Secrets from Across the Universe
If you look at the soundtrack to blockbuster hit Across the Universe, you'll see a band listed called The Secret Machines. They're a progressive rock band from Dallas, Texas, and are responsible for three Beatles covers in the movie: “Flying”, “Blue Jay Way”, and “I Am The Walrus,”featuring none other than U2's Bono on vocals.
It's been a career-changing experience for them, and the popularity they've gained from it has led to tours with the likes of Oasis, Muse and Foo Fighters. But this sudden boost only represents one step in a career that has had quite a life of its own.
The Secret Machines were signed to Reprise in 2004, a record label that operates under the Warner Bros. umbrella. Reprise put out their first two albums, Now Here is Nowhere (2004) and Ten Silver Drops (2006), which were met with praise from critics, and indifference from mainstream audiences. Branded as anything from “prog” to “space-rock”, their music incorporates elements ranging from classic rock and psychedelia (Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd) to ‘90s alternative. And despite their lack of mainstream appeal, they did manage to build a small, devoted fan base, who have given continuous support.
Even so, last year proved tough for the band. Not only did The Secret Machines part ways with Reprise, but Benjamin Curtis, guitarist and brother of lead singer Brandon Curtis, left to work on a solo project.
“There was some question as to whether or not we would continue a couple of years ago,” Curtis remembered. There was no bitterness between brothers, but The Secret Machines - then only two members - were in need of a major overhaul. That came when Phil Karnats joined in 2007 and brought a new element to the band. They immediately began working on new material, and now, The Secret Machines have released a self-titled CD on TSM, the band's own label. It debuted at #12 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart.
Curtis described its new creation as a grounding experience.
“It was important to us to ... connect with that feeling of why we started the band in the first place... to connect with the very root of why were playing in a band,” Curtis said.
They did just that, and in fact much of the album was recorded live off the floor, to capture their new-found spirit and energy.
“We were just going to record our music in a way that we know how to make it,” explained Curtis. “I know it's not very fashionable, but we just made ourselves work in a more traditional way.”
From heavy rock drums and synthesized textures to psychedelic solos and soaring vocals, The Secret Machines have bounced back to a place where they feel more comfortable than ever.
Now, they can even write and release what they want, without dealing with the major label treatment. “Once you stick 10 people in a room from all sorts of different departments, it's hard to get a clear sort of direction,” Curtis said. “When we're making music, it's very much collaborative... but then once that thing gets pressed on CD and artwork gets stuck on it, it just turns to bureaucracy.”
Record label politics aside, The Secret Machines are just happy to be sharing their new album with fans through touring. And while Curtis admits it is different without his brother Benjamin, the guys have even changed their live show around, hiring Es Devlin, a set designer best known for her work with Kanye West.
“I've always liked visual things,” Curtis stated, “I like movies, and I like art. I like participating in it as much as I'm able. I don't consider myself a visual artist, but I do appreciate it, and I like taking care of the visual presentation of the band.”
Brandon didn't want to divulge any details of the set, though, it's just something you'll have to experience at Call the Office this Friday, November 14. Tickets are $13 in advance, $15 at the door.
It's been a career-changing experience for them, and the popularity they've gained from it has led to tours with the likes of Oasis, Muse and Foo Fighters. But this sudden boost only represents one step in a career that has had quite a life of its own.
The Secret Machines were signed to Reprise in 2004, a record label that operates under the Warner Bros. umbrella. Reprise put out their first two albums, Now Here is Nowhere (2004) and Ten Silver Drops (2006), which were met with praise from critics, and indifference from mainstream audiences. Branded as anything from “prog” to “space-rock”, their music incorporates elements ranging from classic rock and psychedelia (Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd) to ‘90s alternative. And despite their lack of mainstream appeal, they did manage to build a small, devoted fan base, who have given continuous support.
Even so, last year proved tough for the band. Not only did The Secret Machines part ways with Reprise, but Benjamin Curtis, guitarist and brother of lead singer Brandon Curtis, left to work on a solo project.
“There was some question as to whether or not we would continue a couple of years ago,” Curtis remembered. There was no bitterness between brothers, but The Secret Machines - then only two members - were in need of a major overhaul. That came when Phil Karnats joined in 2007 and brought a new element to the band. They immediately began working on new material, and now, The Secret Machines have released a self-titled CD on TSM, the band's own label. It debuted at #12 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart.
Curtis described its new creation as a grounding experience.
“It was important to us to ... connect with that feeling of why we started the band in the first place... to connect with the very root of why were playing in a band,” Curtis said.
They did just that, and in fact much of the album was recorded live off the floor, to capture their new-found spirit and energy.
“We were just going to record our music in a way that we know how to make it,” explained Curtis. “I know it's not very fashionable, but we just made ourselves work in a more traditional way.”
From heavy rock drums and synthesized textures to psychedelic solos and soaring vocals, The Secret Machines have bounced back to a place where they feel more comfortable than ever.
Now, they can even write and release what they want, without dealing with the major label treatment. “Once you stick 10 people in a room from all sorts of different departments, it's hard to get a clear sort of direction,” Curtis said. “When we're making music, it's very much collaborative... but then once that thing gets pressed on CD and artwork gets stuck on it, it just turns to bureaucracy.”
Record label politics aside, The Secret Machines are just happy to be sharing their new album with fans through touring. And while Curtis admits it is different without his brother Benjamin, the guys have even changed their live show around, hiring Es Devlin, a set designer best known for her work with Kanye West.
“I've always liked visual things,” Curtis stated, “I like movies, and I like art. I like participating in it as much as I'm able. I don't consider myself a visual artist, but I do appreciate it, and I like taking care of the visual presentation of the band.”
Brandon didn't want to divulge any details of the set, though, it's just something you'll have to experience at Call the Office this Friday, November 14. Tickets are $13 in advance, $15 at the door.
