse Velocity Records
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

EPs edit

Singles edit

Year Song Album
2011 "The Heartless Part"[38] The Ascent
2012 "The Oath"
"Somewhere In Hiding"
"Blindside"
"Ass Back Home" (Gym Class Heroes cover)" Punk Goes Pop Volume 5
2013 "Ready For Repair" Fragile Figures
"Live Together, Die Alone"
"Maybe Next May"
2015 "What's Left Of Us" Renditions
"Left Behind" Everything That Got Us Here
"Rise Up"
2016 "Waste Away"
2017 "Shape of You" (Ed Sheeran cover)
"Incredible" Secrets
"Five Years"
2018 "3.17.16"
"Strangers"
2019 "My Mind, Myself & I"
2020 "Comedown"
"Iron Hearted"
2021 "Hold On"
2022 "Parasite" The Collapse
"The Collapse"
"Falling Out"
"Get Outta My Head"

Music videos edit

Year Song Album Director
2012 "Somewhere In Hiding" The Ascent
"The Oath"
"Blindside"
2013 "Ready For Repair" Fragile Figures
"Live Together, Die Alone"
"How We Survive"
2014 "Maybe Next May"
"Dance of the Dead"
2015 "Rise Up" Everything That Got Us Here
2017 "Shape of You" (Ed Sheeran cover)
"Incredible" Secrets Jakob Owens[39]
"Five Years" Mathis Arnell[40]
2018 "3.17.16" Thomas Helvenstine[41]
"Strangers" Thomas Helvenstine[42]
"Fourteen" Thomas Helvenstine[43]
"Sixteen" Thomas Helvenstine[44]
2019 "The End"
"My Mind, Myself & I" Thomas Helvenstine[45]
2020 "Comedown" Thomas Helvenstine[46]
"Iron Hearted"
2021 "Hold On"
2022 "Parasite" The Collapse Thomas Helvenstine[47]
"The Collapse"
"Falling Out"
"Get Outta My Head" Thomas Helvenstine[48]

References edit

  1. ^ "SECRETS". Velocity Records. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
  2. ^ "Secrets Official Twitter status". SECRETSOfficial. Twitter. September 5, 2013. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  3. ^ Eric S. Page (September 16, 2009). "Band Members Fight for Life After Horrific Crash". NBC 7 San Diego. NBC Television Network. Retrieved February 23, 2014.
  4. ^ Duncan, Michael (January 23, 2012). "Interview with Richard Rogers of Secrets". Rock Edition. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
  5. ^ Kam, Chee (January 15, 2012). "SECRETS Release Debut LP 'The Ascent' on Tuesday", Puregrainaudio.com. Retrieved December 27, 2012.
  6. ^ Protomanni, Lauren (June 26, 2012). "Interview with Secrets vocalist Xander Bourgeois and drummer Joe English", Puregrainaudio.com. Retrieved December 27, 2012.
  7. ^ Timboli, Grant (August 16, 2012). "SECRETS UPDATE ON SILYMI TOUR, LOSE BASSIST MARC KOCH". UnderTheGunReview.net. Archived from the original on February 27, 2014. Retrieved February 23, 2014.
  8. ^ "SECRETS – Fragile Figures teaser (New Album Out 7/23/13)". Rise Records. Retrieved June 10, 2013.
  9. ^ "SECRETS – Ready For Repair (Music Video) – "Fragile Figures" out 7/23/13". Rise Records. Retrieved June 10, 2013.
  10. ^ "SECRETS – Live Together, Die Alone". Rise Records. Retrieved June 25, 2013.
  11. ^ "Fragile Figures – Secrets". iTunes. Retrieved June 30, 2013.
  12. ^ "SECRETS – Fragile Figures (Full album stream)". Rise Records. Retrieved July 18, 2013.
  13. ^ Bird, Michele (April 7, 2014). "Secrets release "Maybe Next May" video". Alternative Press. Retrieved April 24, 2014.
  14. ^ "My passion burns brighter than 100suns". Archived from the original on May 12, 2014. Retrieved May 12, 2014.
  15. ^ "New Secrets song surfaces online – News – Alternative Press". Alternative Press. May 16, 2014. Retrieved October 11, 2017.
  16. ^ "Secrets stream 'Fragile Figures' (Deluxe Edition) tracks – News – Alternative Press". Alternative Press. May 27, 2014. Retrieved October 11, 2017.
  17. ^ "Self Help 2015 Festival Recap with Pierce The Veil, Sleeping With Sirens, Real Friends, more – APTV – Alternative Press". Alternative Press. March 11, 2015. Retrieved October 11, 2017.
  18. ^ "Secrets announce acoustic EP, 'Renditions,' produced by Saosin guitarist – News – Alternative Press". Alternative Press. March 19, 2015. Retrieved October 11, 2017.
  19. ^ "Log In or Sign Up to View". www.facebook.com. Retrieved October 11, 2017.
  20. ^ "Secrets announce new album, stream lead single – News – Alternative Press". Alternative Press. October 14, 2015. Retrieved October 11, 2017.
  21. ^ "Alt-Rockers Secrets Get in the Ring for New 'Rise Up' Video: Exclusive Premiere". Billboard. Retrieved October 11, 2017.
  22. ^ Jack Parker (May 30, 2016). "Secrets Drop New Track". All Things Loud. Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  23. ^ "Secrets – Made In The Shade Records". Made in the Shade Records. Retrieved October 11, 2017.
  24. ^ "Michael Sherman's Departure from Secrets". Secrets. Archived from the original on March 15, 2018. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
  25. ^ "SECRETS – My Mind, Myself and I (Music Video) – "New Album 2020" out 12/21/19". YouTube. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
  26. ^ @secretsofficial (December 23, 2019). "The meaning behind the song" (Tweet). Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved June 18, 2023 – via Twitter.
  27. ^ "Former Secrets vocalist Aaron Melzer has passed away". Alternative Press Magazine. November 25, 2020. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
  28. ^ SECRETS – Hold On (OFFICIAL VIDEO), retrieved December 21, 2021
  29. ^ "VELOCITY RECORDS RETURNS; SIGN THURSDAY, D.R.U.G.S., SECRETS, +MORE". CaliberTV. February 4, 2021. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
  30. ^ "Scary Kids Scaring Kids and D.R.U.G.S. Announce 2022 U.S. Tour". Revolver. December 15, 2021. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
  31. ^ "Secrets debut new track and video, to release 'The Collapse' album in June". Lambgoat. February 25, 2022. Retrieved June 10, 2022.
  32. ^ To everyone asking what the new album sounds like . "Twitter.com. Retrieved May 21, 2020.
  33. ^ Secrets (Full Set) @ Chain Reaction. "[1]", Youtube.com. Retrieved May 21, 2020.
  34. ^ Secrets – Full Set HD – Live at The Foundry Concert Club (2018). "[2]", Youtube.com. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  35. ^ Secrets – Full Set HD – Live at The Foundry Concert Club (2018). "[3]", Youtube.com. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  36. ^ Studio day # 4 • • • . "Twitter.com. Retrieved May 21, 2020.
  37. ^ "Former Secrets vocalist Aaron Melzer has passed away". Alternative Press. November 25, 2020.
  38. ^ Kraus, Brian (November 22, 2011). "Secrets release new single 'The Heartless Part'", Alternative Press. Retrieved December 27, 2012.
  39. ^ SECRETS – Incredible (Official Music Video), retrieved December 21, 2021
  40. ^ SECRETS – Five Years (Official Music Video), retrieved December 21, 2021
  41. ^ SECRETS – 3.17.16 (Official Lyric Video), retrieved December 21, 2021
  42. ^ SECRETS – Strangers (Official Video), retrieved December 21, 2021
  43. ^ "SECRETS – SIXTEEN". THOMASHELVENSTINEDP. Retrieved September 26, 2022.
  44. ^ "SECRETS – SIXTEEN". THOMASHELVENSTINEDP. Retrieved September 26, 2022.
  45. ^ SECRETS – My Mind, Myself & I (Official Video), retrieved December 21, 2021
  46. ^ SECRETS – Comedown (Official Music Video), retrieved December 21, 2021
  47. ^ Secrets "Parasite" (Official Music Video), retrieved September 26, 2022
  48. ^ Secrets "Get Outta My Head" (Official Music Video), retrieved September 26, 2022